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Facebook Tests User Fees for Posting Web Links, Possibly Dealing a Blow to News Outlets
Meta, the company behind Facebook, is conducting a limited test where users without a Meta Verified account may be limited to posting just two links to other sites per month.
Details of the Test
This pilot program at present includes a selection of Facebook profiles using Professional Mode features, which is typically utilized by content creators to earn money from their posts. While news organizations are not part of this test, the long-term implications could prove substantial.
"Beginning 16 December, some Facebook accounts without Meta Verified will be restricted to posting two organic posts per month."
A History of Retreat
This action comes after Meta's multi-year strategic withdrawal from news distribution. Industry analysts note that after ending deals to pay publishers and restricting news sharing in Canada, Meta has signaled strongly that news is no longer strategic.
Publishers already experienced a massive drop in website visitors 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 remained down by approximately half compared to the previous year.
Driving Verified Sign-ups
The new test is seen as part of a wider effort to encourage users to subscribe to Meta Verified. This paid tier ranges in price from £9.99 to nearly £400 monthly and provides additional perks like a verified badge and improved account protection.
- Meta's spokesperson stated: "This is a limited test to see if the option to post an increased volume of posts with links provides extra benefit for paying users."
- Analysts theorize this shift towards monetization may be linked to Meta's expensive ventures in other areas, like the metaverse and AI.
Could News Benefit Elsewhere?
Interestingly that in January, Meta announced a shift towards a tailored feed for political content. Subsequent analysis indicated this could have resulted in increased publisher content showing up again for some users.
As one instance, visitors referred by Facebook to some major sites reportedly grew by a notable margin in the early months of this year.
In the end, this test highlights the ongoing tension between social media platforms seeking new revenue streams and news organizations that rely on them for readers and visibility.
Michelle Beard
A seasoned automotive journalist with a passion for classic cars and modern innovations, sharing insights and stories from the road.
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