Swizz Beatz Announces ‘Verzuz’ Will Still Be on Instagram After Fans Balk at Subscription Model
Amid controversy that the next installment of Verzuz will see a subscription charge, Swizz Beatz went to Instagram to clarify the rumors.
Verzuz is extending Valentine’s Day into Tuesday, with R&B crooners Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild going head-to-head tonight at at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. However, on Monday, the show drew concerns after an Instagram post on Verzuz announced that the show wouldn’t be available on Instagram and that only fans with a “#TrillerVerzPass” subscription will be able to tune in.
“THIS VERZUZ WILL NOT BE ON IG. Watch on VERZUZTV.COM with the #TrillerVerzPass (LINK IN BIO to sign-up for a 14-DAY trial),” the original caption said.
View this post on Instagram
Fans took to social media to voice their disappointment with the show going into a paid route, noting that performances had been free for viewers to watch for two years.
We’re fighting inflation and #Verzuz expects us to pay for a battle that’s been free for 2 years? During Black History Month?? Please hang it up. pic.twitter.com/dShrDrNsZC
— Shantae (@ShantaeB) February 15, 2022
The beginning of the end for Verzuz is when they started putting Ciroc and Doritos everywhere. Trying to brand and sponsor everything. I’m not paying to watch Verzuz when I can just play one of these playlists I’ve made.
— Reid (@RVAReid) February 15, 2022
LMAO YOU GOTTA PAY?????
Baby, this is DONE. https://t.co/pvNcoShZWM
— theygotkary (@theygotkary) February 15, 2022
– pay for Verzuz? during Black History Month? pic.twitter.com/mOODQOKajO
— Rob Milton (@therobmilton) February 15, 2022
Now, Swizz Beatz, part owner of Verzuz, is clarifying the situation. The super producer went to Instagram to post an update of his own, claiming that he was “out the country” and didn’t see the initial post. He also said that fans will be able to watch the Hamilton vs. Soulchild concert on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
The sold-out matchup will be held tonight at the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles. It will also be the first Verzuz of 2022, the last performance being held in December when Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Three 6 Mafia nearly came to blows at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. According to Sports Illustrated, the platform will also expand into the sports world, with Bleacher Report and Verzuz having an All-Star Weekend event dedicated to Allen Iverson and Tracy McGrady.
To watch tonight’s show, which begins at 5:30 PM PT/8:30 PM ET, viewers can head to the official Verzuz website, the Triller app or Instagram Live.