B.C. Promoters Voice Concerns Over Facebook’s Link Restrictions
Published 2:00 pm Saturday, January 24, 2026
Event producers on Vancouver Island are expressing apprehension regarding Meta’s latest trial, which could significantly impede their marketing efforts.
As of early 2026, Meta has initiated an experiment that limits selected Facebook users to just two external link posts each month—unless they subscribe to Meta Verified, a service that commences at $11.99 per month.
Although a formal press release was not issued, Meta confirmed the initiative to Victoria News.
“This is a limited test that does not include Canada at this time,” the company stated in correspondence.
The restrictions predominantly impact Facebook pages and personal profiles operating in professional mode, raising the stakes for event marketers.
Notably, while the trial group faces limitations, there remains the opportunity for unlimited link-sharing in comment sections, along with links to Meta-owned platforms, such as Instagram and various Facebook content.
Despite notifications being confined primarily to users in the UK and U.S., the news reached local promoter Margo Smafts, who articulated her concerns in a local Facebook group.
“We are a newer promotions company operating on Vancouver Island/Vancouver. This imposed change could directly impact our efforts to establish a foothold and build our presence within the communities we aim to engage,” said Smafts, who co-owns Lovefest Productions with her husband, Kevin. “This cap would absolutely affect us.”
In early 2026, advancements in Meta’s algorithms enable bots to analyze images and comments for links, consequently limiting a post’s reach.
This adds another layer of complexity to the already arduous process of event promotion, Smafts noted.
“Finding, maintaining, and securing a venue in Victoria presents formidable challenges. The licensing hurdles for small independent promoters are substantial,” she emphasized.
“Moreover, the limited Facebook pages dedicated to our target communities have shown reluctance in sharing our posts that advertise our website and mailing list, complicating matters further.”
Pablo Cardenas, a seasoned jazz musician who self-promotes his events, echoed similar sentiments, citing the inundation of information on social media as a primary obstacle.
He argued that restricting link-sharing would pose a “significant disadvantage,” as links are crucial for connecting audiences with essential information.
While he hopes the potential cost won’t be exorbitant, he remains open to the notion of change.
“If adjustments are necessary for greater overall efficiency in the long run, then I suppose I can embrace that,” he remarked.
Cardenas mentioned that his marketing strategy has relied heavily on trial and error, asserting that social media—particularly engaging video content—combined with email campaigns and paid advertisements play pivotal roles.
He also contended that traditional methods, such as print, television, radio, and networking, wield considerable influence in Victoria’s smaller market.
He wishes to shed light on the numerous challenges event promoters currently face.
“The list is extensive, but principally, people seem less inclined to attend events regularly, given the myriad entertainment options available online,” he observed.
On a personal level, he seeks greater backing from local entities to provide event organizers with superior advertising access amidst the challenging promotional landscape.
“Furthermore, venues should engage collaboratively with organizers,” he suggested. “Open dialogues are crucial, and forging healthier collaboration habits is essential. Until such improvements occur, delivering the highest quality events remains vital for sustainability.”
Source link: Coastmountainnews.com.
