[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"nav-categories":3,"article-facebook-s-link-lockdown-how-meta-is-monetizing-external-shares-and-what-it-means-for-creators":70},{"data":4},[5,37,57,64],{"name":6,"slug":7,"categories":8},"Productivity","productivity",[9,13,17,21,25,29,33],{"id":10,"title":11,"slug":12},17,"Branding","branding",{"id":14,"title":15,"slug":16},19,"Marketing","marketing",{"id":18,"title":19,"slug":20},20,"Work","work",{"id":22,"title":23,"slug":24},34,"Community","community",{"id":26,"title":27,"slug":28},21,"For newbies","for-newbies",{"id":30,"title":31,"slug":32},24,"Investment","investment",{"id":34,"title":35,"slug":36},22,"Finance","finance",{"name":38,"slug":39,"categories":40},"Tech","tech",[41,45,49,53],{"id":42,"title":43,"slug":44},28,"Technology","technology",{"id":46,"title":47,"slug":48},32,"Artificial Intelligence","artificial-intelligence",{"id":50,"title":51,"slug":52},26,"Security and protection","security-and-protection",{"id":54,"title":55,"slug":56},31,"YouTube Blog","youtube-blog",{"name":58,"slug":59,"categories":60},"News","news",[61],{"id":62,"title":58,"slug":63},18,"quasanews",{"name":65,"slug":66,"categories":67},"Business","business",[68],{"id":69,"title":65,"slug":66},16,{"post":71,"published_news":93,"popular_news":151,"categories":215},{"title":72,"description":73,"meta_title":72,"meta_description":73,"meta_keywords":74,"text":75,"slug":76,"created_at":77,"publish_at":77,"formatted_created_at":78,"category_id":69,"links":79,"view_type":82,"video_url":83,"views":84,"likes":85,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"category":87},"Facebook's Link Lockdown: How Meta is Monetizing External Shares and What It Means for Creators","In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, Meta is once again tweaking its algorithms and features to prioritize monetization.","Drawing from recent reports and tests launched in late 2025, this article explores the implications, backed by key facts from industry sources.","\u003Cp>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.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp class=\"image-align-center\">\u003Cimg alt=\"\" height=\"352\" src=\"https://quasa.io/storage/photos/00/photo_2025-12-19_08-28-30.jpg\" width=\"300\" />\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Chr />\n\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>The Core of the Test: Limiting Links for Non-Verified Users\u003C/strong>\u003C/h4>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg alt=\"\" class=\"image-align-right\" height=\"400\" src=\"https://quasa.io/storage/photos/01/image - 2025-06-14T181014.234.jpg\" width=\"300\" />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.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>This restriction doesn't apply to those who pony up for the paid verification, which starts at $14.99 per month. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.threads.com/@mattnavarra/post/DSXCACNirEt\">Meta confirmed to Navarra that this is a "limited test" aimed at assessing whether unlimited link-sharing adds value for Verified subscribers\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>However, a TechCrunch \u003Ca href=\"https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/17/facebook-is-testing-a-link-posting-limit-for-professional-accounts-and-pages/\">report\u003C/a> 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 \u003Ca href=\"https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp9kv3lezgro\">notes\u003C/a> that this could effectively charge users £9.99 (about $12.50 USD) monthly for unrestricted sharing, framing it as a premium perk.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Chr />\n\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Comments Under Fire: From Workaround to Roadblock\u003C/strong>\u003C/h4>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg alt=\"\" class=\"image-align-left\" height=\"372\" src=\"https://quasa.io/storage/photos/00/image - 2025-12-19T084054.677.jpg\" width=\"250\" />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 \u003Ca href=\"https://quasa.io/media/meta-s-metaverse-meltdown-a-cascade-of-tiny-errors-that-doomed-a-70-billion-dream\">Meta\u003C/a> seems to have anticipated this.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>Supporting this, \u003Ca href=\"https://mashable.com/article/meta-tests-paywalling-facebook-link-sharing-for-creators\">Mashable's coverage reveals notifications sent to affected creators\u003C/a>, 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, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.facebook.com/groups/531847711158328/posts/1579778876365201/\">like 300 total links before restrictions kick in\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>Press Gazette adds that this could disproportionately impact news outlets and businesses reliant on link-sharing for audience engagement, \u003Ca href=\"https://pressgazette.co.uk/news/facebook-tests-charging-creators-and-businesses-to-post-more-than-two-links-per-month/\">potentially reducing monthly posts with links to a mere handful without payment\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Chr />\n\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>Broader Implications for the Creator Economy\u003C/strong>\u003C/h4>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg alt=\"\" class=\"image-align-right\" height=\"169\" src=\"https://quasa.io/storage/photos/00/image - 2025-12-19T083938.956.jpg\" width=\"300\" />This shift aligns with Meta's broader strategy to monetize its ecosystem. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/meta-considering-charging-business-pages-to-post-links/808099/\">As Social Media Today points out\u003C/a>, 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."\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>For creators, this means rethinking content strategies - perhaps leaning more on internal features like Shops or Events to keep users within the app.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>Factually, Meta's Verified program, launched in 2023 and expanded globally by 2025, has seen mixed adoption. \u003Ca href=\"https://www.techbuzz.ai/articles/meta-tests-link-posting-limits-for-facebook-creators\">A Tech Buzz analysis estimates that only about 15% of professional accounts are subscribed\u003C/a>, but tests like this could boost that figure by 20-30% in the coming year. Abijita \u003Ca href=\"https://www.abijita.com/meta-tests-limits-on-facebook-link-sharing-for-non-paying-users/\">reports\u003C/a> 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, \u003Ca href=\"https://www.threads.com/@mattnavarra/post/DSXB_pyCvfb\">with link allowances varying by profile type\u003C/a>.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Chr />\n\u003Ch4>\u003Cstrong>What’s Next? A Pay-to-Play Future?\u003C/strong>\u003C/h4>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cimg alt=\"\" class=\"image-align-left\" height=\"225\" src=\"https://quasa.io/storage/photos/01/image - 2025-05-03T140327.057.jpg\" width=\"300\" />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.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>\u003Cimg alt=\"\" class=\"image-align-right\" height=\"169\" src=\"https://quasa.io/storage/photos/00/image - 2025-11-17T174858.805.jpg\" width=\"300\" />Also read:\u003C/strong>\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cul>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https://quasa.io/media/openai-opens-the-floodgates-chatgpt-gets-its-own-app-directory-and-developer-submissions\">OpenAI Opens the Floodgates: ChatGPT Gets Its Own App Directory and Developer Submissions\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https://quasa.io/media/coursera-and-udemy-merge-a-2-5-billion-bet-on-ai-powered-lifelong-learning\">Coursera and Udemy Merge: A $2.5 Billion Bet on AI-Powered Lifelong Learning\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https://quasa.io/media/youtube-s-bold-leap-streaming-the-oscars-and-reviving-hollywood-s-biggest-night\">YouTube's Bold Leap: Streaming the Oscars and Reviving Hollywood's Biggest Night\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\t\u003Cli>\u003Ca href=\"https://quasa.io/media/17-reasons-to-stay-in-crypto-in-2026-according-to-a16z-crypto\">17 Reasons to Stay in Crypto in 2026 According to a16z Crypto\u003C/a>\u003C/li>\n\u003C/ul>\n\n\u003Cp>Author: \u003Ca href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/slava-vasipenok/\">Slava Vasipenok\u003C/a>\u003Cbr />\nFounder 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.\u003C/p>\n\n\u003Cp>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.\u003C/p>","facebook-s-link-lockdown-how-meta-is-monetizing-external-shares-and-what-it-means-for-creators","2025-12-19T07:45:00.000000Z","19.12.2025",{"image":80,"thumb":81},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/QcaZXpfWdSjWWef0y03NsiVfeK7mMl0Ma6pC8Ho2.jpg","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/QcaZXpfWdSjWWef0y03NsiVfeK7mMl0Ma6pC8Ho2.jpg","small",null,3245,0,"en",{"id":69,"title":65,"slug":66,"meta_title":88,"meta_description":89,"meta_keywords":90,"deleted_at":83,"created_at":91,"updated_at":92,"lang":86},"Quasa Media - Growth Hacking in Business","Business is a battlefield. In QUASA MEDIA you will find all the most useful articles on how to do business and not screw up.","Business, earn money, business strategy, business process","2021-08-03T10:59:17.000000Z","2024-08-25T15:45:11.000000Z",[94,107,118,129,140],{"title":95,"description":96,"slug":97,"created_at":98,"publish_at":98,"formatted_created_at":99,"category":100,"links":101,"view_type":104,"video_url":83,"views":105,"likes":85,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"is_pinned":106},"Jaxx Liberty for Cross-Device Crypto Management","A practical article about Jaxx Liberty as a cross-platform blockchain wallet with portfolio tools, exchange access, and block explorer features for daily crypto management.","jaxx-liberty-for-cross-device-crypto-management","2026-04-08T12:21:43.000000Z","08.04.2026",{"title":35,"slug":36},{"image":102,"thumb":103},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/2BoYmDUS7F9wHE0dwpD2KUpX702LkL1Spp2KC5Vm.jpg","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/2BoYmDUS7F9wHE0dwpD2KUpX702LkL1Spp2KC5Vm.jpg","large",683,false,{"title":108,"description":109,"slug":110,"created_at":111,"publish_at":112,"formatted_created_at":99,"category":113,"links":114,"view_type":82,"video_url":83,"views":117,"likes":85,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"is_pinned":106},"Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Proposes Paying Engineers with AI Tokens","Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has put forward a radical new idea for compensating tech talent: paying engineers part of their salary in AI tokens.","nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-proposes-paying-engineers-with-ai-tokens","2026-03-25T19:56:16.000000Z","2026-04-08T11:48:00.000000Z",{"title":19,"slug":20},{"image":115,"thumb":116},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/KL5Yqt5ZzW3R4cu7XmE15grrRHdKZ1WBoKbC6Zu3.jpg","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/KL5Yqt5ZzW3R4cu7XmE15grrRHdKZ1WBoKbC6Zu3.jpg",740,{"title":119,"description":120,"slug":121,"created_at":122,"publish_at":123,"formatted_created_at":99,"category":124,"links":125,"view_type":82,"video_url":83,"views":128,"likes":85,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"is_pinned":106},"The AI Scientist Hits Nature: Scaling Scientific Discovery Like Code","The dream of a fully autonomous laboratory has moved from the realm of \"experimental demo\" to a validated scientific reality. The AI Scientist, a pioneering system designed to automate the entire lifecycle of research, has officially been published in Nature.","the-ai-scientist-hits-nature-scaling-scientific-discovery-like-code","2026-03-25T19:23:02.000000Z","2026-04-08T09:15:00.000000Z",{"title":47,"slug":48},{"image":126,"thumb":127},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/QZJ74ZuxTmCA52qWq4HZkP2WikrOYpg6WBusDdyn.jpg","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/QZJ74ZuxTmCA52qWq4HZkP2WikrOYpg6WBusDdyn.jpg",816,{"title":130,"description":131,"slug":132,"created_at":133,"publish_at":134,"formatted_created_at":99,"category":135,"links":136,"view_type":82,"video_url":83,"views":139,"likes":85,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"is_pinned":106},"Nostalgia Is Still King: Retro Video Rental Store Simulator Is a Massive Hit on Steam","In the age of instant streaming, it turns out a surprising number of people — including many who were born after Blockbuster went bankrupt — are craving the simple joy of renting physical movies.","nostalgia-is-still-king-retro-video-rental-store-simulator-is-a-massive-hit-on-steam","2026-03-25T18:41:36.000000Z","2026-04-08T06:35:00.000000Z",{"title":43,"slug":44},{"image":137,"thumb":138},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/VvOooYMc2244q5hTV6Or5OMgr8schTPlzU8b4HXY.jpg","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/VvOooYMc2244q5hTV6Or5OMgr8schTPlzU8b4HXY.jpg",819,{"title":141,"description":142,"slug":143,"created_at":144,"publish_at":145,"formatted_created_at":99,"category":146,"links":147,"view_type":82,"video_url":83,"views":150,"likes":85,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"is_pinned":106},"Hollywood Is Shrinking — And the Real Villain Isn’t Strikes or Wildfires, It’s the Government","American film and television production is in serious decline, and last week a surprisingly candid hearing in Burbank made one thing crystal clear: the biggest problem isn’t greedy studios, lazy writers, or California wildfires.","hollywood-is-shrinking-and-the-real-villain-isn-t-strikes-or-wildfires-it-s-the-government","2026-03-25T18:29:29.000000Z","2026-04-08T03:21:00.000000Z",{"title":65,"slug":66},{"image":148,"thumb":149},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/RZriu0EWvrhbleBD7g7RJnhk1QyPm4DDZeesC0bC.jpg","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/RZriu0EWvrhbleBD7g7RJnhk1QyPm4DDZeesC0bC.jpg",894,[152,165,178,190,203],{"title":153,"description":154,"slug":155,"created_at":156,"publish_at":157,"formatted_created_at":158,"category":159,"links":160,"view_type":82,"video_url":83,"views":163,"likes":164,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"is_pinned":106},"The Anatomy of an Entrepreneur","Entrepreneur is a French word that means an enterpriser. Enterprisers are people who undertake a business or enterprise with the chance of earning profits or suffering from loss.","the-anatomy-of-an-entrepreneur","2021-08-04T15:18:21.000000Z","2025-12-14T06:09:00.000000Z","14.12.2025",{"title":65,"slug":66},{"image":161,"thumb":162},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/mVsXPTMuHZuI7UXCsENgL1Qwp1uSOf7Rz3uVPMfm.webp","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/mVsXPTMuHZuI7UXCsENgL1Qwp1uSOf7Rz3uVPMfm.webp",67793,2,{"title":166,"description":167,"slug":168,"created_at":169,"publish_at":170,"formatted_created_at":171,"category":172,"links":173,"view_type":104,"video_url":83,"views":176,"likes":177,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"is_pinned":106},"Advertising on QUASA","QUASA MEDIA is read by more than 400 thousand people a month. We offer to place your article, add a link or order the writing of an article for publication.","advertising-on-quasa","2022-07-06T07:33:02.000000Z","2025-12-15T17:33:02.000000Z","15.12.2025",{"title":58,"slug":63},{"image":174,"thumb":175},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/45SvmdsTQbiyc3nxgbyHY1mpVbisYyub2BCHjqBL.jpg","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/45SvmdsTQbiyc3nxgbyHY1mpVbisYyub2BCHjqBL.jpg",67153,4,{"title":179,"description":180,"slug":181,"created_at":182,"publish_at":183,"formatted_created_at":184,"category":185,"links":186,"view_type":82,"video_url":83,"views":189,"likes":177,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"is_pinned":106},"What is a Startup?","A startup is not a new company, not a tech company, nor a new tech company. You can be a new tech company, if your goal is not to grow high and fast; then, you are not a startup. ","what-is-a-startup","2021-08-04T12:05:17.000000Z","2025-12-17T13:02:00.000000Z","17.12.2025",{"title":65,"slug":66},{"image":187,"thumb":188},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/EOsQhSW3VXyG7a6NPdE1oZd00xfJXe3bjY5aJGb7.webp","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/EOsQhSW3VXyG7a6NPdE1oZd00xfJXe3bjY5aJGb7.webp",65470,{"title":191,"description":192,"slug":193,"created_at":194,"publish_at":195,"formatted_created_at":196,"category":197,"links":198,"view_type":82,"video_url":83,"views":201,"likes":164,"lang":86,"comments_count":202,"is_pinned":106},"Top 5 Tips to Make More Money as a Content Creator","Content creators are one of the most desired job titles right now. Who wouldn’t want to earn a living online?","top-5-tips-to-make-more-money-as-a-content-creator","2022-01-17T17:31:51.000000Z","2026-01-17T11:30:00.000000Z","17.01.2026",{"title":19,"slug":20},{"image":199,"thumb":200},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/gP8kiumBPpJmQv6SMieXiX1tDetx43VwFfO1P4Ca.jpg","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/gP8kiumBPpJmQv6SMieXiX1tDetx43VwFfO1P4Ca.jpg",39953,1,{"title":204,"description":205,"slug":206,"created_at":207,"publish_at":208,"formatted_created_at":209,"category":210,"links":211,"view_type":104,"video_url":83,"views":214,"likes":164,"lang":86,"comments_count":85,"is_pinned":106},"8 Logo Design Tips for Small Businesses","Your logo tells the story of your business and the values you stand for.","8-logo-design-tips-for-small-businesses","2021-12-04T21:59:52.000000Z","2025-05-05T03:30:00.000000Z","05.05.2025",{"title":15,"slug":16},{"image":212,"thumb":213},"https://quasa.io/storage/images/news/Wbx2NtS1CnTupgoQbpFMGspJ5jm4uob2hDOq33r0.jpg","https://api.quasa.io/thumbs/news-thumb/images/news/Wbx2NtS1CnTupgoQbpFMGspJ5jm4uob2hDOq33r0.jpg",39377,[216,217,218,219,220,221,222,223,224,225,226,227,228],{"title":23,"slug":24},{"title":47,"slug":48},{"title":55,"slug":56},{"title":43,"slug":44},{"title":51,"slug":52},{"title":31,"slug":32},{"title":35,"slug":36},{"title":27,"slug":28},{"title":19,"slug":20},{"title":15,"slug":16},{"title":58,"slug":63},{"title":11,"slug":12},{"title":65,"slug":66}]