Facebook will Start Deleting Old Live Videos, Users Get 90 days to Save their Contents

Facebook has begun notifying users that it will start deleting older live videos from its platform, giving them a 90-day grace period to save or transfer their content before it is permanently removed.

The move is part of Meta’s updated content retention policy for Facebook Live, aimed at aligning with what the company describes as “industry standards” and improving overall platform performance. Under the new rules, all live broadcasts on Facebook will be automatically deleted 30 days after airing, unless users take action to preserve them.

Previously, Facebook Live videos remained accessible indefinitely, offering creators and brands an easy way to maintain an archive of past events, discussions, or performances. That’s about to change.

What Users Need to Know

The policy doesn’t just affect new live streams going forward. Archived live videos that have been stored for months or even years are also being targeted for deletion. Facebook has started sending notifications—both in-app and via email—to inform affected users. The notifications include a 90-day countdown, after which the videos will be permanently deleted unless saved or exported.

To help users manage their content, Facebook has provided several options:

• Download Manually: Users can download individual live videos directly from their profile, Page, or the Meta Business Suite.
• Bulk Download: Through Facebook’s Activity Log, users can filter their content by “Your live videos,” choose a date range, and download several videos at once.
• Cloud Export: Facebook supports direct transfers to third-party services like Google Drive or Dropbox, providing a seamless way to back up content.
• Convert to Reels: For shorter clips, users can extract key highlights from their live videos and save them as Reels, which won’t be affected by the deletion policy.
• Extension Option: Meta is offering a one-time, six-month extension for users who need more time. This can be activated via the deletion notification by selecting “Postpone the deletion.”

Why the Change?

Meta says the shift is designed to make live video experiences more efficient and relevant, reducing the burden of storing vast amounts of outdated content. While the change may frustrate some long-time creators or businesses who rely on archived live sessions, Meta maintains that the policy reflects broader trends in digital content management.

Users are strongly advised to review their archived videos and take action before the 90-day window closes. After the deadline, retrieval will no longer be possible.

For many, the update is a wake-up call about digital content ownership and the importance of regularly backing up important media.