Data Synchronization Process
What is Synchronization?
Synchronization is the process of fetching the latest data from connected social media channels into Firstage, enabling real-time analysis and management. This ensures users always work with current data for accurate insights and content management.
Synchronization Pipeline: Data Collection Order
Firstage maintains data integrity by collecting and processing data in a specific sequence called the ‘synchronization pipeline’.
Collection Order: Media → Replies → Insights
Since all performance metrics (insights) and engagement (replies) are tied to media, we always fetch media first, then collect associated replies and performance data. This order prevents data loss or incorrect associations.
Collected Data Details
The synchronization pipeline collects these core datasets in sequence:
1. Media
The foundational data collected first, representing the original content for all analysis. Includes text, images, videos, publication timestamps, and metadata.
2. Replies / Conversations
Retrieves comments and threaded replies associated with collected media. Used to analyze user engagement and manage customer interactions.
3. Insights
Performance metrics for accounts, media, and audience demographics. Collected in the final stage of the synchronization pipeline, these metrics measure account growth and content performance.
For detailed information on insight types and specific metrics, see Social Channel Insights and Performance Analysis.
Synchronization Methods: Automatic vs Manual
Synchronization runs automatically, but users can also trigger it manually when needed.
- Automatic Sync: The Firstage system automatically runs synchronization hourly or daily in the background to keep data current.
- Manual Sync: Users can initiate immediate synchronization from the ‘Social Integrations’ settings page. Manual synchronization is subject to cooldown periods to protect account integrity.
Data Retention by Plan
Data retention periods vary based on your subscription plan.
| Data Type | Starter | Pro | Team | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account/Media Performance | 90 days | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years |
| Media/Replies | 1 year | 2 years | 2 years | 3 years |
| Audience Demographics | 90 days | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years |
Free plan provides 30-day retention for all data types.
Synchronization Cooldown Periods
Manual synchronization applies minimum cooldown periods for each sync type to protect account integrity.
| Sync Type | Cooldown |
|---|---|
| Full Sync | ~30 minutes |
| Media Performance | ~20-25 minutes |
| Account Info | ~15-20 minutes |
| Media | ~15 minutes |
| Replies | ~10 minutes |