In a move to streamline its verification system, Meta is replacing WhatsApp’s green checkmarks for verified businesses and channels with the universally recognized blue ticks. This change aligns WhatsApp with other Meta platforms like Instagram and Threads, where the blue tick signifies authenticity and trust.
A Familiar Symbol of Trust
This shift is not just about aesthetics; it’s about leveraging the established association of the blue tick with verification. By adopting this symbol across its platforms, Meta aims to create a seamless and intuitive user experience, where verified entities are easily identifiable.
Why the Blue Tick?
Several factors have likely influenced this decision. The blue tick is deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of social media users as a symbol of authenticity. Moreover, Meta’s introduction of paid verification plans for businesses, known as Meta Verified, may have further incentivized the adoption of a consistent verification badge.
Gradual Rollout and Eligibility
Currently, the blue verification tick is available exclusively in beta versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS. However, a wider rollout is anticipated in the coming months. It’s crucial to remember that this feature is restricted to verified businesses and channels and is not available for individual users.
How to Get Verified
Businesses seeking verification can check their eligibility for Meta Verified through the WhatsApp Business app. By navigating to Settings or Business Tools and tapping on Meta Verified, businesses can explore the various verification plans offered by Meta, tailored to different business sizes and needs.
Meta’s move to standardize verification across platforms is a strategic step towards building a cohesive and user-friendly ecosystem. By replacing green ticks with blue ones, WhatsApp joins the ranks of Instagram and Threads, creating a unified visual language for verification. This change is not just about aesthetics; it’s about fostering trust, simplifying user experiences, and enhancing the overall verification process. As the rollout continues, it will be interesting to see how this impacts user perception and interaction with verified businesses and channels on WhatsApp.
