KUALA LUMPUR: Meta is reportedly testing a new feature on Facebook that limits the number of external links users can post to just two per month, unless they subscribe to its paid Meta Verified service.
According to a report by TechCrunch, notifications about the link limit have begun appearing among professional-mode users and Facebook Page administrators, suggesting the test is focused on accounts that actively share external content.
If rolled out more broadly, the feature could significantly impact digital creators, influencers, brands, media organisations and website operators that rely on Facebook as a primary traffic driver.
Meta said the feature is currently in the testing phase and is intended to gather feedback on users’ willingness to pay for unrestricted link-sharing capabilities.
The move reflects Meta’s broader strategy to monetise platform features that were previously free, while simultaneously addressing issues related to spam, scams and misinformation.
Meta Verified, the company’s subscription-based verification service, offers benefits such as identity verification, account protection, enhanced customer support and increased content reach on Facebook and Instagram.
In the context of link limits, Meta Verified could effectively serve as a gateway for users who need frequent access to external link sharing for business or professional purposes.
In Malaysia, Meta Verified subscriptions start at RM36.99 per month, a cost that may be manageable for established brands but potentially burdensome for small businesses, independent creators and local media outlets.
While Meta argues that verified accounts improve platform trust and reduce fraud risks, critics see the test as an indirect push towards pay-to-play visibility on social media.
Industry observers warn that if link limits are expanded to Instagram and other Meta-owned platforms, it could reshape digital marketing strategies and content distribution models worldwide.
Meta has yet to confirm whether the feature will be implemented permanently, but the test signals a clear shift in how the company balances platform openness, safety and revenue generation.