The Tool to Share a Link on Facebook

When clicked, links shared on Facebook open in a new browser tab.

Facebook allows users to share a link on their own profile walls, as well as the walls of friends. Any link available on the Internet can be posted using the link sharing tool, though Facebook does have content standards, and posting a link that violates them may get you into trouble. The field used to share links always opens by default on the "Wall" tab of a user's profile.

Location

Facebook used to offer a separate icon for sharing links on a profile wall, but in mid-2011 the site combined the link sharing tool with the status update and post features. The status update tool is located above your own wall -- the same feature is called the post tool on other users' walls. You will only see sharing tools on your own profile wall, or the wall of someone on your friend list. Because you are not allowed to post on the wall of a nonfriend, Facebook does not show you the wall toolbar.

Functionality

Share a link on a Facebook wall by manually typing the link into the "What's on your mind?" field at the top of your own wall, or the "Write Something" field above the wall of a friend. Alternatively, you can copy and paste the link into place. Once you click the "Share" button, Facebook gives you an opportunity to say something about the link before you hit "Share" again to officially post it.

Thumbnail Image

If the link you are sharing comes from an Internet page with at least one image, Facebook will offer a thumbnail photo to be attached to your link. After you click "Share" the first time and are presented the field to add comments to the link, Facebook shows you a preview of how your link will look once posted, including the thumbnail image. If more than one image is available for use as a thumbnail, use the arrows provided to scroll through the photos. Check the box next to "No Thumbnail" to post the link by itself.

Privacy

Just as with any post you create on your own Facebook wall, when you share a link using the "Status Update" tool, you can select an individual privacy setting for the post. Click on the drop-down arrow immediately to the left of the "Share" button to reveal the privacy settings menu. Share your link with the entire Facebook community by choosing "Public," or restrict viewing to only friends by choosing the "Friends" setting. Click "Custom" to be even more specific about who can see the link. When you share a link on another person's wall, she can decide who sees the link, and you cannot control the privacy.