Facebook tests limiting link sharing to paid users

Facebook is testing a change that would restrict how many external links some users can share unless they pay for a Meta Verified subscription.

Under the trial, certain Facebook profiles using Professional Mode without Meta Verified are limited to sharing links in two organic posts per month. Users are prompted to subscribe if they want to post more links.

The test applies to a subset of creators and pages using Professional Mode, which includes tools designed for content monetisation. News publishers are not included at this stage.

The move has raised concerns among creators and media organisations that rely on Facebook to drive traffic to external websites. Any reduction in organic link sharing could affect referral traffic, particularly for smaller outlets and independent creators.

The trial also comes after Meta’s decision in recent years to de-prioritise news content in the Facebook feed, a shift that led to significant traffic declines for publishers globally.

Meta Verified, which starts at around $15 a month in Australia, offers features such as account verification, enhanced security and access to customer support. The current test suggests expanded link-sharing may also become part of the paid package.

Meta has not indicated whether the trial will be expanded more broadly or when a final decision will be made.

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