Meta Platforms recently announced significant changes to the storage policy for Facebook Live videos. From now on, all newly uploaded live videos will be retained on the platform for 30 days, after which they will be automatically deleted by the system. This adjustment will have profound implications for content creators, media organizations, and live streaming businesses.
Previously, Facebook Live videos could be stored indefinitely, but under the new policy, users must download or share their live videos within 30 days, or the content will be permanently removed.
For existing archived videos on the platform, Meta stated that they will not be immediately deleted but will be cleaned up in batches. Affected users will receive email and app notifications 90 days before the video deletion to allow time for backup. Additionally, Meta offers a deferral option, allowing users to extend the retention period of the videos by six months. If users do not choose this option actively, the videos will be deleted as originally planned and cannot be recovered.
Meta reminds users in the announcement: "If you need more time to manage your live videos, we offer an additional six months of deferral. You can download the videos, back them up to the cloud, or edit the highlights into Reels short videos. Once the final deadline expires, the videos will be irretrievable."
This policy change means that users who rely on the Facebook Live archive feature need to adjust their content management strategies. Meta advises creators, brands, and live streaming businesses to download and back up important videos early, or use the Reels feature to re-edit them, adapting to the trend dominated by short video content.
