In a sweeping update that will impact millions of users worldwide, Facebook has announced that starting today, all live broadcast recordings will be automatically deleted 30 days after airing. This change, aimed at streamlining content and ensuring users have the most up-to-date live experiences, is poised to affect both casual broadcasters and seasoned content creators alike.

Why the change?

According to Meta, Facebook’s parent company, “most live video views occur within the first few weeks of broadcasting.” With this in mind, the new policy seeks to align Facebook’s storage practices with industry standards. In a fast-evolving digital landscape, keeping older live videos online not only consumes valuable storage but also clutters the platform, making it harder for users to find current, relevant content.

What this means for users

Starting February 19, any live video broadcast on Facebook will vanish from the platform just 30 days after it goes live. This isn’t just a policy for future broadcasts—any previously recorded live videos that are now more than 30 days old are also slated for deletion. However, Facebook isn’t leaving users entirely in the dark. The company has pledged to send out email and in-app notifications before any deletion takes place, giving users a 90-day window to act.

For anyone who has a cherished moment or valuable content captured in a live video, now is the time to back it up. Once you receive the deletion notice, you’ll have 90 days to either download the video or transfer it to another platform before it disappears permanently.

How to save your live streams

Facebook is rolling out a suite of download tools designed to help users preserve their live broadcasts:

• Individual video downloads: You can save a specific live video by navigating to your Activity Log. Filter for “Your live videos,” select the desired dates, and then choose the video you want to download. Alternatively, visit the Videos or Live tab on your profile, Page, or Meta Business Suite, and click on the three-dot menu to find the download option.
• Bulk downloads: For those with a treasure trove of live content, Facebook allows you to request a bulk download. This feature lets you specify a custom date range and download all videos within that period at once.
• Cloud transfers: If you prefer to keep your videos off your local device, Facebook offers an option to transfer your videos directly to popular cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
• Postpone deletion: For users who might be too busy to act immediately, Facebook provides a “postpone” request option. By clicking “learn more” in the notification and selecting “postpone,” you can extend the window to save your videos by an additional six months.

Implications for Content Creators

This policy change is particularly significant for content creators and broadcasters who rely on live video to engage their audiences. Live streams have become a cornerstone of online interaction, from Q&A sessions and virtual events to product launches and behind-the-scenes tours. The immediate impact means that creators must now be proactive in managing their content archives to ensure that valuable material isn’t lost.

A fresh start for live video

Facebook’s decision underscores a broader industry shift toward dynamic, real-time content consumption. By automating the deletion of older live streams, the platform hopes to declutter user feeds, reduce storage costs, and encourage more active participation during the live broadcast period. For viewers, this means a focus on the here and now; for broadcasters, it’s a call to action to capture and preserve key moments immediately.