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Meta Limits Facebook Live Video Storage to 30 Days
Meta is changing how Facebook stores Live videos, shifting from indefinite storage to a 30-day limit. Starting Wednesday, users can replay, download, or share broadcasts for 30 days before automatic deletion. Previously, live videos remained on Facebook indefinitely.
Notifications and Transition Tools
Meta will notify users via email and in-app alerts before deletion. Users have 90 days to download or transfer their content. To ease the transition, Meta introduced tools to convert live videos into Reels or transfer them to cloud storage.
Privacy and Industry Standards
According to Meta most live video engagement occurs within the first few weeks. Shortening retention aligns with industry standards, reducing long-term data storage and enhancing privacy. A Meta blog post emphasized that this update aims to provide a more up-to-date live video experience for all users.
Content Preservation and Extended Storage
Creators can clip key moments from their live videos and repurpose them as Reels. Meta also offers an option to extend storage for older videos by six months, allowing users to retain critical content beyond the 30-day limit.
Cost Reduction and Platform Strategy
Social media consultant Matt Navarra highlights financial motives behind the change. Storing large amounts of data is costly, and Meta is investing billions in AI(Artificial Intelligence) and the Metaverse. Reducing storage helps cut operational costs while encouraging users to create Reels, increasing engagement on the platform.
Impact on Content Creators
This change forces users to be deliberate about content preservation. Navarra notes that this leads to a “curated, intentional decision-making process.” However, it may push some creators toward alternative platforms like YouTube and Twitch, which offer longer storage options. He believes Meta considers this a calculated risk.
Platform Control and Creator Dependency
The update highlights the power dynamics between creators and platforms. Users generate content on platforms they do not control. Navarra states, “Facebook giveth and Facebook taketh,” emphasizing that creators are subject to evolving policies. This shift underscores the importance of managing digital assets proactively.
