In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, Meta is once again tweaking its algorithms and features to prioritize monetization. If the introduction of paid promotions in Instagram Reels wasn't enough to raise eyebrows, Facebook is now experimenting with restrictions on external links in organic posts and even comments.
This move appears designed to funnel creators toward its Meta Verified subscription service, potentially reshaping how content is shared and consumed on the platform. Drawing from recent reports and tests launched in late 2025, this article explores the implications, backed by key facts from industry sources.
The Core of the Test: Limiting Links for Non-Verified Users
At the heart of this experiment is a cap on the number of external links that non-verified creators can post organically. According to tech consultant Matt Navarra's post on Threads, certain Facebook profiles without a Meta Verified badge are now limited to sharing links in just two organic posts per month.
This restriction doesn't apply to those who pony up for the paid verification, which starts at $14.99 per month. Meta confirmed to Navarra that this is a "limited test" aimed at assessing whether unlimited link-sharing adds value for Verified subscribers.
This isn't entirely new territory for Meta. Earlier in 2025, similar paid features rolled out in Instagram Reels, where creators previously enjoyed unrestricted linking but now face subtle nudges toward verification for enhanced visibility. Fact check: Prior to these changes, Reels had no explicit paid link requirements, allowing organic growth without barriers.
However, a TechCrunch report highlights that the Facebook test, which began around December 16, 2025, targets professional accounts and pages specifically, limiting them to two links unless subscribed. The BBC notes that this could effectively charge users £9.99 (about $12.50 USD) monthly for unrestricted sharing, framing it as a premium perk.
Comments Under Fire: From Workaround to Roadblock
Creators have long sidestepped algorithmic penalties by dropping links in the first comment rather than the post itself - a tactic to maintain reach without triggering demotion. But Meta seems to have anticipated this.
In the ongoing test, some users report that links in comments are rendered non-clickable, turning them into plain text. This effectively neuters one of the last free avenues for driving traffic off-platform.
Supporting this, Mashable's coverage reveals notifications sent to affected creators, warning of the link limits and suggesting verification as a solution. A Facebook community post echoes user frustration, with one viral thread claiming that while verified accounts escape unscathed, new unverified ones might face even stricter caps, like 300 total links before restrictions kick in.
Press Gazette adds that this could disproportionately impact news outlets and businesses reliant on link-sharing for audience engagement, potentially reducing monthly posts with links to a mere handful without payment.
Broader Implications for the Creator Economy
This shift aligns with Meta's broader strategy to monetize its ecosystem. As Social Media Today points out, the test notification explicitly states: "Starting December 16, certain Facebook profiles without Meta Verified, including yours, will be limited to sharing links in 2 organic posts per month."
For creators, this means rethinking content strategies - perhaps leaning more on internal features like Shops or Events to keep users within the app.
Factually, Meta's Verified program, launched in 2023 and expanded globally by 2025, has seen mixed adoption. A Tech Buzz analysis estimates that only about 15% of professional accounts are subscribed, but tests like this could boost that figure by 20-30% in the coming year. Abijita reports that the variable limits — ranging from 2 to higher thresholds in different tests — allow Meta to fine-tune based on user feedback. Moreover, a Threads follow-up clarifies that this isn't a full rollout but a controlled experiment, with link allowances varying by profile type.
What’s Next? A Pay-to-Play Future?
As Meta continues to blur the lines between free and premium features, creators without deep pockets may find themselves at a disadvantage. This could accelerate a migration to platforms like TikTok or YouTube, where link-sharing remains more liberal. However, for those invested in Facebook's vast user base - over 3 billion monthly actives as of Q3 2025 - the pressure to verify might become irresistible.
In summary, while these changes aim to enhance "value" for paid users, they risk alienating the organic creator community that built the platform. Keep an eye on Meta's announcements; if the test succeeds, expect a wider rollout by mid-2026. For now, if you're a creator, it might be time to budget for that blue checkmark - or get creative with link-free storytelling.
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Author: Slava Vasipenok
Founder and CEO of QUASA (quasa.io) - Daily insights on Web3, AI, Crypto, and Freelance. Stay updated on finance, technology trends, and creator tools - with sources and real value.
Innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, fintech, and blockchain. Specializes in decentralized solutions for freelancing, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional finance, especially in developing regions.
