Facebook Tests Paid Limits on Link Sharing, Allowing Only Two Free Links Per Month

Meta Platforms Inc. has begun testing a new feature that restricts how many links certain users can share on Facebook, marking a significant change in how the platform treats outbound content. Under the trial, users operating in professional mode and those managing Facebook Pages are limited to posting just two links per month unless they pay for a subscription.

The experiment introduces a subscription-based workaround through Meta Verified, which starts at $14.99 per month. Subscribers are allowed to share more links freely, while non-paying users face stricter limits. Meta says the test is designed to assess whether increased posting freedom adds meaningful value to its paid offerings.

A Meta spokesperson described the move as a “limited test” aimed at understanding subscriber behaviour. Affected users can still share affiliate links, add links in comments, and post links across Meta-owned platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp, reducing the immediate impact for some creators and businesses.

However, social media strategist Matt Navarra says the test reflects a broader shift in platform priorities. He warned that features once considered free are increasingly being placed behind paywalls, reinforcing concerns that Facebook is no longer a dependable source of traffic for creators and publishers. According to him, the move underscores a reality where platform interests come before user growth strategies.

The development comes amid wider scrutiny of paid verification and monetisation models across social media. Earlier this month, the European Commission fined X, owned by Elon Musk, over its subscription-based verification system. Analysts note that Meta’s test mirrors a growing trend where platforms bundle essential visibility and distribution tools into paid packages, forcing creators and businesses to rethink their reliance on a single social network for audience reach.

source: The guardian