Facebook has updated how long Facebook Live video URL links remain accessible on its platform. As of February 2025, Facebook retains Live video URLs for 30 days only. After 30 days, the Live video link will expire and will no longer be accessible on Facebook.
However, Social Media Archiving can still successfully capture and retain Facebook Live video files, as long as the Live video is published to your Facebook timeline after the event concludes.
This article explains what changed and the steps you must take to ensure your Live videos are properly archived.
What Changed?
Previously, Facebook Live video links remained accessible indefinitely. Now:
Facebook Live video URLs expire after 30 days
Expired Live videos can no longer be accessed or referenced on Facebook
If no additional action is taken, the full media file may not be retained
Because of this change, Live videos must be properly published after the event ends.
How Social Media Archiving Captures Facebook Live Videos
Our system can capture and retain the full Live video file, but only if the video is published to your Facebook timeline.
If You Publish the Live Video to Your Timeline:
The full media file is captured
The video remains accessible within your archive
You can reference the complete recording even after Facebook’s 30-day expiration period
If You Do Not Publish the Live Video:
Only the timeline post (with event date and metadata) is captured
A thumbnail image of the event is captured
The full media file is not archived
Once Facebook’s 30-day window expires, the video cannot be accessed
Required Action: Publish the Live Video After the Event
After your Facebook Live event concludes, Facebook typically displays a pop-up asking whether you would like to publish the video to your timeline.
To ensure proper archiving:
Finalize your Live event.
When prompted, select Publish to Timeline.
Confirm and complete the publishing process.
These steps are essential for preserving the full video file in your archive.
Why This Matters
Due to Facebook’s new 30-day retention policy, failing to publish your Live video means:
The video will expire on Facebook after 30 days.
The full recording will not be available in your archive.
You will not be able to reference the complete media file in the future.
Publishing the Live video ensures long-term retention within Social Media Archiving, even after Facebook removes access on their platform.
Questions
If you have questions about capturing Facebook Live events or need assistance verifying your settings, please contact our support team.