How do you live stream a funeral?
When relatives are spread all over the country (2020 COVID-19 update – or, you know, during a worldwide pandemic) it may not work out for everyone to be present at the funeral.
The next-best thing, for those who can’t be there physically, is to be there through the magic of the internet.
Here’s how to livestream a funeral or memorial service so that all your loved ones can take part.
How to Live Stream a Funeral or Memorial Service
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1. What You’ll Need to Live Stream
You can choose from a variety of video and sound capturing and recording devices, ranging from a simple cell phone up to professional quality videography gear.
If you’d like to keep it simple, most smartphones and/or tablets can capture video and audio and send it directly to the web via an app (Zoom, YouTube, Facebook Live, etc). It won’t be professional quality of course, but it will do the job and there are plenty of affordable accessories that can help you do this well.
To get a better quality livestream, you’ll need a professional camera, a laptop with plenty of processing power, and an internet connection (direct or wifi). This takes more gear and more setup, but will have a much cleaner, clearer end product.
Here are some of the basic gear options for livestreaming a funeral or memorial service.
Streaming Video
- Smartphone or tablet
- Laptop with webcam/USB camera
- HDMI camera and laptop
- DSLR digital camera and laptop
Streaming Audio
- Smartphone:Directional microphone
- Smartphone:Stabilizer with microphone
- DSLR: Compact On-Camera Microphone
Accessories
Here are some recommended accessories to improve performance, all are mid-range, lower-priced items designed for amateurs. A tripod is best, but if you would like to move around you will definitely want a stabilizer.
- Stabilizer (for smartphone)
- Tripod (for smartphone)
- Tripod(for tablet)
- Stabilizer (for DSLR camera)
- Tripod (forDSLR camera)
- HDMI cables
2. Choose a Streaming Platform
You’ll be familiar with the most popular platforms for live video, which are YouTube and Facebook. 2020 update: Everyone is now aware of the new #1 platform, Zoom. However,
We’re also including two additional resources which may interest you. Our overall recommendation isYouTube Live.
TWITCH
Twitch TV is an interactive streaming service utilized for sharing content including gaming, sports, music and more! There’s a little bit of something for everyone on Twitch.
While video game livestreaming is the most popular, “real life” streaming, creative content, and even cooking streams abound. Subscriptions are affordably priced, too, making this a choice platform for many.
Bottom line: Periscope is ideal for easy smartphone-based production and viewing of your memorial service livestream.
USTREAM
UStream’s platform and user base is a step above Periscope’s, but they really push the paid plans. However, they do offer a free 30 day premium trial, so you can sign up for that and access features such as HD streaming, ad-free viewing, and more.
The downside is that you will not be able to save the broadcast indefinitely without a paid plan. If you’re into live streaming, or if you are a funeral home looking to offer this as a service, UStream is a great platform for live streaming funerals and memorial services. But for the average user, the cost probably isn’t worth it.
Bottom line: Great features, but only at a price. Ideal for industry professionals with HD equipment.
FACEBOOK LIVE
Facebook Live is available to anyone with a Facebook account and a smartphone. Free, easy to use, and easy for almost everyone to access, Facebook Live is a great option to livestream a funeral or memorial service. You can download the video afterwards to save to your PC or upload to YouTube.
However, despite Facebook’s massive user base, not everyone has a Facebook account. For someone without a Facebook account to watch a Facebook Live video, you will need toadjust your settings. Additionally, it is difficult to livestream with anything beyond your smartphone’s built-in camera. There areworkarounds, but it takes a bit of doing.
Bottom line: Facebook Live is ideal for smartphone recording and viewing within the Facebook environment.
YOUTUBE LIVE
YouTube Liveis probably the best platform overall for live streaming a funeral or memorial service. All you need is a YouTube/Google account (and make sure your acount isverified). With that, you can livestream directly from your smartphone, webcam, HDMI or DSLR camera and anyone can view.
You can change the settings so that only those with the link can watch, or make your stream open to the world. Your broadcast will be saved, and embedded and shared easily across social media or blogs. It’s very easy to set up afree memorial website, and most will allow you to embed the video of the service so that family and friends can watch anytime.
Bottom line: YouTube Live is the best platform to capture, save, and share the memorial service livestream. Available to anyone with any type of camera, and just about every device has a YouTube app so that your funeral service live stream can be watched on any phone, tablet, PC, or smart TV.
ZOOM
Zoom is a great platform, and just about everyone has figured out how to work it at this point. However, it’s not the best for a public live stream. For that, you’ll want YouTube Live.
For a more private service, Zoom will work great because you’ll be able to interact with one another. If you want people to speak up and share memories or readings, then Zoom is the perfect choice.
Bottom line: Zoom is best when you prefer a small gathering where you can see and hear attendees.
3. Get the Word Out
It seems like everyone is on a different social media network these days, so you will most likely have to send out several blasts to notify people about the funeral livestream. Here are some common methods to keep in mind:
- Text
- Print a card and mail/hand it out
Be sure to include the url to the livestream for easy access. Copy and paste the bulk of the message, which will include date and time (as well as time zone!), how to access the livestream including password if needed, and of course who it is for. Take the time to include a personal note to close family members and friends, as this is not only a nice thing to do but also will help encourage people to actually watch.
4. Film It
Now is your time to shine in the director’s chair! Or not… while you certainly want to do a good job capturing video, make sure that your presence is unobtrusive. Capture the service but don’t overdo it.
Since funerals are actuallysurprisingly similar to weddings, here are a fewDIY filming tips for wedding videographersto help you do your best. The gist:
- Have one specific person empowered to be the videographer
- Use whatever gear you can get your hands on
- Use a tripod
- Move slowly or not at all
- Be close enough to hear
- Make complete recordings
- Don’t zoom
- Get your settings right beforehand
Weddings move around a lot, but for a funeral, you’ll want to simply stay in one spot. This is why the tripod works best. You can also use these additional wedding videography tips for capturing people at other times, like signing the guestbook, greetings, and the reception afterwards.
5. Save It
Lastly, you will want to save the livestream for posterity. You’ll have one or more very large video files, so you will need the disk space to store it. Ideally, you’ll also want to back up the information in case anything were to happen to it.
You have three options (four, including the computer you load it up to). Here they are:
- External hard drive
- USB drive
- Cloud storage. TryDropbox,iCloud, orGoogle Drive.
For a helpful, comprehensive guide to backing up your video files, check outthis resource.
We hope that you’ve found our guide on How to Livestream a Funeral or Memorial Service to be helpful. If you’re a professional videographer, feel free to chime in with any helpful insight for novices in the comments below.
Read Next: Funeral Trends

FAQs
How do you stream a memorial service? ›
One of the easiest ways to live stream a funeral is to do it via Facebook. All parties involved in the funeral must have a Facebook account. Facebook is also a great option if you want to make the live stream available to the general public. You can easily control the privacy settings as you go live.
Can you watch a live stream funeral later? ›The service will be available to watch in real-time and is recorded so that it can be viewed later on. All you need to access the service is an internet connection, a device that can display video and the email invitation or web link.
Can you record a streamed funeral service? ›Mobile Recording Solution
Use the OneRoom App to record or live-stream remote funeral services wherever it takes place - graveside, church, or in the community.
- Think about the narrative first.
- Include a variety of photos.
- Elevate the effect with text.
- Choose music they would love.
- Honor their service.
- It's ok to memorialize animals, too.
If you want a high-quality live stream, you will need a professional camera, a microphone, a video encoder, a streaming platform or output, a powerful laptop, and a strong internet connection.
What apps do people use for funeral slideshows? ›Fastreel by Movavi is a funeral slideshow maker that you can use to create a memorial video or slideshow in minutes. You don't need video montage experience: just upload your pictures, photo collages, and videos to the app, add a few words, and choose some appropriate music from our free collection.
What is the platform for cremation? ›A pyre (Ancient Greek: πυρά, romanized: purá; from πῦρ (pûr) 'fire'), also known as a funeral pyre, is a structure, usually made of wood, for burning a body as part of a funeral rite or execution. As a form of cremation, a body is placed upon or under the pyre, which is then set on fire.
Does Netflix have death at a funeral? ›Watch Death at a Funeral | Netflix.
How do I watch a funeral on Facebook Live? ›Click the obituary, then scroll down to “Associated Files.” i. Paste the embed code into the “Webcast” field. It will look like a regular Facebook URL.
How to do a zoom funeral? ›- Create a Zoom Account. To create a zoom account, go to the Zoom website to create your free account. ...
- Create a Virtual Event Calendar. After you have created a Zoom account, create an online calendar for the event. ...
- Invite Friends and Family Members.
Is recording at a funeral disrespectful? ›
Overall, it is best to avoid taking photos or video at a funeral, unless specifically asked to do so by the immediate family. Taking photos, selfies, or recordings of the funeral or services can be considered extremely disrespectful. Likewise, avoid posting on social media about the funeral.
Who streams death at a funeral? ›How to Watch Death at a Funeral. Right now you can watch Death at a Funeral on Amazon Prime. You are able to stream Death at a Funeral by renting or purchasing on Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. You are able to stream Death at a Funeral for free on Pluto or Tubi.
How long should a memorial service video be? ›Regardless of what you use, your tribute video shouldn't last longer than 10 minutes. After you've completed your video, sit back and view it without editing at all. This will allow you to note any errors that you might've missed while assembling the video. Even better, try to do a test run at the funeral home.
What is the best free memorial video maker? ›FlexClip is a free online video maker platform that offers an easy way for memorial video and funeral slideshow creation in honoring loved ones and heroes. You can easily make a solemn video for the deceased in just a few minutes.
What do you say at the beginning of a memorial video? ›Tell a Meaningful Story
“This one time…” is a wonderful way to start your memorial video. Telling a story will help pull other people in and make them feel like part of a special experience with someone you all love and miss.
You'll need a camera, mic or microphone, lighting, and a stable internet connection. You'll also need to get your (digital) hands on some live streaming software.
How do you stream for beginners? ›- Define your goal. ...
- Choose the type of your stream. ...
- Set up your streaming equipment.
- Choose your software.
- Choose your streaming platform. ...
- Test everything before you go live! ...
- Look confident on camera. ...
- Communicate with your audience.
As a beginner, you need five basic things to go live: a camera, streaming software, a microphone, a computer and a good internet connection. You can also add accessories that will drastically improve the quality of your live stream without too much effort.
How do you host a living funeral? ›Living funerals can take place in your home, favorite restaurant, community center, place of worship, local banquet hall, or any place of significance. Ask guests to bring mementos, like photos, jewelry, or other trinkets that symbolize a memory or special connection.
Why live stream a funeral? ›Live Streaming enables immediate funeral services by eliminating the waiting time for travel arrangements. Recording: Not only does a funeral live stream feed provide access for real-time viewing, but the family may appreciate having a recording of the services.
Do you watch the cremation at a funeral? ›
Can the family observe the cremation? Most crematoria will allow a family member or a couple of family members to witness the coffin being placed into the cremator.
How long should memorial slideshow be? ›When putting everything together you should aim for the video to be around 3 -5 minutes, the length of 1 or 2 songs. This is the optimal length of time for people to view and enjoy when screened as part of the funeral service.
What do you say at the end of a memorial video? ›- “Thank you all for joining me today and for watching this memorial tribute. ...
- “As you can see, [Name] led such a meaningful, special life. ...
- “I'd like to say thank you to [Name] for their work on this tribute video.
What does the Bible say about cremation? According to most Biblical study websites, there is no explicit scriptural command for or against cremation. There are no passages that forbid cremation, according to most Biblical scholars.
Do they drain the blood before cremation? ›FAQ Cremation Preparation
Is a body drained before cremation? Draining a body of fluids does not happen before cremation. If a body is embalmed before cremation, the bodily fluids are exchanged (drained, and then replaced) with chemicals during the embalming process.
The only parts of the body that are removed before cremation are artificial ones like a medical device or implant with a battery, silicone, pins, radiation pressurization, pacemakers, and large hip, knee, and shoulder replacements along with any external jewelry.
What was the drug in Death at a Funeral? ›Family friend Norman enters the room, giving Frank several doses of what he also believes is Valium to try to calm him down.
What is the name of the funeral show on Netflix? ›Watch Buried by the Bernards | Netflix Official Site.
What is the show on Netflix about cremation? ›Watch The Casketeers | Netflix Official Site.
Is it OK to post funeral pictures on Facebook? ›If you do check in, be sure you do it in a respectful way. We do not recommend tagging the family in the post or taking or posting photos of the service without prior permission from the family. Use your best judgment to determine if it's appropriate to even ask. DON'T share too many personal details on a public page.
How do you memorialize a dead person on Facebook? ›
To help us remove your loved one's account from Facebook, we'll need you to provide documentation to confirm you're an immediate family member or executor of the account holder. The fastest way for us to process your request is for you to provide a scan or photo of your loved one's death certificate.
Why Facebook works for funeral homes? ›It's difficult to mass target people about funeral services. To put it simply, it's awkward. Facebook, on the other hand, is a “one to one” medium which makes it personal and targeted…and since you sell personal services, this makes much better sense as a platform for advertising.
Should I wear black to a Zoom funeral? ›DO wear black to a Zoom funeral, Unless the Zoom funeral is for a Hindu or Buddhist person, who traditionally have mourners wear white during funerals, black is the preferred color for men and women. There is some wiggle room here, as other dark colors and light accent colors are perfectly acceptable.
How can I look amazing at a funeral? ›- If in doubt, wear black.
- Always opt for comfort.
- Simplicity is key.
- Look to styles that keep their shape.
- Bring a coat.
- Try smart separates.
- Keep trousers cropped.
- Consider your accessories.
Setting up a Live Stream Funeral via Zoom. To live stream a funeral via Zoom, all you will need is a smart device such as phone or tablet, Zoom software installed (for the organiser) and a good internet connection. Once you've downloaded Zoom, you can schedule the funeral like a meeting.
Is it bad to take a picture of someone in a casket? ›You definitely do not want to take a picture of the casket, because that can be highly disrespectful, as well. If you want to take a picture of anything specific, like a decoration or the memorial display, you will need to ask the family for permission. If they do not agree, respect their wishes and do not insist.
Is it inappropriate to wear sleeveless to a funeral? ›Dresses, skirt-suits, pantsuits, and skirts or pants paired with nice blouses or tops are appropriate for most funeral services. Sleeveless dresses can work, particularly in warmer climates, although you may want to pair them with a wrap, sweater, or tailored blazer.
How do you stream a funeral video? ›One of the easiest ways to live stream a funeral is to do it via Facebook. All parties involved in the funeral must have a Facebook account. Facebook is also a great option if you want to make the live stream available to the general public. You can easily control the privacy settings as you go live.
Can you video a funeral? ›Is It OK to Film a Funeral? The shortest answer is, yes. Of course, before going ahead and hiring a video crew to film the entire funeral service, it is best to consult with close family members to make sure everyone agrees with it.
How do I set up an online memorial service? ›- Plan Your Funeral Arrangements in Advance. Funeral arrangements must be made before there can actually be funeral services. ...
- Select a Funeral Director. ...
- Schedule the Funeral Service. ...
- Choose Your Equipment. ...
- Choose a Streaming Platform.
Can you livestream a funeral on Facebook? ›
1. On your computer, access your funeral home's Facebook Page. 2. Under “Create Post,” click on “Live.”
What is the etiquette for a virtual memorial service? ›You should aim to dress as you would for an in-person funeral. Even though you are at home, this is not the time to wear pajamas or casual clothing such as hoodies or sweatshirts. Wearing appropriate funeral clothes communicates respect and thoughtfulness.
Can anyone watch a Facebook Live stream? ›Facebook Live videos are public, so viewers can watch on any device where they have access to Facebook but don't need an account. Users can go live on Facebook from a profile, a Page, a group, or an event.
How long should a funeral memorial video be? ›Regardless of what you use, your tribute video shouldn't last longer than 10 minutes. After you've completed your video, sit back and view it without editing at all. This will allow you to note any errors that you might've missed while assembling the video. Even better, try to do a test run at the funeral home.
Is it OK to take pictures of the deceased at a funeral? ›In general, it is wise to avoid taking pictures at a funeral or a memorial service unless you have been specifically asked to do so by the deceased's family. Deciding to snap a few candids of the cousins gathered together can create tension and ruin the mood at the service.
How to make a funeral video free? ›- Open Canva. Launch Canva to start a video edit. ...
- Choose a tribute video template. Filter your search by category, theme, or style. ...
- Edit your video. ...
- Personalize it. ...
- Download or share on social media.
You can watch the queen's funeral on Peacock for free. Peacock allows you to watch certain live streaming channels for free, including Sky News.
Is Hulu streaming the Queen's funeral? ›After the Queen's funeral service concludes at 12 p.m. ET/9 a.m. PT, it will be available to stream on Hulu.