If you've decided that live streaming is the way to go for your church, the next step is to pick the right software. With so many options, it can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to this.

But don't worry! We're here to help you break it down and find the best streaming solution for your church.

Here are the best livestreaming services, with tips for choosing the right one for your church:

Popular Church Live Streaming Services

Out of the handful of popular streaming platforms, your choice should be based on your church's streaming needs. Let's take a look at a few different options.

YouTube Live Streaming

YouTube is another great avenue for livestreaming. Your church can stream live services or post pre-recorded videos on your channel. Members or visitors can view your entire collection of services or interact with your stream chat.

Pros: Ideal for both live and on-demand video, builds a library of past sermons, detailed analytics, live chat

Cons: Requires managing a YouTube channel and potentially dealing with ads if not the paid option, may be less personal compared to other social media platforms

Vimeo Livestream

This option isn't free, but it has great features that give you control over the streaming process. If your church has volunteers with a little know how, this may be a great option.

Pros: High-quality live streaming, advanced live streaming tools, greater control over stream settings and customization

Cons: Requires a subscription which adds to cost, more technical setup

Pro Tip: If you choose Vimeo, take advantage of its integration capabilities with other software and platforms, such as embedding the stream directly on your church's website or connecting with email marketing tools to keep your congregation informed about upcoming live events.

Castr

Castr is commonly used by smaller to mid-sized churches for live streaming to multiple platforms, like Facebook and YouTube, and is praised for being user-friendly and cost-effective compared to other options.

Pros: Castr allows users to stream to multiple platforms (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, Twitch) simultaneously, affordable plans

Cons: No free plan (only a free trial), no API support, overkill for smaller churches not needing a multistreaming service

Pro Tip: Maximize your trial by scheduling streams in advance and utilizing the low-latency feature for smoother real-time interaction during live services. This approach will help you test whether the paid plan suits your long-term needs before committing.

Restream

Restream is often favored by users who need a quick, easy, and cost-effective solution to reach multiple platforms without the need for advanced streaming features.

Pros: Restream offers a free plan with limited features, which may be attractive to smaller churches on a tight budget, a multistreaming platform

Cons: Limited features on the free plan, limited automization options

Pro Tip: Try out the free plan first if you're unsure, then upgrade to a paid plan if the features fit the needs of your ministry. Be sure to do your research though, remember the free plan is limited in features.

Choosing the Right Live Streaming Software for Your Church

When selecting live stream software, consider the following factors to find the best fit:

• Ease of Use: If you have volunteers with more limited tech experience, a more straightforward option like Facebook Live might be better.
• Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend. Free options like Facebook and YouTube can be great for churches with tight budgets.
• Features: Consider what features are important for your church. Do you need easy social media integration, sermon library/archive, or more advanced features like analytic tracking?
• Audience Engagement: Think about how you want to interact with viewers. Consider options with a live chat, comment section, or other methods.
• Support: Check to make sure the service offers support and/or training resources if needed. This is especially important if you're new to live streaming altogether.
• Congregation Needs: Reflect on the needs of your congregation and church community. Choose a platform that's easy to tune into for those who may not be as tech-savvy.

Reach Your Online Community One Stream at a Time

Choosing the right live-streaming software doesn't have to be daunting... in fact, it can be fun!

Start by evaluating your needs, and considering the pros and cons of each option. Whether you go with a free platform like YouTube Live or invest in something more like Castr, you're on your way to expanding the walls of your ministry beyond just your church building, and that's something to be excited about!

Matt Church Engagement