Facebook is testing a new limit on how many links some users can share in their posts. Those who exceed the limit may need to pay a monthly subscription starting at £9.99.
Notifications sent to a small number of users in the UK and US say they will only be able to share a fixed number of links unless they subscribe. In some cases, the limit is set at two links per month.
Meta said the move is part of a limited test. The company wants to see whether users value the option to post a higher volume of link-based content.
Monetising content sharing
Social media analyst Matt Navarra said the test shows Meta’s wider push to monetise more parts of its platforms.
He said the change is not really about account verification. Instead, it places basic visibility and distribution features behind a paywall.
Meta already charges for Meta Verified, a subscription that offers a blue tick, added account support, and protection against impersonation on Facebook and Instagram.
Navarra said Meta now appears to be extending paid access to content distribution. In his view, this includes the simple ability to direct users to external websites.
Impact on creators and businesses
Navarra was among those who received a notification about the test. It said that from 16 December, he would only be able to share two links a month unless he paid.
He said the message to creators and businesses is clear. If Facebook plays a role in growth or traffic strategies, that access may now come at a cost.
According to Navarra, this marks a shift in tone. While the platform has moved in this direction for some time, the pricing is now more explicit.
A wider industry trend
Facebook’s test mirrors changes across other major social platforms. LinkedIn has also pushed users toward paid verification to unlock more features or engagement.
After buying Twitter in 2022, Elon Musk reshaped its verification system. The platform, now called X, reserves blue ticks for paying users and boosts their visibility in replies and recommendation feeds.
The changes proved controversial. In December, the EU fined X €120m. Even so, Meta later introduced its own paid verification system.
Meta has also said it will introduce a community notes feature. This follows cuts to moderation teams and third party fact checkers.
Who is affected
Facebook told TechCrunch that the link sharing test applies to a small group of users. These include accounts using professional mode or Pages.
Creators and businesses often rely on these tools to promote content and track performance. As a result, the test could have a direct impact on how they reach audiences.
Navarra said the move highlights a harsh reality for creators. Facebook, he argued, is no longer a dependable source of referral traffic.
He added that the test reinforces a long standing lesson. Platforms will always prioritise their own interests.
Relying too heavily on any single platform, he warned, carries serious risk.
