Facebook has announced a significant policy change that will affect millions of users who stream live videos on the platform. This change, which took effect on February 19, 2025, will limit the storage duration of live videos to just 30 days, after which they will be automatically deleted.
Facebook Live Videos: A Drastic Shift in Policy
Previously, Facebook allowed live videos to be stored indefinitely, enabling users to revisit past broadcasts whenever they wanted. However, with this latest update, the platform will now delete live videos after 30 days, meaning users must take action to save their content before it’s gone forever.
According to Facebook, this change applies not only to newly streamed live videos but also to older live videos stored in accounts before this policy took effect. The company has confirmed that all live videos older than 30 days will be gradually removed from the platform.
What This Means for Facebook Users
If you frequently go live on Facebook, you will now need to plan ahead to preserve your content. Facebook will notify users before deleting old live videos and will give them 90 days to save their content elsewhere.
Users will have three primary options to retain their live videos:
- Download to a Device – Users can save their live videos directly to their phones, tablets, or computers before they are removed.
- Transfer to Cloud Storage – Facebook suggests uploading the videos to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
- Convert into Reels – Some live videos can be transformed into Reels, allowing users to keep their content on the platform in a shorter, more engaging format.
Why is Facebook Making This Change?
In a blog post announcing the update, Facebook stated that this shift aims to enhance the live video experience for users. However, the company did not provide a clear explanation for the decision.
Some analysts believe that the move could be driven by a few key factors:
- Reducing Storage Costs: Storing millions of live videos indefinitely requires massive server capacity, which may be prompting Facebook to optimize its storage resources.
- Encouraging Fresh Content: By limiting video retention, Facebook might be encouraging users to create and share new content more frequently, keeping engagement high.
- Aligning with Industry Trends: Platforms like Instagram Stories and Snapchat have already embraced temporary content, and Facebook may be following this trend to stay competitive.
Mixed Reactions from Content Creators
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions from users, particularly content creators, influencers, and businesses that rely on Facebook Live for marketing, engagement, and brand-building.
Many streamers expressed disappointment, saying that the deletion of live videos could lead to a loss of valuable content. Some business owners also worry that it will impact their marketing strategies, as they often reuse live videos for promotional purposes.
On the other hand, some users support the move, stating that it will help clean up outdated content and ensure that only relevant, high-quality live streams remain accessible.
New Tools to Help Download Live Videos
To assist users in managing this transition, Facebook is rolling out new tools that make it easier to download old live videos before they are deleted. These tools will provide simple step-by-step instructions on how to save or transfer videos.
If you rely on Facebook Live for your content, it’s essential to start saving your past videos now to avoid losing them when the policy takes full effect.
What’s Next for Facebook?
This is just one of many changes Facebook has made recently. In the past few months, Meta (Facebook’s parent company) has announced several updates, including:
- Integrating AI-generated content on Facebook and Instagram
- Introducing new monetization rules for creators
- Enhancing privacy controls for users
This latest change marks a shift in how Facebook is handling content storage, and it remains to be seen how it will impact engagement and live streaming trends on the platform.
If you regularly use Facebook Live, make sure to download your videos, back them up, or convert them into Reels before they disappear. Stay updated with Facebook’s latest policies and adapt your content strategy accordingly.
What do you think about this change? Will it improve the live streaming experience, or will it negatively impact content creators? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
