In a significant policy shift, Meta announced that it will begin automatically deleting Facebook Live stream broadcasts after 30 days. This change, effective February 19, is part of a broader strategy to reduce data storage expenses and streamline its video services. The move affects both new and existing live videos, pushing creators to adapt how they manage and preserve their long-form content on the platform.
Why Facebook is Changing its Live Video Policy
For years, creators and businesses have relied on Facebook as a permanent archive for their live broadcasts. That era is coming to an end. The company’s decision stems from a data-driven analysis of user behavior and a need to manage operational costs.
Meta’s internal data reveals that most views on a Facebook Live video occur within the first few weeks of its broadcast. After this initial period, engagement drops significantly, making the long-term storage of these large video files a costly endeavor with diminishing returns. By implementing a 30-day deletion window, Meta aims to free up server space and cut down on maintenance expenses.
This cost-cutting measure is particularly relevant as the company redirects its financial resources. With an estimated $65 billion earmarked for artificial intelligence development this year, trimming costs in other areas, like long-term video storage, becomes a financial necessity.
A Strategic Push toward Short-Form Content
This update is not just about saving money; it’s a clear signal of Meta’s strategic direction. The company is doubling down on short-form video content to compete with platforms like TikTok. The emphasis is now firmly on Reels, which are designed for quick, engaging, and highly shareable consumption.
By phasing out indefinite storage for live videos, Meta is nudging creators toward content that aligns with its current priorities. In fact, one of the options offered to save a live stream is to convert it into a Reel. This move incentivizes users to repurpose their long-form content into the bite-sized format that the platform’s algorithm currently favors. It’s a calculated effort to populate Facebook with more Reels and shift user habits away from longer videos.
How to Protect Your Live Videos Before They Disappear
If you have an archive of important live videos on your Facebook Page or profile, there is a clear process to follow to avoid losing them permanently. Meta is not deleting content without warning and has provided a grace period for users to take action.
Once you receive a notification that your videos are scheduled for deletion, a 90-day countdown begins. During this time, you have several options to manage your content. Here is a breakdown of what you can do:
- Download Your Videos: Save your broadcasts directly to your computer or an external hard drive for personal archiving.
- Convert to a Reel: Edit and transform your live video into a short-form Reel to keep it visible on the platform.
- Request an Extension: If you need more time, you can request to defer the deletion by an additional six months.
- Re-upload to Other Platforms: Consider moving your most valuable content to services like YouTube or Vimeo that specialize in long-form video hosting.
This proactive approach ensures that creators don’t lose valuable content overnight.
What This Means for Creators and Businesses
This policy change requires a shift in mindset for anyone who uses Facebook Live as a core part of their content strategy. The platform can no longer be seen as a free, permanent video archive. Instead, creators must now think about the lifecycle of their content from the moment they go live.
Businesses that used live streams for tutorials, product launches, or recurring shows will need to establish a new workflow for saving and repurposing these assets. Relying solely on Facebook to host this content is no longer a viable long-term strategy.
| Option | Best For | Outcome |
| Download | Archiving and personal records | Content is saved offline, removed from Facebook |
| Convert to Reel | Keeping content visible on Facebook | Content is reformatted for short-form feeds |
| Request Extension | Users needing more time to decide | Deletion is postponed for six months |
Frequently Asked Questions about Facebook Live Deletion
When does the new Facebook Live deletion policy start?
The policy begins on February 19th. After this date, any new live broadcasts will be subject to the 30-day deletion rule. Existing videos older than 30 days will be phased out in the coming months.
Will all my old live videos be deleted at once?
No, Meta is rolling out the deletions in phases. You will receive a notification if you have videos that are set to be deleted, and from that point, you will have 90 days to take action.
Can I stop my live videos from being deleted?
You cannot stop the automatic deletion after 30 days for new videos. However, for existing videos, you can save them by downloading them, converting them to Reels, or requesting a six-month extension on the deletion deadline.
Why is Facebook making this change?
The primary reasons are to cut down on expensive data storage costs and to encourage creators to produce more short-form content, like Reels, which is a strategic priority for Meta as it competes with TikTok.
What is the best way to save my live videos?
The best method depends on your goal. If you want to keep a personal copy, downloading is best. If you want the content to remain on Facebook and potentially reach a new audience, converting it into a Reel is the recommended option.
