Meta is conducting a new experiment that limits how many links users can post on Facebook. Over the last week, several users have noticed this test, which restricts link posting for those affected. Social media strategist Matt Navarra observed that users in the test group can only post two links unless they pay for a Meta Verified subscription, which starts at $14.99 per month.
According to a screenshot shared by Navarra, users can still post affiliate links, comments, and links to posts on other Meta platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The company confirmed the test to TechCrunch, stating it impacts people using professional mode and Facebook Pages. Professional mode allows users to convert a personal profile into a creator profile to reach a wider audience.
A Meta spokesperson explained this is a limited test to understand if allowing more posts with links provides additional value for Meta Verified subscribers. This change could directly affect creators and brands who share links from their blogs or other platforms to expand their reach.
Meta stated it is exploring ways to add more value to its paid subscription and that this test is part of that effort. The company clarified that publishers are not currently included in the test. Users can also still post links in comments without being subject to the new limit.
In its transparency report for the third quarter, Meta noted that over 98% of feed views in the U.S. come from posts without any links. While it is unclear if this data influenced the test, the report also found that the majority of the 1.9% of views for posts with links came from a followed page. Links shared by friends and groups were minimal.
The same report highlighted YouTube, TikTok, and GoFundMe as the top domains among links posted. With this new limit, creators and brands may be forced to share content from other Meta platforms once they reach their cap, or stop posting if they choose not to pay for a subscription.
As artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent online, there is an ongoing debate about the future of the link-based web. AI summaries and search features have negatively impacted the publishing industry. In recent years, other social networks, including X, have experimented with demoting linked posts to encourage users to create content directly on their platforms.