Facebook Tests User Fees for Posting Web Links, Possibly Dealing a Blow to News Outlets
Meta, the company behind Facebook, is running a small-scale trial where users without a paid subscription could be restricted to posting just two links to other sites per month.
Details of the Test
This experiment at present includes a selection of Facebook profiles using Professional Mode features, which is often used by content creators to monetize their posts. While news organizations are not part of this test, the long-term implications could prove substantial.
"Starting 16 December, certain Facebook profiles without Meta Verified will be limited to sharing two free posts per month."
Stepping Back from News
This move follows years of Meta strategic withdrawal from hosting news content. Industry analysts note that after ending deals to pay publishers and blocking news links in Canada, Meta has made it clear that news is not a priority.
Media companies previously faced a steep decline in online traffic following a policy change last year to de-prioritise news in favor of more videos and viral content. Although visits were starting to rebound in 2024, it was still lower by around 50% compared to the previous year.
The Push for Subscriptions
The new test is seen as part of a wider effort to encourage users to sign up for Meta Verified. This subscription service costs from £9.99 to nearly £400 monthly and offers extra features like a verified badge and improved account protection.
- Meta's spokesperson stated: "This is a limited test to understand whether the ability to publish an increased volume of posts with links provides extra benefit for Meta Verified subscribers."
- Analysts theorize this shift towards monetization may be connected with Meta's expensive ventures in other areas, like the virtual reality and AI.
A Potential Silver Lining?
It is worth noting that earlier in the year, Meta announced a shift towards a more personalized approach for news and politics. Subsequent analysis indicated this may have led to more news content showing up again for some users.
As one instance, traffic from Facebook to some major sites reportedly grew significantly in the first part of 2025.
In the end, this test highlights the ongoing tension between giant tech networks seeking new revenue streams and publishers that depend upon them for traffic and audience reach.
