MENLO PARK, California, December 17, 2025 – Meta is running a small-scale test on Facebook that caps non-verified creators in professional mode at two organic posts containing external links per month, making higher volumes a benefit exclusive to the paid Meta Verified subscription.
The restriction applies only to main feed posts with outbound links; comments, affiliate links, and links to Meta-owned services like Instagram or WhatsApp are unaffected. Publishers are exempt from the trial.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed the experiment: “This is a limited test to understand whether the ability to publish an increased volume of posts with links adds additional value for Meta Verified subscribers.” The subscription, priced from $14.99 monthly, provides verification badges, support priority, and other features.
Social media consultant Matt Navarra shared a screenshot of the in-app notification alerting affected users, prompting Meta’s response to queries from Engadget and TechCrunch.
Creators who rely on driving traffic to external sites—such as personal blogs, newsletters, or e-commerce pages—may find the limit disruptive if rolled out broadly. Many have voiced concerns that it further monetizes core platform functionality.
Facebook’s internal data shows that over 98% of U.S. feed impressions involve posts without external links, indicating limited organic reach for link content regardless of the test.
Meta has not shared plans for expansion or duration of the trial.
The move fits a pattern among social platforms to favor native content and encourage paid tiers, balancing creator tools with revenue needs.
