Meta is testing a new restriction on Facebook that limits the number of links creators can share organically each month unless they pay for a Meta Verified subscription. The move, currently in a limited trial phase, affects users who operate Facebook Pages or professional profiles.
The New Restrictions
Some Facebook creators are now receiving notifications informing them of monthly link-sharing quotas. Those without a Meta Verified subscription ($14.99/month) face restrictions on how many external links they can post organically. The initial screenshot of the notification circulating online indicated a limit of just two links per month, though Meta later clarified that the number varies between users as part of the test. Unused link shares do not carry over.
Why This Matters
This policy shift is significant because Facebook has long been a key platform for content creators to drive traffic to their external websites or other platforms. Limiting this functionality could significantly impact organic reach for creators who rely on link sharing to monetize their work or build audiences. The test also highlights Meta’s broader strategy of incentivizing paid subscriptions for features previously available for free.
What’s Exempt
The restrictions do not apply to links directing users to other Meta-owned properties like Instagram or WhatsApp. Furthermore, links posted within comments are currently unlimited. This suggests a deliberate attempt to funnel traffic within the Meta ecosystem while restricting external referrals.
Meta’s Justification
Meta claims the test is designed to evaluate whether increased link-sharing capacity is a valuable addition to its Meta Verified subscription. The company also hinted that the verified badge may act as a “trust signal,” potentially combating the rising number of scams and disinformation on the platform. However, as seen on other platforms like X (formerly Twitter), paid verification does not guarantee authenticity, as bad actors are often willing to pay for credibility.
Implications for Creators
The move is likely to force creators to reconsider their Facebook strategy. Some may opt for Meta Verified, while others may reduce their reliance on link sharing altogether. The long-term effect could be a further concentration of traffic within Meta’s walled garden, as external links become less accessible without a paid subscription.
Ultimately, this test demonstrates Meta’s growing willingness to monetize core Facebook features previously offered for free, pushing creators toward paid options to maintain their reach. The outcome of the trial will likely determine whether similar restrictions are implemented more broadly in the future.
