There have been rumors circulating that Facebook may be shutting down its live video streaming feature. Live video allows Facebook users to broadcast video in real-time to their followers. This feature has become widely popular since its launch in 2016, with both individuals and media companies using it frequently. However, recent reports have suggested that Facebook is considering removing live video due to decreasing viewership and engagement.
What evidence is there that Facebook may shut down live video?
The rumors of Facebook shutting down live video stem primarily from two reports in summer 2022. In June 2022, the Wall Street Journal reported that Facebook was experiencing a significant decline in viewership and engagement for live videos. The report cited internal Facebook data showing that live video views had dropped 50% in just the past year. Engagement in the form of comments and reactions had also fallen sharply. This drop was attributed to algorithmic changes made by Facebook as well as increased competition from other platforms like TikTok.
A second report from Business Insider in July 2022 also indicated issues with Facebook’s live video feature. According to anonymous sources at Facebook, the company had seen a steep decline in usage of live video, especially among high profile media publishers and celebrities. The sources said that major publishers were using Facebook Live 80% less than just a year earlier. They also noted that internal Facebook metrics showed younger users were engaging much less frequently with live videos on the platform.
Has Facebook confirmed plans to remove live video?
Despite these reports, Facebook has not made any official announcement regarding plans to shut down or remove live video capabilities. The company declined to comment directly on the Wall Street Journal and Business Insider reports when they were published. Facebook remains committed to investing in video, including both live and recorded, as a key part of its platform. Live video in particular remains a priority given its ability to create real-time connections and engagement for both individuals and organizations.
Mark Zuckerberg commented in July 2022 that he still sees video, including live, as the future of social media. He wants Facebook to continue leading in this area even with rising competition. Other Facebook executives have emphasized the popularity of live video for niche communities around interests like gaming and sports. They view live video as an important way to maintain Facebook’s advantage in serving diverse communities.
What factors may impact Facebook’s view of live video?
While Facebook is likely to maintain live video capability in the near term, there are some factors that may influence its long-term viability on the platform:
- Declining viewership – If fewer people continue watching livestreams it diminishes the value to creators and publishers.
- Increased competition – Other platforms like TikTok and YouTube offer their own live video features that may pull creators and audiences away from Facebook.
- Misinformation concerns – Live video makes it challenging to moderate misinformation in real-time before it spreads to large audiences.
- Revenue challenges – Facebook is still working on effective monetization models for live video to generate revenue from it.
What are the pros and cons of live video for Facebook?
Here is a summary of some of the key pros and cons Facebook weighs when considering the future of live video:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
How does live video fit into Facebook’s future plans?
Looking ahead, live video will likely remain part of Facebook’s offering given its continued investments in the space. However, it may play a diminished role compared to pre-recorded short form video when aligned to Facebook’s current priorities:
- Focus on Reels – Facebook’s TikTok competitor is their top priority now and where they are directing creators to engage audiences.
- Emphasis on youth – Younger demographics have been less engaged by live video compared to formats like Reels.
- Creator monetization – Helping creators make money is crucial but live video has proven a challenge to monetize at scale thus far.
Live video is unlikely to disappear from Facebook anytime soon given its usefulness for real-time connection and engagement. But Facebook will need to innovate around live video and prove its staying power alongside shifts happening across the social media landscape.
Conclusion
Based on the available evidence, it does not appear that Facebook plans to fully shut down live video capabilities at this time. The feature remains popular with certain communities even as overall engagement has dropped. Facebook is likely monitoring viewership trends closely to determine the right mix of live and recorded video formats. If live video continues to decline significantly in the future, Facebook may downplay it as part of its broader video strategy. But in the near term, users can expect live video to remain an option as Facebook continues evolving its video platform.