Livestreaming
Below are some resources on how to stream your congregation’s worship or events online. These resources are not comprehensive, and the information contained here may change at any time because the software and hardware are always evolving.
The three main platforms we have found our congregations are using are Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Zoom. Below is individual information about each platform.
Facebook Live
Facebook offers live streaming from a page or group. View Facebook Live Guide
YouTube Live
YouTube offers live streaming from a YouTube channel page. To use this feature, you will need to have a YouTube account that is enabled for live streaming. Enabling live streaming on a YouTube account takes 24 hours, so make sure to plan ahead. View YouTube Live Guide
Zoom
Zoom is a video conference platform that can also be used to host video calls for meetings, small gatherings, and worship services. To use Zoom for video calls, you will need to have a host with a Zoom account to start the meeting. Other participants can join the meeting via the meeting link. Zoom does offer a free account, but it is limited to 100 members per call and a 40 minute limit on calls with three or more people.
If leaders or congregations are hosting Zoom events, here are a few important notes and suggestions:
- The host of the call will need to check the settings to make sure all participants are muted and are not allowed to screen share. This can be done in the “Advanced Sharing Options” while in the call. It is a good habit to log in early and do this before the official start of each Zoom meeting.
- It’s good practice to have someone watching for unacceptable activity, including on camera and in chat; this is good practice anyway to allow for the most engagement by participants.
Music and Copyright for Livestreaming Worship
If you are planning to use music in your online worship services, you will need to obtain clearance to stream any copyrighted music.
Any hymn from our hymnals already have an automatic free license to stream music. Music from current recording artists are copyrighted and will need permission to stream.
Bandwidth Issues
Because a large number of churches live stream on Sunday mornings, this can create connection and bandwidth issues, causing a blurry video or a video stopping mid-stream. Unfortunately you are at the mercy of everyone else using the internet at the time you are livestreaming. Some Sundays will have heavier use than others.
Additional Software
Some congregations are doing a combination of streaming live on Facebook and YouTube and using pre-recorded video using OBS Software. This software allows churches to be “live” while at the same time include videos and prerecorded music. Learn More about OBS Software