Facebook to Change Live Video Storage Policy: What You Need to Know

Facebook is updating its policy regarding the storage of live videos, impacting how long content will be available after the live broadcast ends. Starting February 19, new Facebook Live broadcasts will be stored for only 30 days, after which they will automatically be removed from the platform. This marks a significant shift from Facebook’s previous policy, which allowed live videos to remain on the platform indefinitely.

The change is part of Facebook’s effort to better align with industry standards and improve the user experience. As part of this update, users will also see all existing live videos that are older than 30 days gradually removed from Facebook over the next few months.

Why the Change?

Facebook’s move is designed to optimize the live video experience for its users. The company explains that most live video views occur within the first few weeks after the broadcast, which makes long-term storage unnecessary for most content. By limiting the storage period to 30 days, Facebook aims to streamline its video storage system and ensure users are accessing the most up-to-date and relevant content.

What This Means for Users

For users who regularly create and share live videos, this update will require them to act quickly if they want to save or repurpose their content. After the 30-day window, any live video that hasn’t been downloaded, shared, or converted will be permanently deleted. However, Facebook is providing users with several ways to save their videos before they disappear.

New Tools to Download and Manage Videos

To help users preserve their live videos, Facebook is introducing new tools for downloading and transferring content. When a live video reaches the 30-day mark, users will receive a notification via email and in the app, informing them that the video will be deleted soon. From the moment they receive the notification, users will have 90 days to act and save their content in one of several ways.

Single Video Download

Users can download individual videos directly from their profile, Facebook Page, or Meta Business Suite. To do this:

1. Go to the “Videos” tab on your profile or Page.
2. Find the video you want to download.
3. Open the video in full-screen mode.
4. Click the three dots and select “Download video” to save it to your device.

Bulk Video Download

For those looking to save multiple videos at once, Facebook has introduced a bulk download feature. To download multiple videos:

1. Tap the notification for the deletion alert.
2. Select “Download live videos.”
3. Choose the location for the download (computer or device) and the date range.
4. Click “Create File” to initiate the download.

Transfer to Cloud Storage

If you prefer to keep your live videos in the cloud, Facebook allows users to transfer content to cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. To transfer videos:

1. Tap the deletion notification.
2. Select “Transfer live videos.”
3. Choose your linked cloud storage provider.
4. Tap “Save” to store the videos in the cloud.

Converting Live Videos to Reels

For users who want to keep highlights from their live broadcasts on their Facebook profile, Facebook offers the option to convert videos into shorter clips, or “Reels.” Reels are a popular way to share brief moments from live videos with a wider audience, allowing users to keep their favorite moments visible on their profiles for a longer period of time.

To convert a live video into a Reel:

1. Select the live video you want to convert.
2. Clip shorter moments from the video.
3. Share the clips as Reels on your profile for others to enjoy.

Extended Time Option

Facebook is also giving users the ability to delay the deletion of their old live videos for an additional six months. This option provides more time for users to download, transfer, or convert their content. To postpone the deletion:

1. Tap the deletion notification.
2. Select “Learn More.”
3. Choose the option to “Postpone the deletion.”
4. Confirm by tapping “Postpone.”

What’s Next?

As part of this update, Facebook has also announced that it will remove all live videos older than 30 days, starting in waves over the coming months. Users will receive ample notice before their videos are deleted, and the 90-day window gives them plenty of time to download or transfer their content.

The update is expected to have a significant impact on Facebook users who rely on the platform for live streaming. Whether for personal use or business purposes, anyone who shares live content on Facebook should be aware of these changes and take steps to preserve their videos before the new policy takes effect.