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Live streaming a funeral service is a thoughtful way to allow people to virtually attend and pay respects when they can't be there in person. With Facebook Live, you can easily broadcast a funeral directly from your mobile device. Here's how to do it in a few simple steps.
Before planning to livestream a funeral, always get permission from the deceased's family and loved ones. Make sure they are comfortable with a live broadcast. Respect their wishes if they prefer to keep it private.
1. Download the Facebook App
Make sure to have the Facebook app installed on the mobile device you'll broadcast from. Log into an account that you would like to use for live streaming. The built-in camera and Facebook app allow you to live stream right to Facebook.
2. Tap the “What’s on your mind?” field as if you were planning to write a post.
3. Select “Live video” at the bottom of the screen.
4. Give permission for Facebook to access your camera and microphone if you haven’t done this before.
5. You can either Go Live right away or Schedule your live stream.
6. If you would like to Schedule your live stream, tap the Calendar icon next to Go Live button.
7. Schedule your event, customize the description and Create Event.
Take time to fill out the video description thoughtfully. Include the deceased's full name, birth/death dates, family names, and funeral details. This gives context to those tuning in remotely.
Please keep in mind that if you are planning to play music at the funeral, Facebook might block your live stream if you are using copyright protected songs. As an option, consider an app built specifically for live streaming funerals, called EventLive. Using a private platform will allow you to have a separate link, beautifully designed guestbook and your livestream won't be blocked.
8. Before you start the live stream on Facebook, check your privacy settings at the top of the screen (right below your name).
If you want to livestream a funeral just to a specific group of people on Facebook, you can create a private Facebook group and stream exclusively to that group. To do this, go to Groups in the Facebook app and click "Create New Group". Give it a name and description. Then add the people you want to be members of the private group. When you go to start a livestream, choose your new private group under the privacy settings instead of Public. Now only the members of that Facebook group will be able to view your live video. The stream will not appear on your general timeline. This allows you to share the funeral just with close family and friends, keeping it private from the public. Facebook groups enable selective live streaming.
10. Once you are ready to start the live stream, tap the Go Live button and the live stream will start automatically.
11. When the funeral is over, you can tap the Finish button and the live stream will stop.
12. Select how long you would like the post to stay on Facebook you are all set!
With dignity and care, livestreaming can help more people be present for a funeral and provide comfort to grieving families.
If you would like to use a livestreaming platform built specifically for broadcasting private events such as funerals, check out EventLive. The app is really easy to use, you receive a private link to share with family and friends, and the video is recorded directly to your phone and saved online for one year. Here is a step-by-step guide on How to Live stream a funeral.
