How the New Facebook Link Rule Affects Your Social Media Marketing Strategy

Important PSA from the Techtio social media marketing team: Facebook just changed the game again when it comes to organic reach. And it   deals a major blow to your social media marketing strategy in 2026.

If you’ve noticed your Facebook posts with links getting less reach than ever, you’re not imagining things. Meta has now made it official: a new rule is being tested that limits how many links non-verified Pages and profiles can post. Here’s what you need to know, and how to stay ahead of it.

What’s Actually Changing?

Meta is currently testing a system that limits professional Pages and profiles to just 2 links per month unless they subscribe to Meta Verified. This is part of a broader push to keep users inside the Facebook ecosystem rather than clicking off to external websites.

This isn’t entirely new territory. Facebook has been discouraging link posts for years, and according to its widely viewed content report, only 2% of the platform’s most viewed posts include links.  But capping them entirely is a significant escalation.

Key facts about this Facebook algorithm update:

• 2 links per month is the current test limit for non-verified professional profiles and Pages
• The restriction applies to links in post bodies; thus, links in comments are still unlimited
• Meta Verified subscriptions start at $14.99/month, with premium tiers at $50, $150, and $500/month
• Higher tiers unlock link sharing in Reels and access to live human support agents

The verdict from industry experts? Unless you’re a creator getting millions of views on Reels and can track that linked content is directly driving quality leads and conversions, the cost is unlikely to justify itself.  You’d likely be better off putting that $50/month into other digital marketing efforts.

Why Facebook Is Doing This

Let’s call it what it is: a revenue play.

Meta is creating a pain point for users who want to post links with reach, then offering to solve it for a monthly fee, all while simultaneously running ads promoting Meta Verified across Facebook and Instagram feeds. The message is clear: pay to play, or find smarter workarounds.

What This Means for Your Facebook Marketing Strategy

The brands that will feel this most are those still relying on direct link posts as their primary traffic driver. If that’s your current approach, it’s time to adapt.

Smarter alternatives that still work with this Facebook marketing update:

• Links in comments: works across Pages, profiles, groups, and events, with no current limitations
• Stories with CTA links: an underused format worth experimenting with for direct traffic
• Messenger and DMs: getting customers into direct conversations is what Meta increasingly wants, and links shared in DMs are completely unrestricted
• Comment triggers and automations: use tools to move public conversations into DMs, where links flow freely
• Paid ads: often more cost-effective than a Verified subscription for reaching targeted audiences

The brands that refine their Facebook engagement strategy now will be far ahead of those scrambling to react later.

The Bigger Picture: A Platform That Keeps Shifting

This Facebook marketing update is just one piece of a constantly moving puzzle. Meta has also acquired Manus, a $2 billion AI agent company, and launched SAM Audio, a powerful content creation tool designed to keep creators and audiences inside its ecosystem.

The platform is evolving fast, and staying on top of Facebook algorithm update news is no longer optional, but a key competitive advantage.

How Techtio Helps You Navigate It All

Keeping up with every algorithm change, policy shift, and emerging best practice is a full-time job. That’s exactly where Techtio comes in.

Our social media marketing team is always up to date with all these changes. And we move swiftly to adapt your strategy before they impact your results, always keeping our eyes on the ball ahead.

Because, let’s be honest, this is not just a temporary test. The Facebook link rule isn’t going away. But with the right social media marketing strategy and the right partner, it doesn’t have to hurt your business.

Ready to Future-Proof Your Facebook Presence?

Meta will keep changing. The question is whether your business keeps up or gets left behind.

Let Techtio handle your social media marketing so you can focus on running your business. Get in touch with our team today and let’s build a strategy that works with the algorithm, not against it!