07/02/2025
One of the most common questions I get when I am delivering Digital Labs training is: “What is the best way to live stream on multiple platforms at once and should we be doing it?”
In this blog I’ll break down why live streaming is still important and talk about Three Beginner-Friendly Live Streaming Platforms to use for your services today.
What is live streaming and why is it important for your church?
Over the years, for various reasons, I have found myself in seasons where I engage with churches in America and Africa. This is important to me especially as I find that I am able to see and be inspired by what other churches are doing. This has also come in handy during challenging times like lockdown and also during times when I have had health issues and cannot be in church physically. But this is just my story – perhaps you have had similar experiences too.
There are millions of people in the UK and worldwide who are looking for community, to be encouraged and to be inspired. Many others are part of their local church, but can’t always make it to services in person. Live streaming is therefore an important tool your church can use to disciple and evangelise with people in different walks of life. I know there can be worries that if we offer church online people will not come into the building. However, if we only offer services in the building it can also exclude those who have shift work, physical ailments and those that have relocated but still want to remain connected with their church.
So, what platforms should you be considering using?
Finding a platform that’s both beginner-friendly and desktop-compatible is key. Whether you’re new to streaming or looking for a simple, cost-effective solution, it’s important to choose tools that match your church’s technical capabilities and goals.
We’ve identified StreamYard, Riverside, and Streamlabs as three excellent options. These platforms offer easy setup, seamless desktop integration, and features that cater to different levels of live streaming needs.
Let’s explore their offerings and compare their free vs. premium plans, pros, and cons.
1. StreamYard: The Browser-Based Champion for Simplicity
StreamYard is a browser-based platform that’s highly intuitive, making it perfect for churches new to live streaming. It enables users to stream directly from a web browser, eliminating the need for complex installations or high-end hardware.
Key Features
Multi-Streaming: Stream to multiple platforms (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn) simultaneously, expanding your reach with one click.
No Downloads Required: Fully browser-based, so it works on any computer with an internet connection and a web browser.
Custom Branding: Add logos, overlays, and banners to your live stream to reflect your church’s identity. Perfect for displaying announcements or sermon titles.
Interactive Tools: Highlight viewer comments in real-time, engage with live Q&A sessions, or display scripture during your broadcast.
Guest Hosting: Invite up to 10 participants via a simple link—ideal for panel discussions or guest speakers.
Free Plan
Stream in 720p resolution (standard HD).
Includes StreamYard branding on streams.
Limited to six participants per stream.
20 hours of streaming per month.
Premium Plan
Basic Plan (£16/month): Offers full HD (1080p), unlimited streaming hours, and branding removal.
Professional Plan £31/month): Adds custom RTMP streaming and expanded guest capacity for larger events.
Streamyard offer a 10% discount on annual plans for non-profit organisations and educational institutions. To qualify for the discount, the email address on your StreamYard account must match your organisation’s domain.
Why It’s Great for Beginners
Ease of Use: StreamYard’s interface is simple and intuitive, making it accessible even for volunteers with no prior streaming experience.
Desktop-Friendly: Works seamlessly on both Mac and Windows through a web browser.
Nonprofit Suitability: Affordable pricing with a robust free plan makes it a strong option for small churches.
2. Riverside: High-Quality Streaming and Recording for New Streamers
Riverside is a versatile platform offering high-quality live streaming and recording, making it a great choice for churches that want polished streams. While it’s beginner-friendly, Riverside’s advanced features can also support growth as your church’s digital skills improve.
Key Features
HD and Audio Recording: Capture sermons in full HD and uncompressed audio for on-demand viewing.
Desktop Compatibility: Works flawlessly on both Mac and Windows desktops.
Multi-Platform Streaming: Stream directly to YouTube, Facebook, or other platforms while also saving high-quality recordings for future sharing.
Guest Features: Invite remote speakers or co-hosts through a secure link, enabling collaborative discussions or special sermon series.
Interactive Tools: Engage your audience through live Q&A or comments for an interactive worship experience.
Free Plan
Limited recording options.
Includes Riverside branding on streams.
Basic features for multi-platform streaming.
Premium Plan
Standard Plan (£12/month): Includes HD streaming, enhanced editing tools, and branding removal.
Pro Plan (£19/month): Adds multitrack recording, advanced editing features, and priority support.
Why It’s Great for Beginners
Professional Look Without Complexity: Offers high-quality output without requiring advanced technical expertise.
Desktop-Friendly: Optimised for desktop use, ensuring a stable and user-friendly experience.
Nonprofit Suitability: Affordable and provides excellent value for churches aiming for professional-quality streams.
3. Streamlabs (Formerly Melon): A Budget-Friendly Multi-Streaming Option
Streamlabs, previously known as Melon, is a browser-based platform that’s perfect for beginner churches looking for affordable, no-fuss live streaming. Designed for simplicity, it’s a lightweight tool that lets churches stream to multiple destinations simultaneously.
Key Features
Browser-Based Operation: Stream directly from your web browser without needing downloads or software installations.
Multi-Streaming: Go live on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, or Twitch at the same time, ensuring wide reach.
Customisation Tools: Add overlays, text, and logos to personalise your stream with ease.
Integrated Chat: Manage comments from multiple platforms in a single dashboard for seamless interaction.
Guest Hosting: Invite up to 9 participants for collaborative discussions or special events.
Free Plan
Streams in 720p resolution with Streamlabs branding.
Basic customisation options.
Limited streaming hours per month.
Premium Plan
Standard Plan (£16/month): Removes branding, unlocks full HD (1080p), and increases streaming hours.
Pro Plan (£40/month): Adds custom RTMP streaming, premium overlays, and priority support.
Why It’s Great for Beginners
Simple Setup: Streamlabs is designed for ease of use, making it a great choice for first-time streamers.
Desktop-Friendly: Fully browser-based and works on both Mac and Windows.
Nonprofit Suitability: Offers flexible, low-cost plans suitable for churches with limited resources.
Comparison: Free vs. Premium Plans
Choosing the Right Platform for Your Church
StreamYard: Perfect for small churches or first-time streamers who need a reliable, easy-to-use platform.
Riverside: Ideal for churches that want to balance live streaming with high-quality recordings for future use.
Streamlabs: A budget-friendly option with solid features for churches looking to expand their reach through multi-streaming.
If you are a church who is currently using a different platform from the list mentioned, or if you try this for the first time and would like to share with us, we would love to hear your story. You can submit this via our Case Study form as we recognise it’s important to also learn from one another.
- Ruvimbo Makumbe, Digital Labs Manager
