Microsoft Stream (Classic) is coming to an end really soon

Microsoft has announced that the classic version of its video streaming service, Microsoft Stream, will be retired on February 15, 2024. Meaning that the older version of the service will no longer be available for use and will be replaced by the new version.

Starting May 15, 2023 no new videos can be uploaded to Stream (Classic) and October 15, 2023, users no longer be able to access or use Stream (Classic).

Microsoft Stream is a video streaming service that allows users to upload, share, and collaborate on videos within their organization. The service is integrated with other Microsoft tools such as M365, making it easy for users to share videos with colleagues and teams.

The classic version of Microsoft Stream has been in use for several years, but Microsoft has decided to retire it in favor of the new version of the service.

The new version of Microsoft Stream offers a number of improvements over the classic version, including a more modern user interface, improved video quality, and more advanced collaboration features.

In addition, the new version of the service is more closely integrated with other Microsoft tools, making it easier for users to share and collaborate on videos.

Users who are currently using the classic version of Microsoft Stream will need to transition to the new version before the retirement date. Microsoft has provided a number of resources to help users make the transition, including a guide on how to move content from the classic version to the new version. It is also important to note that Microsoft will also be retiring the classic version of Microsoft Stream for mobile and will be replacing it with the new version of the mobile app.

The Retirement

The retirement of Microsoft Stream (Classic) is a significant move for Microsoft as it will help to ensure that users are provided with the best and most up-to-date version of the service. The new version of the service offers a number of improvements and is more closely integrated with other Microsoft tools, making it easier for users to share and collaborate on videos. While the retirement of the classic version may be an inconvenience for some, it is necessary for the company to ensure that its users have access to the latest and most advanced features.

For those who are currently using the classic version of Microsoft Stream, it is important to start planning for the transition to the new version as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition and to ensure that there is no disruption to their video streaming service.

Upcoming dates:

• January 17, 2023 – Stream (Classic) upload page changes to show the option to upload to Stream (on SharePoint) for all customers. Most customers already have this change, this will apply the change to customers that opted out via support ticket.
• February 15, 2023 – Start of six-month and one year countdown until no new videos can be uploaded and retirement
  
  • Stream (Classic) migration tool enters general availability
  • Migration tool enhancements
    
    • Single video embed codes redirect and play inline
    • New settings added to schedule/delay blocking of uploads & tenant disablement
• May 15, 2023 – No new videos can be uploaded to Stream (Classic) unless admin takes action to delay this change. This can be delayed until August 15, 2023.
• June 1, 2023 – Migration tool improvements for filtering
• August 15, 2023 – No new videos can be uploaded to Stream (Classic) for any customers
• October 15, 2023 – Users no longer able to access or use Stream (Classic) unless admin takes action to delay this change. This change can be delayed until February 15, 2024.
• February 15, 2024 – Stream (Classic) is fully retired & automatically disabled
  
  • Users & admins no longer able to access or use Stream (Classic)
  • Any remaining content in Stream (Classic) that wasn’t migrated will be deleted
• February 15, 2025 – Stream (Classic) links and embed codes will no longer redirect to the migrated videos in OneDrive & SharePoint

NOTE

Stream (Classic) live events will be retired on an earlier timeline. We’ll give a six-months notice of the retirement of Stream (Classic) live events as soon as the Teams and Yammer live event RTMP encoder option is Generally Available. We anticipate the six-months notice to start sometime in Q1 CY2023.

The migration tool won’t be ready for GCC customers in February 2023. We’ll follow a similar schedule to the above timeline once the migration tool is available to be used by GCC customers.