Scroll down to learn more about our Content Management System (CMS).

Programs for Broadcasting Worship Services Online for Free

MonFeb72011 PostedMonday, February 7, 2011 @ 9 AMByBryan YoungTaggedChurch Media Video

Ustream and Livestream are platforms that make it easy for anyone with an Internet connection and a camera to stream a live broadcast without limit to the audience's size.

Do you have elderly or ill congregation members who can't leave their home? Missionaries overseas who want to keep up with their home church? Former attenders who have recently moved? Stream your worship services on your website with these online streaming applications.

How Does it Work?

By plugging your ministry's camera feed into your computer, you can stream your video live across the Internet to an embedded player on your website. Kinda like YouTube, but with live video, streaming to anyone with access to your website.

What Do I Need to Stream Live Video?

1. A Camera
Check this list for cameras compatible with Ustream.

2. Internet Connection
The faster the better, but at least DSL or Cable.

3. A Browser-Based Video Producer
Like Ustream's Producer or Livestream's Procaster. Learn more about these applications below.

4. A Website
For people to watch your stream, you'll need a place to embed the streaming video player.
Don't have a website? We can help you with that.

How do Ustream and Livestream's Features Compare?

Ustream's Free Channel and Producer

Livestream's Free Channel and Procaster

Ustream provides you a free streaming channel and a free video producing application which allows you to do the following:

Supports one camera
Allows importing movies and audio
Enables up to three transitions
Supports picture in picture
Provides screen capture feature
Real-time viewer polls and chat

If you upgrade to the Pro version, for a one-time fee of $199, you get the features above, but without any limits as to cameras, transitions, and adds titles and overlays.

Livestream's free video producing software includes the following features:

moderated, real-time chat with your stream
multiple cameras supported
unlimited transitions
on-demand viewing (view past streams)

You can upgrade your channel from Free to Premium for $350 per month. Upgraded features include HD streaming, no ads, and the exclusive rights to your channel's content.

How is it Free?

The biggest downside of using a free service is having to endure the text ads they place at the bottom of your stream player or before your stream begins. If this is not a sacrifice you are willing to make for free streaming, you may want to look into a paid service, like Livestream's Premium channels.