The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and recent developments have underscored the importance of content ownership and control.
Facebook’s recent announcement to limit the storage of live videos to 30 days has significant implications for content creators and organizations that rely on the platform for archiving valuable media. This policy shift serves as a catalyst for exploring more secure and customizable alternatives, like Resi On Demand and Media Sites, to manage and preserve your church’s video content effectively.
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Facebook’s new live video storage policy
As of February 19, 2025, Facebook implemented a policy where live videos are stored on the platform for only 30 days. After this period, the videos are automatically deleted unless users take action to preserve them. Facebook suggests options like downloading the videos, transferring them to cloud storage services, or converting snippets into Reels to mitigate potential loss.
Reasons behind the change
According to Facebook, “these changes will align our storage policies with industry standards and help ensure we are providing the most up-to-date live video experiences for everyone on Facebook.” No other reason was offered in the announcement.
Some industry insiders are speculating this policy decision is driven by Facebook’s desire to push Reels, Meta’s answer to TikTok. Like TikTok videos, Reels are algorithm-fed short looping video clips designed to maximize time spent on the platform.
Therefore, the assumption is that long-form videos (like streamed church services) aren’t worth the cost of storing them indefinitely if they’re not going to contribute to the addictive “endless scroll” feedback loop needed to compete with TikTok.
Impact on churches using Facebook for live streaming
Churches have increasingly turned to digital platforms like Facebook to reach their congregations, especially during times when in-person gatherings are limited. The ability to live stream services and maintain an accessible archive of sermons has been instrumental in keeping communities connected and content available.
However, with Facebook’s new policy, churches face several challenges:
- Loss of historical content: Sermons and events that were previously archived on Facebook will be deleted if they are older than 30 days, leading to the potential loss of valuable historical content. So, if your content isn’t saved locally, you risk losing months (or even years) of creative work.
- Increased administrative burden: Church staff will need to regularly download and manage video content to ensure it is preserved beyond the 30-day window, adding to their workload.
- Reduced reach: Facebook’s push toward short-term content aligns with promoting features like Reels, meaning less long-term visibility for live streams.
The real cost to creators
For content creators, particularly those heavily invested in Facebook as their primary platform, this policy shift can disrupt workflows and force them to find new solutions fast. Businesses and organizations that stream live product demos, worship services, or events could lose valuable archives, depriving them of the ability to repurpose their media for future campaigns or resources.
Carey Nieuwhof, author and church leadership expert, offers an apt analogy for the risks of over-relying on platforms like Facebook or YouTube. He likens it to “building on a digital volcano,” where algorithm changes or platform policies can suddenly and unexpectedly disrupt all you’ve created.
But the cost of “building on digital volcanoes” goes beyond the mass deletion of archived content. Given Silicon Valley’s sometimes fraught relationship with religious communities, it’s not outside the realm of possibility to imagine a not-too-future where faith-based content isn’t welcome on most social media platforms.
Sound unrealistic? In 2023, Canada banned access to news from social media. This policy change had a significant impact on Canadian news networks’ engagement strategies — many of which rely on social media shares for clicks and advertising revenue.
When platforms like Facebook can delete or limit access to your hard-earned content seemingly overnight and with little to no warning, it makes rethinking your long-term strategy essential. This is where the importance of a robust, independent content repository comes in.
Alternatives for video storage and sharing
Introducing Resi On Demand for seamless video management
Resi On Demand helps you secure, organize, and share your video content without limits or risks. Whether you’re managing a church’s live stream archive or storing video assets for your business, Resi On Demand offers powerful features to simplify the process.
Key features of Resi On Demand
- Automatic archiving: Live streams autosave directly to your video library. No manual downloads. No wasted time.
- Content organization: Create user-friendly playlists sorted by topic, event series, or speaker for quick access.
- Custom media sites: Go beyond social media by establishing a professional, ad-free platform to showcase your content. Customize the look and feel to match your church’s brand while maintaining full control.
- Analytics that empower: Use advanced analytics to understand your audience, fine-tune your approach, and measure impact.
Why Resi Media Sites is the perfect alternative
Available to Resi On Demand Pro users, Resi’s Media Sites takes your video storage and sharing to the next level. Think of it as your brand’s very own Netflix-inspired platform for hosting and delivering video content dynamically.
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Benefits of Resi Media Sites:
- Custom look and feel: Build a personalized web platform complete with branding, thumbnails, and video playlists.
- Ad-free, distraction-free: Unlike Facebook or YouTube, Resi ensures your content remains free from ads or unwanted external distractions.
- Seamless integration: Media Sites can integrate into your existing website, maintaining consistency for your audience.
- Automatic updates: Videos added to your playlists are instantly available for playback without additional steps.
Whether you’re a business, a church, or a global organization, Media Sites offer ownership and control of your digital assets—something social platforms could never guarantee.
Setting up a Resi Media Site: a quick guide
Establishing a Media Site is a straightforward process that can be completed in under five minutes:
- Log into Resi Studio: After setting up a Resi On Demand Pro account, navigate to the Media > Sites section and select “Add Site.”
- Customize your Media Site: Name your site, choose a theme (light or dark), and add a unique URL. Customize playlists and branding to fit your audience.
- Embed or share your site: Once setup is complete, embed the media feed into your existing website or share the custom link with your community.
For a more detailed walkthrough, refer to Resi’s step-by-step guide on creating a Media Site.
Your next step
The recent changes to Facebook’s live video storage policy serve as a reminder of why relying on social media platforms for long-term content archiving is risky. By making the switch to Resi On Demand and Media Sites, you ensure your content’s longevity, accessibility, and protection against unpredictable third-party platform changes.
Don’t wait for another policy shift to upend your content strategy. Be proactive and take control of your media with Resi On Demand.
Explore Resi’s intuitive features, trusted by leading brands and organizations worldwide. Book a demo today to see how Resi can transform your video hosting and streaming experience.
