In recent years, Facebook has continuously changed and added many new policies, from security, privacy to paid services. Therefore, there are many rumors surrounding the platform charging for use, in which the most prominent question is: "Is Facebook charging $4.99 a month?". This is not only a question of individual users but also attracts the attention of many businesses and advertisers, because any change in costs can affect habits and activities on the platform. In this article, SOC LUA will accompany you to learn about Facebook service costs. Follow along!
The origin of the rumor that Facebook charges $4.99 a month
To answer the question “Is Facebook charging $4.99 a month?”, we first need to understand where this rumor comes from. In fact, for many years, Facebook has repeatedly been the subject of false claims about switching to a paid model.
The story of “Facebook charging $4.99 a month” started spreading on social media in the form of chain posts or messages that circulated rapidly. These often warned that users would be charged unless they shared a post or performed certain actions. This is a familiar type of “chain spam” that first appeared around 2012 but has resurfaced in many different forms over time.
Does Facebook really charge users?
The short answer is: No. Facebook is still free for all personal users.
Since its launch in 2004, Facebook has always emphasized its mission as “free and always will be.” Even though this slogan was removed from the homepage in 2019, that does not mean Facebook started charging $4.99 a month for personal accounts.
Instead of charging users directly, Facebook earns its main revenue from online advertising. Businesses, brands, and advertisers pay to promote their products and services to the right audiences. This advertising revenue brings in tens of billions of dollars annually for Meta, Facebook’s parent company.
If Facebook were to charge all users a monthly fee, it would not only contradict its existing business model but also drive many people away from the platform. Therefore, the rumor “Is Facebook charging $4.99 a month?” has no foundation.
When does Facebook charge fees?
Although Facebook does not charge $4.99 a month for personal accounts, in some cases, users may still have to pay.
Facebook Advertising
This is the most common way users pay Facebook. When businesses or individuals want to run ads to increase reach, engagement, or sales, they must pay. The amount is not fixed but depends on budget, target audience, and competition.
Facebook Blue Tick (paid verification)
In 2023, Meta officially launched Meta Verified, a paid service for users who want the blue checkmark. This service costs around $11.99/month on the web or $14.99/month via mobile app subscriptions. This is completely different from the rumor of Facebook charging $4.99 for all accounts.
Other premium services
In the future, Facebook may introduce premium packages such as ad-free browsing or special features. However, these would be optional, not mandatory monthly charges for all users.
Why did the rumor about Facebook charging $4.99 spread so widely?
Fake news and misinformation often spread quickly on social media, especially when they tap into common concerns. There are three main reasons why this particular rumor became widespread:
Fear of losing benefits
Users worry that Facebook — a platform that has always been free — might start charging, limiting their freedom to use it. This fear pushes them to share unverified information.
Sensational posts
The rumor usually appears as “breaking news” or “secrets,” often urging people to share quickly to avoid being charged. This style of communication triggers curiosity and panic, helping the rumor spread fast.
Lack of understanding of Facebook’s business model
Many people do not fully understand how Facebook operates and makes money, so they easily believe that charging $4.99 a month could be a way for the company to increase profits.
How to verify is Facebook charging $4.99 a month?
To avoid being misled by rumors, users should know how to verify information before believing or sharing it.
Check Meta’s official sources
If Facebook changes its pricing policy, Meta will announce it on its official website, Help Center, or directly in the app.
Refer to trusted media outlets
Big news like “Facebook charging monthly fees” would always be reported by major outlets such as BBC, CNN, Reuters, or reputable Vietnamese media. If no such reports exist, it is likely just a rumor.
Spotting chain spam
If a post contains phrases like “share this to avoid charges” or “if you don’t copy this, Facebook will deduct money,” it is almost certainly false information.
Based on the analysis above, Sóc Lửa can confirm that the question “Is Facebook charging $4.99 a month?” is nothing more than a baseless rumor, with no official confirmation from Meta. Facebook continues to be free for all users, while its main revenue comes from advertising and optional paid services such as Meta Verified. However, it is important to always fact-check information to avoid scams and keep your account and personal data safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can tell by checking the source. If Facebook or Meta really changes its policy, the announcement will appear on its official website, Help Center, or directly in the app. Rumors, on the other hand, often appear as viral posts urging shares or containing sensational claims without credible evidence. You should also check reliable news outlets before believing the information.
Now, Facebook has no plans to enforce mandatory fees for all users. The platform still relies primarily on advertising for revenue. However, Facebook has rolled out optional paid services, such as Meta Verified for account verification and added benefits. In the future, more premium packages may be introduced, but users will still be able to access Facebook for free if they choose not to subscribe.
