Summary: The Tithely Sites Live Stream feature allows you to easily embed virtual events directly on your website using YouTube, Vimeo, or Facebook. Visitors can view your stream with just one click, participate in a chat, give via Tithely, and share the stream with friends. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to add, customize, edit, and delete your live streams.
Adding Your Live Stream
- Access the Quick Add Menu:
Log in to your Tithely account and select Sites from the left menu (or log in to your site directly). From any page on your site, click the Quick Add Menu (+) next to the Admin Menu at the top right, and select Live Stream from the drop-down.
2. Enter Your Livestream Details:
Fill in the necessary fields to configure your event:
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Live Stream URL: We support video links from Facebook, YouTube, or Vimeo.
- YouTube: Custom links, live links, or generic channel links will not work. You must use the unique link for your specific scheduled video.
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Vimeo: Copy your event URL (e.g., [https://vimeo.com/event/12345]
(https://vimeo.com/event/12345)). If it contains /embed, remove that part before pasting it into the field. - Custom iFrame: If your service isn't supported via a direct link, use the Switch to Custom iFrame button. (Important: The iFrame method is not compatible if you plan to sync this livestream to your Church App).
- Service Title & Speaker: Name your service and select a speaker (pulled from your website's user Speaker group).
- Stream Start and End Times: Set the scheduled time for your broadcast.
- Simulated Live Stream: If turned On, the video will simulate starting at your "Start Time." For example, if a viewer arrives 10 minutes late, the video starts playing at the 10-minute mark so they stay in sync with the chat. If Off, the video will always start from the beginning.
- Topbar Countdown: If On, a countdown timer appears at the top of your site. If chat is enabled, a "Join chat" button will appear 30 minutes prior to the start time. Once the countdown ends, the button updates to "Watch Now."
- Text Area: You can share scripture or sermon notes here.
- Chat Status: Turn the chat on, off, or make it password-protected to restrict access.
3. Publish:
Click Create Live Stream to save and schedule your broadcast!
Design Tip: You can personalize the text area label (e.g., changing "Scripture" to "Sermon Notes") and further customize the look and feel of your player by navigating to your Site Design settings.
Editing or Deleting a Live Stream
1.Navigate to Your Content:
Log in to your Tithely account and select Sites (or log in directly to your site). Click the Admin button at the top right of your website and select Content from the dropdown.
2.Locate Your Live Streams:
Select Live Streams from the left-hand menu to view a list of your scheduled events.
3.Edit or Delete:
Click the More button (3 dots) to the right of the Live Stream you want to manage.
- To Edit: Select Edit, update your details, and click Save Live Stream.
- To Delete: Click the red trash icon at the top of the screen to remove the scheduled stream entirely.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
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Is there a direct link to the Live Stream page?
Yes! You can direct people straight to
[yourdomain.com/live](https://yourdomain.com/live). For easy access, you can also add a menu item in your website's navigation and link it directly to/live. -
Why is my Giving button not showing up?
By default, the giving button will link to your Tithely Giving. If you have a Tithely Giving account and the button is not showing up, please contact our support team. If you do not have a Tithely Giving account, you can sign up for free at get.tithe.ly.
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Is there a chat moderator, or a way to delete comments in chat?
There is currently no way to edit or delete comments within the chat feature. Once a comment is posted, it cannot be modified or removed by anyone, including the site admin. We recommend reminding your viewers to be respectful and mindful of their comments before posting.
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How do I get the correct Facebook link for my Live Stream post?
Facebook links require a specific format to work on your site:
Navigate to your Facebook page and copy the URL (e.g.,
[https://www.facebook.com/yourchurchpage](https://www.facebook.com/yourchurchpage)).Add
/live/to the very end of the URL (e.g.,[https://www.facebook.com/yourchurchpage/live/](https://www.facebook.com/yourchurchpage/live/)).Paste this link into your Tithely Site Live Stream post. This embed will automatically showcase either your current live video or your most recent live video. (Note: Facebook is complex, and we cannot troubleshoot Facebook-specific issues. Please contact Facebook Support if you need help originating your stream).
Helpful Resources for Streaming Platforms
If you need assistance initiating your stream from the source, check out these guides provided directly by the platforms:
YouTube Live Streaming
Facebook Live
Vimeo Live