Facebook has begun testing a major change to how users share external links on the platform, introducing limits for non-paying accounts. Under the new policy, users who do not subscribe will be restricted to sharing only two links per month in organic posts.
The new subscription-based model for link sharing is currently live for select users in the United States and the United Kingdom. Notifications about the change were sent to affected users on December 16, marking the start of the trial phase.
Read More: Social media use in Pakistan hits 51.6 million, Facebook leads
Once the model is fully implemented, users who wish to share more than two links per month will need to subscribe to Meta Verified. This represents a significant shift for a platform that has long allowed unlimited link sharing for both individuals and businesses.
Subscription costs vary depending on the user type and service tier. For businesses, prices range from $14.99 to as high as $499 per month, while individual users in the UK are charged £9.99 per month.
Meta has begun testing a restriction that limits the number of links professional accounts and Facebook Pages can post, unless they subscribe to the paid Meta Verified plan. Users included in the test are reportedly
Click here to read the full story:https://t.co/baHBnrrDrk pic.twitter.com/ZooRUTUgZ2
— The Mainstream (@TheMainstream7) December 19, 2025
Facebook tests £9.99 monthly subscription for sharing more than two links https://t.co/vtzOqKr7fL
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) December 18, 2025
Meta said in a notification that profiles without Meta Verified will face link-sharing restrictions. In return for subscribing, users gain expanded link access, a verified badge, and additional brand protection features.
The company confirmed that the initiative is part of a limited test designed to evaluate how much value users place on enhanced link-sharing capabilities. Meta said feedback from the trial will inform future decisions about broader implementation.
Read More: Facebook cracks down on content theft
Social media analyst Matt Navarra said the move signals a deeper monetisation strategy by Meta. He noted that the change could fundamentally alter how creators, businesses, and publishers use Facebook as a traffic-driving platform.
Navarra added that companies relying heavily on Facebook links for growth may now need to factor link access into their marketing budgets. The move has already sparked concern among marketers and digital creators.
Although the test does not currently apply to publisher Pages, industry observers are watching closely. With external link posts already seeing reduced reach, Meta is expected to face limited resistance while advancing its monetisation goals.