We knew it was coming, but we weren’t sure when. We’ve gotten word that Facebook’s Verified Apps initiative, long awaited by developers since the program was first announced last year, is finally ready for the masses. Developers are getting notified that their approved applications will soon be highlighted with green check marks next to their names starting today.
Update::The new application directory is now live.
Here are some of the other details we’ve gathered:
- In thanks for their participation in the platform (and likely because of the long wait), developers are receiving extra Facebook advertising coupons.
- While an application’s Verified status lasts for a year, Facebook will be continuously monitoring Verified Apps for any deviation from the program’s requirements and Platform’s Terms of Service
- Facebook will be heavily marketing the Verified Apps program. The company will be rolling out a video to Facebook members describing the benefits of the program and approved applications, and applications will be prominently featured in the Facebook application directory.
The purpose of the Verified Apps program is to help Facebook highlight the cream of the crop of Facebook Platform, which has previously had issues separating the good applications from the bad. Developers pay a $375 annual fee to participate, and in return they’re given a badge meant to inspire user trust, as well as priority placement in the application directory.
Verified Applications on Facebook — Recommendations from Sandra Liu Huang on Vimeo.
Now that the directory is live, it will be up to Facebook to convince users why these approved applications are better than others. That may not be as easy as it sounds (especially if some of their favorite apps aren’t granted approval), so expect a heavy dose of “educational” advertising and promotion as Facebook brings everyone up to speed. Verified Apps will play a key role going forward for Facebook Platform, especially once Facebook’s payment system goes live and users have to decide where they should be comfortable spending their money.
Thanks to “Kilgore Trout” for the tip.
Good, hopefully this will help crack down on all those phishing scams.
Not good news for indie devs. Instead leave it to MAU, which is where custormers of app decide. Who gave this bad idea?
If an indie dev can’t make $375 on the fb platform then he’s not trying hard enough.
yea right
Microsoft fail
http://www.epic.../load/8-1-0-380
… and go someway to compensate Facebook’s poor third part developers who’ve been messed about by platform and GUI changes which have previously hidden their apps or rendered them unusable altogether.
I’d still feel more comfortable developing an app away from facebook but promoting on Facebook and using FB Connect to make it easily usable to the community. I can see the benefits of an “onsite” app, but it leaves you very vulnerable to Facebook’s whims.
Ian Hendry
CEO, WeCanDo.BIZ
http://www.wecando.biz
How long do you think it will take to get verified if you apply now?
less than a week.
Microsoft fail
http://www.epic.../load/8-1-0-380
Great! Along with all the info mentioned above, I think it’ll be a great way to keep a quality check and build user’s trust…..
I think this is good for the FB community to have verified apps to weed out some of the rubbish that is available.
Well one of the potential problems is that Facebook is determining what a good app is, and they aren’t exactly unbiased. One of their criteria is that an app should be meaningful, which probably means ‘not just a game’, even though that’s exactly the type of app most users spend their time on. Reminds me of when Myspace used to have their ‘editors choice’ apps, which were almost always wildly unpopular.
I’m not at all convinced that this program will add value for users. It’s primarily a move to monetize the app platform, anything else is a sideshow. Not that I mind that, I just wish it was more transparent.
How to submit?
While this brings a lot for the worthy developers, it will definitely give a boot to those worthless Phishing apps. There is a plethora of apps out there that just have no reason to be there at all.
hopefully. i wish it had been there from the start, though
i thought this information was *confidential*? lol
Do you guys think there will be an app which will allow facebook users interact with the platform via sms
This is so dumb!
They have no control over the app after it’s been verified. Developers can change apps later. This model would only work if like apple, they had control over the app deployment. And even with that model, applications behavior can change afterwords.
Seems to me facebook needs to recoup some money from developers for running and managing the program and that’s the way they are going about it.
@Dimeji
SMS interaction is already implemented
Account Settings > Mobile
Activating allows Facebook Mobile to send text messages to your phone. You can receive notifications for friend requests, messages, wall posts, and status updates from your friends.
You can also update your status, search for phone numbers, or upload photos and videos from your phone.
link?
If you are complaining about this then you are an idiot. They had to try something cause to many app devs who screw there mother over for a dollar and were ruining it for those who want to make worthwhile apps. This program was made for you idiots.
I’m most excited about the real money game Application for efusjon about to launch. http://www.NetworkerLink.com
This is a great new income strategy by Facebook