Links Blocked by Facebook & Instagram
If your links have been blocked by Facebook's spam filters, they won't work on any Meta platform:
- Facebook Ads
Sometimes this happens because of something you did — and sometimes it happens for seemingly no reason at all.
Getting Unblocked
Option 1: Verify Your Domain (Quickest)
Verify your domain using Facebook's Business Manager.
How to Verify Your Domain with Facebook
Go to business.facebook.com.
Set up your Business, then click Business Settings in the top-right corner.
Navigate to Brand Safety in the left-hand menu and click Domains.
Click Add and enter your domain.
Follow the instructions for DNS Verification.
HTML file upload won't work for custom domains on Linkly — use DNS verification instead.
If all is well, your domain will become immediately unblocked.
Test it out using Facebook's Sharing Debugger.
Option 2: Use a Different Domain or Subdomain
Facebook spam blocks work on three levels:
- The individual URL.
- The subdomain, e.g. subdomain.mydomain.com.
- The domain itself.
Use Facebook's Sharing Debugger to determine which level of blocking you're encountering.
Facebook also considers all subsequent redirects, so if you’re using a URL shortener (like Linkly), consider if any of these URLs are tripping the spam filter.
Option 3: Request a Review
- Enter your URL into Facebook’s Sharing Debugger.
- When you get the blocked message, click the link to appeal.
- Fill in the form.
This approach can take several months (last time we did this, five months) and may not produce results at all.
As such, a Facebook review really is the last resort.
Avoid Getting Blocked in the First Place
- Consider how you're marketing on Meta platforms. If you're promoting low-quality content (e.g. gambling, dating), expect to trigger their filters repeatedly.
- If you're using a link shortening service like Linkly, use your own domain. That way you have control over your URLs and domains.
- If you're a Linkly user and have encountered this issue, let us know and we'll try to help get you unblocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was my link blocked?
Meta's spam filters block links for various reasons — promoting prohibited content, too many reports from users, or association with previously blocked domains. Sometimes links are blocked erroneously.
How long does a Facebook review take?
Facebook reviews can take several months, and there's no guarantee they'll unblock your link. Domain verification through Business Manager is much faster and more reliable.
Will verifying my domain prevent future blocks?
Verification significantly reduces the chance of being blocked, but doesn't guarantee immunity. Continue following Meta's community standards to avoid issues.
Does this affect WhatsApp and Instagram too?
Yes. Meta's spam filters apply across all their platforms — Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Facebook Ads.
Can I use a different Linkly domain?
Yes. If your custom domain is blocked, you can add a new domain or subdomain to your Linkly account and create new links using the unblocked domain.