Churches that livestream services should check copyright before broadcasting music, words, images or other material online.
Copyright issues for an in-person service and for an online service are not always the same. A church performing its own music from purchased hymn books in-person may not need any further copyright permissions. But it may need further permission to copy material (eg sheet music), place words or music on a screen or in an order of service, or to record or stream a service.
CCLI
Many churches use CCLI licences for worship music. These may help with matters such as:
- Reproducing song words
- Copying certain music
- Where held, some forms of online streaming
However:
- Not all music is covered
- Not all publishers or composers participate
- Not every use is included
- A livestream licence does not necessarily permit the recording to remain online afterwards
Churches should therefore check:
- Which CCLI licences they hold
- Whether the relevant song or item is in the licensed repertoire
- Whether the licence covers livestreaming, recording, and any later on-demand availability
Recorded Music/Backing Tracks
Extra care is needed if the livestream captures recorded music, for example:
- Recorded music played before or after the service
- Commercial tracks used during worship
- Backing tracks
- Recorded choir or instrumental items
A licence covering lyrics or congregational worship songs will not necessarily cover use of a commercial sound recording in a livestream.
YouTube and Facebook
Streaming through YouTube or Facebook does not remove the need for copyright permissions, but the platform will manage the rights for you. It is often a good solution if the church is performing music itself (whoever wrote that music).
However, recorded music included in a stream is likely to be flagged by Facebook or YouTube, and may be muted, blocked or remove the stream or recording. This may happen even if the church believes has permission, eg by holding a CCLI licence.
Recorded Music
A separate issue can arise where recorded music is played in the church building, even if it is not livestreamed.
The licensing position for public playing of recorded music is distinct from livestreaming. Churches should check the current position under the relevant music licensing scheme, commonly administered through TheMusicLicence (PPL PRS Ltd), and whether any exemption applies.
Other Copyright Material
Music is not the only issue. Churches should also check permission for:
- Photographs and artwork used in slides
- Video clips
- Service materials from published resources
- Modern Bible translations where copyright notices apply
- Any third-party text reproduced on screen or online
If material was not created by the church, permission should not be assumed. Bibles and liturgical texts can usually be used without a fee, but an attribution in an approved format may be required.
Practical Steps for Churches
Before livestreaming:
- Decide what content will appear in the stream
- Avoid including commercial recorded music unless clearly licensed
- Check that any worship songs used are within the church’s current licence coverage
- Check whether the stream will be live only, or also available afterwards
- Keep a record of the licences held by the church and their current terms
- Where possible, use original, public domain or clearly licensed material