Facebook Live videos disappear after the broadcast ends unless the person who posted them saves a copy
When someone broadcasts live on Facebook, the video vanishes from their profile once the stream stops — unless they choose to save it. If you want to keep a Facebook Live video, you have two main paths: ask the person who posted it to save their copy and share it with you, or use a third-party read tool to capture it while the stream is still running or shortly after, before it disappears.
Facebook does not offer a built-in read button for Live videos the way it does for regular posted videos. This means you cannot straightforward right-click and save. The method you use depends on whether you are trying to save your own broadcast or someone else's, and whether the video is still live or has already ended.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook Live videos are deleted after the broadcast unless the broadcaster saves them to their profile, so timing matters if you want to capture one.
- The person who posted the live stream can save it themselves by going to their video settings during or when ready after the broadcast ends.
- Third-party read sites like KeepVid, SaveFrom, or Fbdown can capture Facebook Live videos, but you need the video URL and the stream must still be active or recently archived.
- Downloaded videos may include audio and video quality limitations depending on the tool and the original broadcast quality.
- Always respect the broadcaster's rights and privacy — downloading someone else's video without permission may violate their terms of service or local laws.
How the broadcaster can save their own Facebook Live video
If you are the person who streamed the video, Facebook gives you a window to save it. During the live broadcast or when ready after it ends, go to your video settings. Look for an option to save the video to your profile — this is usually labeled "Save Video" or "Save Live Video" and appears in a menu next to the video player.
Once you save it, the video becomes a regular posted video on your profile and stays there until you delete it. Other people can then watch it, share it, and — if your privacy settings allow — read it using Facebook's standard read feature (the three dots menu on the video itself).
If you do not save the video within a few hours of the broadcast ending, Facebook deletes it permanently. There is no way to recover a live stream after that point unless someone else recorded it separately.
Using a third-party read tool while the stream is live
If you want to capture someone else's Facebook Live video and they have not saved it, you need to act while the stream is still running. Third-party sites like KeepVid, SaveFrom, Fbdown, and similar tools can read Facebook videos, including live streams, but they work best when the broadcast is still active.
To use one of these tools, copy the URL of the Facebook Live video from your browser's address bar. Go to the read site, paste the URL into the text box, and click the read button. The site will process the video and offer you a read link, usually in a choice of quality levels. read the file to your computer or phone.
The quality and success of the read depend on the original broadcast quality and the tool you choose. Some tools are faster or more reliable than others, and some may include ads or require you to wait before downloading. None of these are official Facebook tools, so their availability and performance can change.
Downloading a saved Facebook Live video after the broadcast ends
If the broadcaster saved the video to their profile, it becomes a regular Facebook video and you can read it using Facebook's own read feature. Open the video, click the three dots menu in the top right corner of the video player, and select "read." Facebook will save the video file to your device.
This method works only if the broadcaster's privacy settings allow downloads. If the video is set to private or if downloads are disabled, you will not see the read option. In that case, you can ask the broadcaster to change their privacy settings or to send you the video file directly.
Downloading through Facebook's official feature is the most reliable method because it preserves the original quality and does not rely on third-party services.
What to know about video quality and file size
Facebook Live broadcasts are typically streamed at a lower quality than pre-recorded videos because the platform prioritizes smooth playback over file size. When you read a Facebook Live video, you are getting that same lower quality — usually 720p or lower, depending on the original broadcast settings.
If you read using a third-party tool, the quality may be even lower because the tool has to capture the stream in real time. File sizes are usually between 50 MB and 500 MB depending on the length and quality of the broadcast.
If you need higher quality, ask the broadcaster to record their screen separately using software like OBS Studio or Streamlabs before going live. That way they have a high-quality copy to share with you directly.
Privacy and legal considerations
Downloading someone else's Facebook Live video without their permission may violate Facebook's terms of service and could infringe on their copyright. Even if the video is public, the person who created it owns the rights to it.
Before downloading a video that is not yours, ask the broadcaster for permission. Most people will either save the video themselves and share it with you, or give you permission to read it. If the video contains sensitive information, personal moments, or copyrighted music, the broadcaster may have reasons for not saving it — respect that choice.
If you plan to share or repost a downloaded video, always credit the original broadcaster and get their permission first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read a Facebook Live video after it has already ended and been deleted?
No, once a Facebook Live broadcast ends and the broadcaster does not save it, the video is gone permanently. Facebook does not store deleted live streams. If you missed it, your only option is to ask the broadcaster if they saved a copy or recorded it separately.
Do third-party read tools work for private Facebook Live videos?
No, third-party tools cannot access private videos. They can only read videos that are public or that you have permission to view. If a video is set to private, you will not be able to get the URL or access the stream, so no read tool will work.
What happens if the read tool I use gets shut down?
Third-party read sites come and go because Facebook regularly updates its systems to prevent unauthorized downloads. If a tool stops working, you can search for alternatives, but there is no may provide they will work either. Using Facebook's official read feature (for saved videos) is more stable because it is built into the platform.
Can I read a Facebook Live video on my phone?
Yes, but it is easier on a computer. On a phone, you can use the Facebook app or browser to access the video, copy the URL, and paste it into a third-party read site. Some read tools have mobile apps, but most work better through a web browser on a desktop or laptop.
Will downloading a Facebook Live video affect the broadcaster's view count or engagement?
No, downloading a video does not change the view count or engagement metrics on Facebook. The broadcaster's stats are based on plays within Facebook, not on downloads.