Meta tests charging some Facebook Pages after 2 links

Meta is testing a system that would make link sharing a paid feature on some Facebook Pages. Affected creators, businesses, and professional accounts can share only 2 links per month. Those who want to share more links must subscribe to Meta One by paying at least $50 per month (approximately 85 manats). The company says government agencies and nonprofit organizations are not included in the test. Nevertheless, the restriction is also appearing on Pages belonging to such organizations.

Greenville, Texas, has approximately 35,000 residents, and the city government manages around 12 Facebook Pages. The city library’s Page received a notification saying that it had reached its monthly limit of 2 links. This was despite the Page being listed as a government building and previously verified by Meta. Concerned that its other Pages could also be restricted, the city government stopped adding links to posts. Addresses are now posted in the comments.

A small organization that sets up pet food distribution sites in Indianapolis was also unable to add a website link to an event post. This was because its monthly allowance of 2 links had already been used. The Page, which has approximately 1,000 followers, was offered a Meta One plan. The package includes 20 links per month and costs $150 per month (approximately 255 manats). Instead of paying, the organization is considering creating separate Facebook Events. Another option is to post links in the comments from personal profiles.

The cheapest Meta One plan costs $14.99 per month (approximately 25 manats). However, this package does not include the right to share additional links on Facebook. It only allows users to add a separate link page to their Instagram bio. The $49.99-per-month package (approximately 85 manats) includes 8 links. The $149.99-per-month plan (approximately 255 manats) has a limit of 20 links. Sharing unlimited links costs $499.99 per month (approximately 850 manats).

Another small organization operating in North Carolina has encountered the same restriction. Its representatives do not consider paying approximately $50 for 8 links per month to be cost-effective. They are working with local organizations to find other ways to share information and reduce their dependence on Facebook. The rules vary from Page to Page. Some accounts can post links in the comments, while others have been blocked from using that method as well.

An organization in California that holds an annual public event was shown lower prices. Its Page was offered 8 links per month for $40 (approximately 68 manats). The package with 20 links cost $119 (approximately 200 manats). Unlimited sharing was priced at $399 (approximately 680 manats). The restriction was lifted this week without explanation. However, the organization’s main fundraising campaign had ended by then. Meta has been testing paid link sharing for approximately 1 year. The company said it would continue changing the rules based on feedback and the results of the test.