Meta is testing a new feature that could limit how users share links on Facebook. In the trial, accounts with professional status or Pages may be restricted to posting just two external links per month unless they subscribe to Meta’s paid verification service, Meta Verified. If users want to include more links in their posts, they must pay for the subscription, which also offers other benefits beyond extra link-sharing.
The experiment focuses primarily on professional and business accounts rather than personal profiles. Users affected by the change receive notifications when approaching the limit, prompting them to consider subscribing. Some types of links, such as affiliate links or links to other Meta-owned platforms, are not affected by this trial.
This move is seen as a way for Meta to gauge whether users value unrestricted link sharing enough to justify a paid subscription. Critics argue that it effectively monetizes a feature that has traditionally been free, raising questions about the growing “pay-to-play” approach on social media.
Content creators and small businesses could feel the impact most significantly, since they often rely on link sharing to drive traffic to external websites, blogs, or online stores. By limiting external links, Meta may encourage users to remain within the Facebook ecosystem, though it could frustrate those who depend on linking as a key part of their digital strategy.
At this stage, the test is limited and there is no confirmation about a broader rollout. Still, the trial highlights how social networks are experimenting with new revenue models, and it may shape how users, creators, and businesses interact with the platform in the future.
