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Live Streaming

ChurchBuddy supports live streaming through YouTube. Create streams, share public viewer links, and let members watch from the web or mobile app.
Zoom stream setup is currently disabled in the UI. Existing Zoom streams may still be viewable. New streams use YouTube.

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Overview

Streaming features:
  • YouTube integration - Connect your organization’s YouTube account
  • Create streams - Schedule live streams with title and settings
  • Public viewer page - Shareable link for anyone to watch
  • Live chat - Viewers can participate in YouTube chat through ChurchBuddy
  • Viewer tracking - See who’s watching

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Setup

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Connect YouTube

  1. Click Organization in the top navigation
  2. Click the Integrations sub-tab
  3. Find YouTube and connect your account
  4. Follow the authorization flow
Once connected, Streaming appears in the top navigation for all roles when any integration is connected. Creating streams still requires Owner/Admin or stream manager access inside the Streaming page. See Integrations for details.

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Creating a Stream (Web)

  1. Click Streaming in the top navigation
  2. Click Create Stream
  3. Select YouTube as the provider
  4. Enter stream title and settings
  5. Create the stream
You’ll receive a public viewer URL:

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Watching Streams

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Web

  • Organization members: Streaming in the top navigation
  • Public viewers: Use the shared /s/{slug}/ link (no login required)

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Mobile App

If your organization has streaming enabled:
  1. Open the organization
  2. Tap More → Streaming
  3. Select a stream to watch
  4. Participate in live chat if enabled
Streaming in the mobile More tab only appears when your organization has YouTube connected or active streams available.

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Stream Managers

Owners and Organization Admins can designate Stream Managers in integration settings. Stream managers can create and manage streams without full admin access.

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Public Stream Viewer

The public page (/s/{slug}/) provides:
  • Embedded YouTube player
  • Live chat (when enabled)
  • No login required — share the link freely

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Best Practices

  1. Connect YouTube before event day - Test the integration in advance
  2. Share the public link - Post on social media, announcements, or email
  3. Assign stream managers - Delegate to your AV team
  4. Test on mobile - Verify the stream plays on phones and tablets
  5. Monitor chat - Moderate live chat during the service

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Troubleshooting

Streaming nav not visible:
  • YouTube must be connected under Organization → Integrations — nav appears for all roles when connected
Can’t create streams:
  • User must be Owner, Organization Admin, or a designated Stream Manager
Stream won’t play:
  • Verify the YouTube broadcast is live or scheduled correctly
  • Check YouTube account permissions
Mobile More tab missing Streaming:
  • Organization needs an active YouTube connection or existing streams