Pro-Trump ‘test’ is wrong: Facebook does not put a 7% limit on sharing posts

Facebook reduces the sharing of some types of content, but not with a 7% limit that a widely recirculated image claims. 

The image, shared in a year-old Facebook post, suggests that Facebook is limiting the reach of posts by users who support former President Donald Trump.

"THIS IS A TEST," the headline proclaims. "Facebook is limiting my reach so that only 7% of my friends can see my posts." 

Below that text is a picture of Trump holding both thumbs up that is labeled "Trump 2020." 

Below the photo is more text: "If you see this post, please simply comment ‘YES’ then like it. If you’d like more people to see your updates too, ‘SHARE’ this pic. Thank you! This will allow you to see my updates."

The post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.)

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stated on May 29, 2024 in a Facebook post

Burger King is “closing its doors for good.”

In March, we rated False a similar Instagram post claiming that Instagram was doing a 7% limit. That post didn’t refer to Trump.

The post wasn’t true and neither is the one on Facebook.

Facebook spokesperson Ryan Peters told PolitiFact there is no such thing as the 7% limit that is mentioned in the image. 

Facebook does not demote content simply because it is in favor of or against any political figure or party, unless it violates Facebook’s Community Standards, such as by being threatening or harassing. 

Peters said Facebook does limit certain types of content in a user’s News Feed, such as this image, which it categorizes as "engagement bait." That policy was in response to users who said they "dislike spammy posts on Facebook that goad them into interacting with likes, shares, comments and other actions." 

With no 7% limit, for Trump-related posts or not, we rate this image False.