Experimental policy could restrict organic link posts unless users subscribe to Meta Verified
Affiliates and digital marketers could face new challenges on Facebook following the launch of a Meta experiment that limits how many links users can share organically unless they subscribe to the company’s paid Meta Verified service.
Over the past week, a number of Facebook users have reported receiving in-app notifications advising them that their accounts will be subject to new posting restrictions. According to the message, affected profiles will be limited to sharing links in just two organic posts per month unless they subscribe to Meta Verified. Screenshots of the notification were first shared publicly by social media industry analyst Matt Navarra.
The message reportedly states: “Starting December 16, certain Facebook profiles without Meta Verified, including yours, will be limited to sharing links in two organic posts per month. Subscribe to Meta Verified to share more links on Facebook, plus get a verified badge and additional benefits to help protect your brand.”
Meta has confirmed that the measure is part of a limited test. In a statement provided to iGaming Expert, a Meta spokesperson said: “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.”
According to the company, the experiment is currently affecting a small subset of Facebook users operating in professional mode, as well as some pages. Publishers are not included in the trial at this stage. Professional mode allows individuals to convert their personal Facebook profiles into creator-style accounts, enabling broader content distribution, performance insights and monetisation tools.
The test has particular implications for affiliates, including those operating in the iGaming sector, who rely heavily on organic link sharing to promote operators, bonus offers and content across social platforms. A hard cap on link posts could significantly reduce organic reach and referral traffic, potentially increasing reliance on paid subscriptions or advertising.
Meta Verified, which is available on both Facebook and Instagram, offers users a verified badge, impersonation protection and customer support. For business users, subscription pricing reportedly ranges from $14.99 to as much as $499 per month, depending on the level of service and features selected.
Navarra has noted that, under the current test parameters, users can still post links in comments and continue sharing links freely on other Meta-owned platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp. However, the restriction on organic feed posts could still represent a meaningful shift in how Facebook prioritises link distribution.
Meta has not yet confirmed whether affiliate links specifically fall within the scope of the experiment. iGaming Expert has contacted the company for clarification on how affiliate marketing activities may be affected if the trial is expanded more broadly.
While Meta has framed the move as a value test for its subscription offering, affiliates and operators will be watching closely to see whether the experiment signals a longer-term change to organic visibility on the platform.
