Is your congregation’s livestream content only available on Facebook? If so, now is the time to take action! Facebook has updated its live video storage policy. As of February 19, new live broadcasts will only be available for 30 days before they are automatically removed.

Additionally, archived live videos will only be accessible for 90 days from the time you receive Facebook’s notification, making it crucial to download or transfer them promptly.

For more details on this policy update and instructions on downloading videos, check out Meta’s Policy Update.

What This Means for Your Congregation

1. Download and Back Up Your Videos—Ensure that all valuable content is securely stored in cloud-based storage and on external devices.
2. Consider Alternative Streaming Platforms—This may be the perfect opportunity to explore other livestreaming options, such as YouTube or other dedicated streaming services.

Why Choose YouTube?

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, right after Google, and it’s a great platform for embedding videos and playlists onto your congregation’s website.

However, it is important to view YouTube not just as an archive but as an active resource. People visit YouTube to be entertained, learn new skills, and explore topics of interest. For more insights, check out this resource: Why People Visit YouTube.

For practical guidance on how churches can optimize their YouTube presence, watch this video from the Rev. Jim Keat.

Exploring Other Streaming Options

While many congregations opt for YouTube, others choose platforms like Vimeo, which provides an ad-free hosting experience. To understand the differences between Vimeo and YouTube, refer to this article: Vimeo vs. YouTube.

Some congregations prefer hosting their content on platforms like Subsplash, which provides additional tools tailored to faith-based organizations.

Multi-Platform Streaming Solutions

If your congregation is considering streaming to multiple locations simultaneously, there are several tools available to simplify the process:

• Open Broadcast Software (OBS)
• Restream
• Streamlabs
• Boxcast

Need Help?

Navigating these changes can be overwhelming. If you need help selecting a platform, setting up livestreaming, or managing archived videos, we’re here to help. Schedule a Zoom consultation with the synod communications staff to discuss your congregation’s needs and find the best solution for your community.