|

184 | Facebook is Deleting Live Videos – This is What You Need to Do

Facebook recently announced that it will no longer store live video content indefinitely. Any new live videos will only be available for replay, download, or sharing for 30 days before being automatically deleted. If you have years’ worth of live video content, you’ll need to take action to save it before it’s gone for good.

Why Facebook Is Removing Live Videos

So why is Facebook making this change? While they haven’t provided an official reason, it’s likely tied to server space, platform updates, and a shift toward short-form video content like Reels. This is a crucial reminder that we are all operating on borrowed real estate when we create content on social media.

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms own the content we post, and they can change policies at any time. That’s why having a strategy to back up and repurpose content is essential for long-term success.

Your Options for Saving Facebook Live Videos

Facebook is providing three main options once you receive a notification about your live video content:

  • Download immediately – Save videos directly to your device.
  • Archive for 90 days – Keep access to your videos temporarily before making a final decision.
  • Postpone deletion for six months – Get extra time to manage and transfer your content.
Facebook LIVES deletion options
credit: Mari Smith

How to Download Your Facebook Live Videos

If you want to manually save your videos, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Meta Business Suite at business.facebook.com.
  2. Navigate to Content and filter by Live Videos only.
  3. Click the three dots next to a video and select Download (SD or HD).

For larger libraries, you may need external storage solutions like:

  • Google Drive (free up to a certain limit)
  • Dropbox (paid option)
  • Amazon Photos (free for a limited amount of storage)
  • An external hard drive for offline backup

Automating the Process

If downloading videos one by one sounds overwhelming, a third-party automation tool like Repurpose.io can do it for you. This tool:
✅ Automatically transfers Facebook Live videos to a storage location like Google Drive
✅ Removes watermarks for easy repurposing
✅ Allows you to republish content on other platforms

Check out Repurpose.io here.

What About Facebook Groups and Membership Content?

If your Facebook Live videos are in private groups or memberships, you have additional considerations. Since these videos might be borrowed content from guest creators, make sure you:

  • Download videos using a URL-grabbing tool (linked in show notes)
  • Upload them to YouTube as unlisted videos
  • Share the private playlist link with your members

What Does This Mean for Video Creators?

One big question remains: Will this impact Facebook video ad revenue?

Previously, older videos could continue to generate ad income for creators. Now, without replays beyond 30 days, some creators may see a dip in revenue.

Moving forward, you might consider:
📌 Going live on YouTube – YouTube’s watch hours and engagement make it an appealing alternative
📌 Streaming with third-party software like Zoom, Streamyard, or Restream
📌 Reposting pre-recorded content instead of relying on live videos

Final Thoughts

Facebook’s decision to remove live videos may feel overwhelming, but you have plenty of time and options to protect your content. Take action now to secure your videos, explore new live-streaming strategies, and continue engaging with your audience.

🚀 Join the Conversation: How do you plan to adapt your live video strategy? Let me know in the comments!

📌 Bonus for Local Bloggers! If you’re near Dallas-Fort Worth, join us for a blogger meetup on March 6th at Fairview Farmers in McKinney, TX. Grab your spot here.

Until next time, stay creative! 🎨✨

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Until next time, stay creative!

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

I am honored to share a new Blogging Creative on Fire each week on the podcast to bring you inspiration, behind-the-scenes secrets, and quality tips. I hope it is truly helpful for you. One of the best ways you can bless me in return is to subscribe to the show and leave a review. By subscribing, you allow each episode to be downloaded straight to your phone which helps the download numbers and ensures you never miss an episode. And when you leave a review, you help show others the value of what we provide! You can GO HERE to subscribe and review (On mobile, scroll down past the episodes to “Ratings & Reviews” section, tap the stars, then scroll down to “Write a Review”)

Whenever you’re ready:

#1 Grab Your Creatives on Fire™ Content Planner:

This is an invaluable tool for anyone who creates content online and wants to keep track and know exactly what you need to be doing on a daily basis to make it happen.

CONTENT PLANNER

#2 Learn How to Start a Blog:

You’re just one step away from making REAL money from a blog. Blog Kickstart is waiting for you… are you ready?

FREE COURSE

Similar Posts