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To show worship lyrics in a church livestream, prepare licensed lyrics in presentation software, route that output into the stream, and choose whether the words appear over the camera picture or fill the screen. In the United States, CCLI distinguishes permission to project lyrics from permission to livestream or upload worship services with music; verify coverage for each song and use before going live. Churches elsewhere should check their local licensing bodies and terms.
1. Confirm the rights before preparing the stream
In the United States, CCLI describes its Church Copyright License as permitting lyric projection from a computer or digital device. Its Streaming License is separate coverage for livestreaming or uploading services that include worship music. A projection license alone should not be treated as permission to broadcast the service online. Check the current terms, eligible repertoire, and whether the planned use includes both the live stream and any archived upload. See CCLI’s US copyright licensing information and its US streaming-license guidance.
For churches outside the United States, do not assume the US license terms apply. Consult the rights organizations and license terms for your territory. For example, the Church of England’s guidance identifies CCLI, PRS, and One Licence as bodies churches may need to consult in its UK context: How to go live from Zoom to YouTube and Facebook.
Check each kind of content separately
- Lyrics: Confirm that the song is covered for projection and the intended online use.
- Recorded music: If you use a master recording, backing track, or multitrack, verify that the source and use are covered by the specific license. CCLI says Streaming Plus extends coverage to specified authorized recordings and multitracks from authorized sources; this is not blanket permission for any recording. See CCLI’s US streaming reporting guidance.
- Video: Do not assume a song video or lyric video is cleared because it is available online. CCLI says video content generally requires additional permission from the copyright owner; its guidance identifies SongSelect Lyric Videos as material made for church use under described terms. Check the current terms for the particular video. See CCLI’s US guidance on showing videos in church and CCLI’s video-sharing guidance.
2. Prepare accurate lyrics in presentation software
Use the church’s worship presentation software to enter or import the licensed lyrics, divide them into readable slides, and arrange them in the order they will be sung. ProPresenter is one documented example: its ProPresenter 7 User Guide covers song presentation and church copyright information. It is an example, not a requirement or a universal best choice; use software your operators can run reliably and whose current features suit your setup.
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- Check spelling, punctuation, verse order, and repeated lines against an authorized lyric source.
- Break long lines at natural pauses so the text does not become crowded.
- Arrange verses, choruses, and any repeated sections in the order planned for the service.
- Preview the slides at the same aspect ratio and approximate player size viewers will see. Keep the words large and visually distinct enough to read on a phone.
- Rehearse the song and slide transitions with the camera and stream output active. This helps the operator learn when to advance and when to return to the camera.
3. Choose how lyrics appear in the live picture
CCLI’s US streaming FAQ recognizes both options: lyrics can be embedded in the stream image or displayed as the background. Neither layout is right for every service. Choose based on how much of the camera picture you want to preserve, how much space the words need, and how easily your operator can switch layouts.
| Layout | What viewers see | Useful when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyrics over camera | The camera remains visible with lyrics placed over the image. | You want the congregation, worship leader, or musicians to remain on screen while people sing. | The words compete with the picture for space; use a clear, high-contrast area and avoid covering important faces or action. |
| Full-screen lyric background | The lyrics fill the video frame, with the camera picture replaced by the lyric slide. | Maximum room for readable words matters more than keeping the camera visible. | Viewers do not see the live camera during that section, and the operator must manage transitions back to it. |
The display choice is a production decision, not a substitute for rights clearance. CCLI’s official US FAQ explains the two formats and recommends including the church’s Church Copyright License and Streaming License numbers in the stream or upload description: CCLI Streaming and Streaming Plus Licenses FAQ.
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4. Route the lyric output into the stream
The exact controls depend on the presentation software, streaming application, and video setup, so there is no single universal button path. The goal is to make the presentation output a visible source in the live video rather than merely projecting it in the room.
- Connect the presentation computer to the stream setup. Use the video input or software capture method your church already uses to bring presentation graphics into the live production.
- Add the presentation output as a source. In the streaming or video-mixing application, select the presentation display or its output as a source. Confirm that lyric slides appear in the stream preview.
- Set the composition. For an overlay, position and size the lyrics over the camera image. For full-screen lyrics, switch the program output to the lyric slide and plan the return to camera.
- Check the actual stream view. Inspect the program preview or a private/unlisted rehearsal stream on a phone-sized screen. Confirm the words are legible, not clipped, and timed to the song.
- Rehearse the operator handoff. Agree who advances lyrics and who controls the camera or stream layout. Run through the opening, song transitions, and final slide before the service.
5. Add the license details and run a final check
For US CCLI license holders, CCLI recommends putting both the Church Copyright License number and the Streaming License number in the description of the stream or uploaded service. Follow the current CCLI terms for the exact use and account. Churches in other territories should follow their local rights bodies’ attribution and reporting requirements.
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- Confirm rights for the lyrics and any music recording or video used.
- Check that slides are in service order and readable in the live output.
- Verify the layout—overlay or full-screen—does not obscure the lyrics.
- Ensure the stream description contains applicable license numbers or required attribution.
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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting common lyric-stream problems
Lyrics appear on the room projector but not in the livestream
The presentation may be routed only to the in-room display. Add the presentation output as a source in the video or streaming setup, then verify it appears in the live program preview.
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Words are cut off or difficult to read
Long lines, small type, low contrast, or an overlay placed over busy footage can make lyrics hard to follow. Rebreak the lines, increase the type size, improve contrast, or use a full-screen lyric layout.
The slide changes do not match the song
Review the song order and rehearse the transitions with the operator. Confirm that repeated choruses and verses are in the presentation in the order the worship team will perform them.
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A song or video is not covered by the license you expected
Projection permission, online streaming coverage, recordings, and video visuals can be governed by different terms. Pause use until the church confirms the relevant rights with the license provider or copyright owner; an online video’s availability does not itself establish permission.
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