Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced a major policy shift regarding the storage of live videos on its platform. Starting from February 19, 2025, live videos will only be available for replay, download, or sharing for 30 days before they are automatically deleted.
This marks a departure from the platform’s previous policy, which allowed indefinite storage of live broadcasts. The company explained that the change aligns with industry standards and reflects user behavior, as most views occur within the first few weeks after a broadcast.
As part of the transition, Facebook has outlined steps to help users manage their old live videos before they are permanently removed. The deletion process will take place in waves over the coming months, with users receiving notifications both in-app and via email before their archived content is deleted. Upon notification, users will have a 90-day window to either download, transfer, or convert their live videos before they are permanently erased from the platform.
To support this change, Facebook has introduced several tools that allow users to retain their content in different ways. Individuals can download their videos directly from their profiles, Pages, or Meta Business Suite, either as single downloads or in bulk via the Activity Log. Additionally, Facebook now enables users to transfer their live videos to cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox, providing more flexibility in content management.
For those who wish to preserve specific moments from their broadcasts, Facebook is offering an option to convert segments into reels. This feature allows users to clip and share highlights from their live videos, ensuring that key moments remain accessible on their profiles beyond the 30-day limit. The company emphasized that this move is part of an effort to keep content fresh and relevant for audiences while encouraging engagement through newer formats like reels.
Furthermore, Facebook has introduced a temporary extension option, allowing users to postpone the deletion of their live videos by an additional six months. To activate this extension, users must follow an in-app process before their content is permanently deleted. Meta’s latest move underscores its broader efforts to streamline content storage and optimize the live video experience for its users.