As of February 19, 2025, Facebook has implemented a policy change that affects all users who utilize Facebook Live, including funeral homes that stream services for remote attendees. Live videos will now be automatically deleted 30 days after their broadcast. This change underscores the importance of promptly managing and preserving your live-streamed content to continue serving families effectively.
Why This Matters to Funeral Homes
Live-streaming services have become an essential offering, enabling friends and family who cannot attend in person to participate virtually. With Facebook's new policy, these meaningful recordings will no longer be accessible after 30 days unless proactive steps are taken. This could impact families who wish to revisit the service or share it with others who couldn't attend live.
Recommended Actions
To ensure your live-streamed services remain available for families, consider the following options:
- Download Individual Live Videos: After your stream ends, download the video directly from your profile or page within 30 days.
- Bulk Download Past Live Videos: Utilize Facebook's bulk download tool to save multiple videos simultaneously. This can be done through the "Download Your Information" feature on your profile or business page.
- Transfer Videos to Cloud Storage: Facebook allows direct transfers of your live videos to cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive, providing a secure backup and easy access.
- Request a Six-Month Deferment: If immediate downloading isn't feasible, you can request a six-month extension before deletion occurs.To initiate this, open the notification from Facebook regarding video deletion, tap "Learn more," and select "Postpone." Instructions: about.fb.com
- Create Short Clips for Reels: Before downloading or transferring, consider creating short clips from your live videos to share as Reels. This not only preserves key moments but also aligns with Facebook's emphasis on short-form, engaging content.
Next Steps
It's crucial to act promptly to prevent the loss of valuable content. Establish a routine process for downloading or transferring live videos after each service. Communicate with families about the availability window of these recordings and offer assistance in preserving them.
At DISRUPT Media, we specialize in helping funeral homes navigate changes in digital platforms and enhance their online presence. If you need assistance adapting to this new policy or developing a comprehensive digital strategy, we're here to help.
Contact us today to ensure your services remain accessible and your digital outreach remains strong.
