Online funeral streaming 

It's a particularly tough time to lose a loved one. Current restrictions and coronavirus concerns are forcing families to make choices about funerals they haven't faced before. It's not ideal, but online funeral services can provide some much-needed closure. Most importantly, it ensures that people are able to pay their respects and honour their loved ones.

How does online funeral streaming work?

When you book an online funeral service, video cameras are mounted at strategic and respectful positions in the chapel. When the funeral begins, the cameras start to live stream the service over the Internet so those who can't attend can watch everything as it happens. The service is usually recorded at the same time.

💡Good to know: You'll usually be able to access the recording after the funeral, so you can watch the recorded version online at a more convenient time.

How to live stream a funeral service

There are a few ways you can live stream funeral services, it generally depends on how the funeral provider operates and which option feels right for you:

1. A funeral home's streaming service. You can usually access the stream via its website and you'll need to pay a small fee for the service.
2. Professional online funeral services. Companies like Tasteful Transitions and One Room are good options if the funeral home does not offer live streaming.
3. Doing it yourself. The easiest way to do this is usually with a phone, tablet or laptop. If you want to stream it live, then platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live make sure those who can't attend the service can still observe the funeral and pay their respects.

How much does online funeral streaming cost?

Live streaming a funeral can add to the overall cost of a funeral and can set you back as little as $80 or more than $1,500, depending on the set-up. How much you'll pay depends on how you choose to live stream your funeral service.

If you're on a budget then streaming the funeral over Facebook Live or Zoom could save you money, provided you already have a phone, tablet or laptop to use. Remember to check if your chosen funeral home allows you to do this.

If you're looking for a mid-range option, funeral homes set their own rates but can charge anywhere between $80 and $350 to live stream the service for you.

For a professional set-up, online funeral services like Tasteful Transitions charge upwards of $750. This usually includes live streaming from 3 different angles, a DVD recording in a leather case and USB drive and digital photographs of the service. For $1,650 (+ GST), Event Video Production provides 1 videographer, 2 cameras, multiple microphones and a live stream operator.

If you're worried about adding to the cost of a funeral in the future, you might consider planning ahead with funeral insurance which can help cover costs such as funeral streaming.

How to watch a funeral online

Several funeral providers now allow you to watch the funeral live online from your laptop or computer and many funeral homes have their own streaming service.

You'll normally receive a link to a page that streams the service. You can forward this to your family and friends so that they can view the service as well. The live stream is sometimes from 1 central camera, though others may have more than 1. Live streaming usually starts around 10 minutes before the funeral or memorial commences.

Some will also provide a DVD and USB drive containing all the photos and video. With a USB drive, you can make copies for family and friends.

Who offers live funeral streaming services?

As it's a relatively new space, there aren't many official streaming services. A few services that we found available are:

• One Room Streaming. A video recording platform designed specifically for churches and funeral homes.
• Tobin Brothers Funerals. A funeral home that also offers webcasting services to its customers.
• Tasteful Transitions. Videos and live streams Brisbane funerals. It also photographs funerals and creates personalised funeral slideshows.
• Event Video Production. A small video production company that offers its services in Brisbane and along the Gold Coast.
• Jum Media. Jum Media offers a professional streaming service across New South Wales.
• Ceremony Cast. A small production team offering webcasts for funerals in Sydney.
• Funeral Cast. Operating out of Sydney, this established team can facilitate webcasting services anywhere in Australia.

What is OneRoom funeral streaming?

OneRoom is a video recording platform that specialises in funeral services. It's available in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand and has streamed and recorded funeral services for hundreds of thousands of online guests. It allows you to watch the funeral service live if you are unable or not allowed to attend. It's also recorded so you can watch it later.

OneRoom stores the video recording online and you can access the stream with a password, allowing you to share with your family members and friends.

How to invite guests to a live stream funeral

It's easy to let family members and friends know that they can join the online stream by following these steps:

1. Your live streaming operator will send you a link – this is the link you'll need to access the stream on the day of the funeral.
2. Send this link to friends and family at least a few days before the funeral takes place.
3. For security reasons, some families choose to enable password access, so you'll need to send this to friends and family as well.
4. On the day, those who can't attend the service in person should click on the link around 15 minutes beforehand and wait for the funeral to begin.

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Questions you still might have about online funeral streaming

• How can I watch a funeral live stream?

  Usually, the organisers of the funeral will provide a link (and sometimes a password) that will enable you to watch the funeral online. Sometimes this is through a funeral home's own website, other times it may be via Zoom or Facebook Live.

• Can you watch a live stream funeral later?

  It depends. Some funeral homes will give you the option of watching the recorded live stream for a limited time after the service takes place. Professional streaming services may also provide a DVD recording or USB drive for you to watch the recording for years to come.

• What is live streaming at a funeral?

  Live streaming at a funeral is usually done for the benefit of those who can't be there. Cameras are usually set up in strategic places around the chapel so viewers can watch the service as it happens.

• How do you watch a live stream funeral on Facebook?

  You'll need to download the Facebook app or visit Facebook on your browser to watch the live stream. Then, head to the organiser's Facebook page and once the service is live, you should be able to click on a video and watch it as it happens.