Facebook has announced significant changes to how it handles live videos, effective February 19, 2025. Under the new policy, all live broadcasts will be stored for only 30 days, after which they will be automatically deleted from the platform. This marks a turning point for Facebook users who previously enjoyed the privilege of indefinite storage for their live content.
This new measure is expected to impact both personal accounts and business pages extensively. According to Meta, this decision is aligned with industry standards, allowing viewers to see the most current live videos. Users will now need to adapt to this limited timeframe, which encourages more immediate engagement and reduces the clutter of outdated content on the platform.
Prior to this change, all live videos remained available indefinitely. The shift aims to keep the viewing experience fresh and relevant for users engaging with live broadcasts, reflecting trends observed by Meta showing users predominantly watch live videos within the first few weeks of airing.
Starting February 19, any new live video will follow this 30-day rule. Facebook plans to systematically delete older live content, providing users with timely notifications. This notification process will give users 90 days to download their videos before they are permanently removed. For those wanting to preserve their favorite live moments, Facebook offers various alternatives.
Users will have the option to download their live videos individually or transfer them to cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive. This is part of Facebook’s effort to facilitate content management for users who wish to retain their live broadcasts beyond the 30-day window. They can also create clips from their live broadcasts to share as Reels on their profiles, allowing these highlights to live on longer.
Instructions for downloading live videos have been rolled out to assist users. To download videos, users can navigate to the 'Videos' tab on their profile or page, select the video they want, and choose the download option. This process, whether done one at a time or as multiple downloads, is streamlined for user convenience.
For users who are concerned about the impending deletion, Facebook will also allow them to extend the deletion timeline by up to 6 months if they choose to take action. This option grants users extra time to decide how to manage their legacy live content.
The rationale behind these changes is not merely to declutter the platform. Instead, Facebook aims to deliver the most relevant content to its users and encourage the broadcasting of live videos regularly—knowing they will not persist indefinitely. This transition may significantly influence how users create and interact with live content, emphasizing the importance of timely sharing and engagement over prolonged retention.
Meta believes this strategy will not only heighten user engagement but also align with audience expectations of immediate and current content. With this latest initiative, Facebook is adapting to its users' consumption patterns and industry standards, ensuring the platform remains competitive as viewers seek out live content within contemporary time frames.
Overall, these changes represent Facebook's commitment to evolve its platform and how content is presented, as they aim to maintain user trust and engagement through proactive measures.