# How Much Does Funeral Livestreaming Add to Cost
Funeral livestreaming has become a common service that many families consider when planning a memorial service. Understanding the actual cost impact of adding this technology to a funeral is important for families making decisions during a difficult time. The price of livestreaming varies significantly depending on the platform chosen, the features included, and the funeral home providing the service.
## What Funeral Livestreaming Actually Costs
The cost of funeral livestreaming is not always transparent. Many funeral homes bundle livestreaming into their service packages rather than listing it as a separate line item. When livestreaming is offered as a standalone service, costs typically range from $100 to $500 depending on the provider and the features included. Some funeral homes include basic livestreaming at no additional charge as part of their standard service offerings, while others charge premium prices for high-definition streaming with extended viewing windows.
The actual technology cost to a funeral home is relatively modest. A basic livestream setup requires a camera, microphone, internet connection, and a platform to host the stream. Many funeral homes already have these components in place. The real costs come from staff time to set up the equipment, manage the stream during the service, and maintain the platform afterward. Training staff to operate livestreaming technology also represents an upfront investment for funeral homes.
## Platform Options and Their Price Points
Different livestreaming platforms charge different amounts. EventLive, which specializes in funeral livestreaming, offers services that automatically record the stream and make it available for replay for a full year, with unlimited viewers and no downloads required for viewers[3]. This platform provides a superior viewing experience compared to free alternatives like Zoom, which has significant limitations including a 40-minute time restriction on free plans and a 100-participant limit[3].
Zoom remains popular for funeral livestreaming despite its limitations because many families are already familiar with the platform. The free version of Zoom limits streams to 40 minutes and 100 participants, which may be inadequate for a full funeral or memorial service[3]. Families needing longer streams or more participants must upgrade to a paid Zoom plan, which adds additional costs beyond what the funeral home charges.
## The Broader Context of Digital Funeral Services
The funeral services industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years. In 2025, over 45% of funeral homes globally offer digital pre-arrangement and live-streamed ceremonies[4]. In North America specifically, 71% of funeral homes in the United States and Canada now offer digital options such as live-streamed services, digital guestbooks, and virtual memorial walls[2]. This widespread adoption means that livestreaming is becoming a standard expectation rather than a premium add-on.
The demand for livestreaming has grown substantially. Nearly 64% of consumers would arrange livestreaming for distant relatives[5]. In 2023, more than 1.15 million funerals worldwide were live-streamed, enabling remote attendance for an average of 65 guests per event[2]. In the United States alone, there were 390,000 live-streamed funerals in 2023, up from 230,000 in 2021[2].
## How Livestreaming Affects Overall Funeral Costs
Adding livestreaming to a funeral service does increase the total cost, but the amount varies considerably. Some funeral homes charge $150 to $300 for basic livestreaming, while others charge $400 to $500 for high-definition streaming with extended replay access. A few funeral homes include livestreaming at no additional charge as part of their standard service package, viewing it as a necessary service in the modern funeral industry.
The cost impact depends on what features are included. Basic livestreaming that is available for viewing only during the service costs less than livestreaming that includes automatic recording, extended replay access, and interactive features like live chat or digital guestbooks. High-definition streaming costs more than standard definition streaming. Livestreaming that is available for replay for an extended period costs more than livestreaming that is only available for a limited time.
## Why Funeral Homes Are Investing in Livestreaming Technology
Funeral homes are investing in livestreaming technology because it improves client engagement and creates new revenue opportunities. By investing in client-facing technologies such as online planning portals, live-streaming services, and digital memorial websites, funeral homes can meet evolving consumer expectations while improving their financial outcomes[6]. These tools not only enhance the client experience but also expand business reach[6].
From a financial standpoint, improved client satisfaction translates to stronger referrals and repeat business[6]. Digital engagement tools can also create new revenue streams through sources like premium online services and memorial keepsakes[6]. While implementing these technologies requires an upfront investment, the long-term returns in customer loyalty, operational efficiency, and revenue diversification make them a strategic move for forward-thinking funeral homes[6].
## The Value Families Receive from Livestreaming
Families value livestreaming because it allows distant relatives and friends to participate in the service. Funeral livestreaming creates an inclusive experience for loved ones who cannot attend in person due to distance, health concerns, or other limitations[3]. Nearly 20% of people who watch funeral recordings were actually present at the physical service[3]. Many attendees appreciate having access to rewatch the service as they process their grief[3].
The ability to record and replay the service adds significant value for families. Automatic recording and extended access allows family members ample time to revisit the service when they are emotionally ready[3]. Some platforms make recordings available for replay for a full year, giving families extended access to this important memory[3].
## Comparing Livestreaming Platforms
Different platforms offer different features at different price points. Zoom is accessible and familiar to many people, but it has several significant limitations when used for funeral streaming[3]. The free Zoom plan limits streams to 40 minutes and 100 participants[3]. While this might be sufficient for a graveside service, it is likely inadequate for a full funeral or memorial service[3].
Specialized funeral livestreaming platforms like EventLive offer advantages specifically designed for life events like funerals[3]. These platforms include unlimited viewing time, no downloads for viewers, automatic recording, and dedicated support[3]. The superior viewing experience includes no ads or interruptions during this sensitive time, one-click access for viewers on any device, and compatibility with smartphones, tablets, computers, and even smart TVs[3]. The service automatically records the stream and makes it available for replay for a full year, giving family members ample time to revisit the service when they are emotionally ready[3].
## Hidden Costs and Considerations
Beyond the direct cost of livestreaming, families should consider other potential costs. Technical quality matters, and investing in good audio, stable internet, and proper camera positioning ensures remote attendees can see an
