Summary: This article walks you through embedding a livestream from YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook onto your Tithely Site. Following these steps will allow you to schedule virtual events, enable interactive chat, and provide integrated giving options for your online viewers.
Before You Begin
- You must have Admin permissions for Tithely Sites.
-
You will need the unique video link for your livestream from YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook.
Note: Custom YouTube channel links or general "live" links will not work.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Select Sites from your main navigation menu.
- Click the + Livestream button from the Quick Add menu on the left.
-
Enter your information into the livestream detail fields.
-
Livestream URL: Paste the unique video link from Facebook, YouTube, or Vimeo.
- Vimeo Users: Copy the URL from your event page (e.g., https://vimeo.com/event/12345). Ensure the URL does not end in /embed.
- Other Services: If your streaming service isn't directly supported, click the Switch to Custom iFrame button and paste the iFrame embed code. Note that iFrame is not compatible with the Church App.
- Service Title: Give your livestream a title.
- Select a speaker: Choose a speaker from the dropdown list.
- Set your stream start time and end time: Define the date and time for the event.
-
Simulated Livestream:
- On: The video will play in sync for all viewers. A user joining 10 minutes late will see the video at the 10-minute mark.
- Off: The video will always start from the beginning for every viewer.
- Topbar Countdown: Select On to display a countdown banner at the top of your site. A "Join chat" button will appear 30 minutes before the start time, which changes to "Watch Now" when the stream begins.
- Text Area (Scripture/Notes): Add any accompanying scripture, notes, or text.
- Chat Status: Choose your desired chat setting: Chat On, Chat Off, or Password Protected.
-
Livestream URL: Paste the unique video link from Facebook, YouTube, or Vimeo.
- Click the Create Live Stream button to save and schedule your event.
Can I Moderate Livestream Chat Comments?
Currently, the livestream chat feature in Tithely Sites does not offer comment moderation, editing, or deletion capabilities. Once a comment is posted, it cannot be modified or removed, even by site administrators.
Important Considerations:
No Moderation Tools: There are no built-in tools to edit, delete, or moderate chat comments.
Permanent Comments: Comments posted in the chat are permanent.
Viewer Responsibility: Emphasize to your viewers the importance of respectful and mindful communication before and during the livestream.
Recommendations:
- Clearly communicate chat guidelines to your audience before the livestream begins.
- Encourage viewers to report inappropriate comments to a designated contact outside of the chat itself.
- Consider assigning someone to monitor the chat and address any issues in chat during the livestream.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
- Why isn't my YouTube link working? You must use the unique video link for the specific livestream, not a custom channel link or a generic "live" URL.
- My Vimeo URL is giving an error. Ensure you are using the URL from your Vimeo event page and that it does not have /emeb at the end of the link.
- What if my streaming service isn't listed? If your service provides an iFrame embed code, you can use the "Switch to Custom iFrame" option. However, please be aware that this method is not compatible with the Church App livestream source.
- How do I find the livestream page URL? There is a direct link to your livestream page on Sites. You can access your livestream page directly by going to yourdomain.com/live. Simply replace yourdomain.com with your actual website address. You can also create a menu item on your website that links to /live for easy access by your visitors.
Related Articles
YouTube Live Streaming
Facebook Live
Vimeo Live