Whether family members are across the country or unable to travel due to health, streaming a funeral service allows everyone who loved the deceased to participate in the moment of farewell. With just a smartphone and a free platform, you can set this up in under an hour.
Choosing Your Platform
| Platform | Cost | Best For | Max Viewers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zoom | Free (40 min limit) / $15/mo | Small family groups, interactive | 100 (free) / 300+ (paid) |
| YouTube Live | Free | Larger audiences, recording saved | Unlimited |
| Facebook Live | Free | Families already on Facebook | Unlimited (public or friends) |
| Ever Loved | Free / optional paid | Funeral-specific, tied to obituary page | Unlimited |
Recommendation: Use Zoom for a private, intimate family service (under 40 people). Use YouTube Live (Unlisted) for larger groups — you control who has the link, and the recording is automatically saved.
Equipment You Need
- A smartphone (iPhone 8 or newer, or any modern Android) is sufficient for most services.
- A tripod or phone stand — essential for stable footage. A $15–$25 flexible tripod from Amazon works well.
- A portable charger or power bank — streaming drains battery fast. Keep the phone plugged in if possible.
- Strong Wi-Fi or a 4G/5G data connection — test the signal at the venue ahead of time.
- A Bluetooth lapel microphone (optional) — greatly improves audio quality for eulogies. The Rode Wireless GO (~$200) or a wired lapel mic (~$20) both work.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up YouTube Live
- Open the YouTube app on your phone and tap the + (Create) button.
- Select Go Live. If you haven't streamed before, YouTube may require a 24-hour verification period — do this in advance.
- Set the title (e.g., "Memorial Service for [Name]") and set visibility to Unlisted (only people with the link can view).
- Copy the share link and send it to family members via text or email before the service.
- Position your phone on the tripod, pointed at the officiant or casket area.
- Tap Go Live when ready. There is a short delay (30 seconds to 2 minutes) before viewers see the stream.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Zoom
- Create a free Zoom account at zoom.us.
- Schedule a meeting for the date and time of the service.
- Enable the "Waiting Room" feature so you control who enters.
- Set a passcode for the meeting.
- Send the meeting link and passcode to family members in advance.
- On the day, open Zoom on your phone, start the meeting, and admit participants from the Waiting Room.
- Designate one person as "co-host" to manage the participant list while you focus on filming.
Camera Placement Tips
- Place the camera slightly to the side of the center aisle — not in the middle, where it may block attendees' views.
- Test the angle by having someone stand where the officiant will stand and checking the frame on your phone.
- Film in landscape (horizontal) mode — it looks much better on computer screens.
- If the venue has existing speakers, ask if you can plug your phone's audio directly into the sound system via a 3.5mm cable.
What to Tell Remote Viewers
Send a brief note ahead of time explaining:
- The platform and how to join.
- The start time (include time zone).
- That audio may be imperfect in a large space — ask them to be patient.
- Whether the recording will be available afterward.
- To mute themselves unless invited to speak.
Saving the Recording
On YouTube Live, the recording is saved automatically to your channel. You can set it to Unlisted so only those with the link can watch it later. On Zoom, enable "Record to the Cloud" before the meeting starts. The recording link will be emailed to you within a few hours of ending the meeting.