Losing a loved one can cause a lot of hurt. However, the funeral helps us get a sense of closure and move on. In cases where you want to attend a funeral service but can’t, there is a handy solution—live streaming funeral services.

Setting the stream up yourself

Before the funeral service, you have to set everything up in a way that best accommodates you and other attendees. This includes extensive testing to iron out the kinks but also the choice of a streaming platform, such as:

• Facebook Live, with the exception that viewers without a Facebook account can read but can’t make Facebook comments
• Youtube Live, with the exception that viewers would need a verified Google account
• Periscope, which is compatible with Apple TV
• Twitch, which is a dedicated gaming platform with auto-moderation capabilities

You’re not bound by any given platform and should try several to see what works for you. However, keep in mind that there’s a lot of setup that goes into making a live stream happen. You have to ensure the different hardware and software clicks together and find compatibility between all of it.

If you choose a professional to do the set up for you, it will typically include sending a videographer to the spot with the hardware needed to make a live stream. This commonly includes a tripod, a special camera, microphone and other hardware and software to make the stream just right.

How to make an ideal stream

The live streaming setup allows the bereaved family, friends and acquaintances globally to participate in sharing their grief and have a solemn moment. Some tips and best practices that will ensure the stream goes without a hitch are:

Prepare your devices

Live streams can be recorded using a variety of devices, including tablets and smartphones. If you will be using a handheld device, make sure it’s charged beforehand. Turn off notifications for any social media so you don’t get interrupted during the service.

Record the stream

Some streaming platforms don’t store any videos. In case you stream a funeral service through one of these platforms, your video might be viewable only during the event. But, there is a solution—stream recording.

Provided you have the hardware to handle it, you will be able to record the stream and have it stored for memento mori. We advise you immediately back up the recording on at least one other device.

On a desktop computer, you should have a recording program provided with your graphics card’s drivers, in which case you can simply make the stream go full screen and record the display output. If not, you can use something like Xbox Game Bar, which is a solid default recorder on Windows 10.

On a Mac, Mojave and later operating systems have a screen recorder already baked in, activated with Shift+Command+5. On Android 10 and above, you can use the built-in Screen Recorder app.

Use audio mixing

If there are going to be speakers at the event and you want to record their voices, you need to use audio mixing. This simply means lowering audio sources that are too loud and boosting those that are too quiet to make sure they all mesh nicely.

Set up lighting

Cameras aren’t the same as human eyes. In fact, cameras see much worse than humans and require a lot of extra lighting to make the scene visible but not so much that everything looks jarring. Soft ambient lights help set the mood and ensure all the colors are seen without distortion.

How a professional does it

The secret to professional live streaming is very simple—testing. A streaming professional knows how much time he or she needs for testing and setting everything up before the event. That way, there are no surprises but even if something unexpected happens, the professional knows how to react on the spot.

By being prepared and knowledgeable about video streaming hardware and software, the professional can handle every situation. This ensures all streams go smoothly, no matter the occasion.

Get live streaming help

In case you’ve tried your best and still can’t figure out what to do, you should contact a professional live streaming company, such as ourselves. We understand that in your moment of grief you need to have as much help as possible. We’re here to help you say your final farewells and resume your everyday life the best you can.

Our professional team will set everything up so you and your social circle can attend the funeral service in a way that’s just as solemn as being there. Whenever possible, we will provide you with the recording of the event as well; simply tell us that’s what you want and we will make it happen. We bring all the hardware and software with us, so you don’t have to worry about anything.