Facebook is currently experimenting with a new feature that allows users to extend the lifespan of their Facebook Stories up to three days. This is an unprecedented addition to the platform’s story-sharing capabilities.
The Enhanced Durability of Facebook Stories
Normally, when you create a story on Facebook, it remains visible for only 24 hours. However, Facebook is now testing the option to extend the visibility of stories for 3 days through the story settings. In the future, users will be able to share stories that last not only for 3 days but for 12 days as well. Additionally, Facebook allows you to access previously shared stories in your story archive.
Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Facebook Story
Any photos or videos you upload to your story will be available in the Stories section on Facebook and the Messenger app for 3 days. After this period, they will be moved to your story archive, where they can be viewed solely by you. If you go Live, the video will remain in your story for as long as you are broadcasting. To keep your Facebook story active for an extended time, follow these simple steps:
- Go to the Stories section at the top of your News Feed and click on Your Story.
- Below Your Story, click on the + symbol next to your name.
- Share an update or click on Photo/Video to add media from your computer or mobile device.
- Next to Your Story, use the audience selector to choose who can see your story.
- In the Story settings, select the option that determines the duration of your story: 24 hours or 3 days.
- Click on Post to finalize your story.
Once you have shared a post to your story, it will remain visible for either 24 hours or 3 days, depending on your selection. Afterward, the story will disappear, similar to how Snapchat and Instagram Stories function. However, Facebook’s extended duration of 3 days provides users with more flexibility. Facebook is also actively exploring an option that allows stories to last for 12 hours.
By default, photos and videos shared in a Facebook Story do not appear in the News Feed or on a user’s timeline. You can, however, choose to share them with the wider Facebook community if desired. When you add any media to your Facebook story, it becomes visible across both Facebook and Messenger. Remember, you have complete control over who can view your story at all times.
Managing the Visibility of Previously Expired Stories
After your Facebook story disappears, it is automatically saved in your account’s story archive. Only you can access this archive. By resharing a story, you can make it visible to other users once again. The process of enabling or disabling your story archive is as follows:
- Log in to your Facebook profile.
- Click on More at the bottom of your cover photo and select Story Archive.
- Tap the top right section of the page.
- Under Story archive settings, toggle the option to turn the story archive on or off.
Please note that if a photo or video has been deleted from your story, it will not be stored in your archive.
Utilizing the Audience Selector on Facebook
Facebook offers various tools to help you share content with your friends. One such tool is the audience selector, which can be found when creating posts, sharing photos, or managing your profile information. To choose who can see your content:
- Click on the + symbol in the story icon.
- Tap on the story privacy settings icon located in the top-right corner.
- Select your desired audience from the “Who can see your story” options (e.g., Friends, Public, or Only Me).
- Go back and upload your story.
The audience selector is also available for previously shared content. After sharing a post, you have the option to change its visibility settings.
Preserving Valuable and Meaningful Facebook Stories
Facebook’s archive feature allows you to save posts for future reference. This allows you to remove content from your timeline without permanently deleting it. For example, you might choose to preserve a witty post from your high school days that still brings a smile to your face.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extending Facebook Stories
The Final Thoughts
Keeping your Facebook stories active for a longer duration can be achieved in several ways. One approach is to consistently offer engaging content and make it clear to your audience what they can expect from your story. Another strategy is to explore new topics and create fresh content around them.
Extending the lifespan of stories makes them more appealing, as they have a better chance of engaging your friends and followers. Facebook has yet to provide official information about this feature, but we expect to hear more within the next month.
Do you have any experience or questions regarding how to make Facebook stories last longer? Feel free to share your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Reach out to our experts and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!
