Creating a Short Welcome Video for New Visitors Online

First impressions matter, even online. When someone new visits your church’s streaming page or website, a short welcome video can help them feel seen, informed, and invited before they ever set foot in your building. It gives you a chance to say hello, share your heart, and point them in the right direction without overwhelming them with details.

PreachFlix gives you a dedicated space to host your videos, and a warm welcome video is one of the best ways to use it. Here's how to craft one that’s honest, friendly, and helpful, without needing special effects or a film crew.

Speak as a Pastor, Not a Presenter

Your tone matters more than your script. Look directly into the camera and speak as if you’re greeting someone in the church foyer. Introduce yourself briefly, name, role, and share why you’re glad they’ve stopped by. You don’t need to perform. A calm, honest tone is what visitors respond to most. If you're unsure what to say, imagine you're welcoming someone who just moved to town and found your church online.

Keep It Under Two Minutes

Long videos can overwhelm new viewers. A good target is 60–90 seconds. That’s enough time to greet visitors, mention what your church values (like teaching, worship, community), and encourage them to explore further, whether that’s watching a recent sermon or visiting in person. Keep the pace slow and friendly, and avoid trying to squeeze in every detail about ministries or schedules. Less is more here.

End With a Clear Next Step

Finish by guiding visitors toward something specific. That might be, “Click the Sermons tab above to watch a recent message,” or, “Join us this Sunday in person or online.” Avoid vague endings like “Thanks for watching.” Instead, direct them to action. You can also include a visual prompt or button near the video that reinforces this call to action.

See How PreachFlix Supports Visitor Engagement

Where to Place Your Welcome Video

A well-made welcome video only helps if people can find it easily. Placement is key, both on your streaming platform and other key spaces where visitors land.

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Feature it on your streaming homepage. If you're using PreachFlix, this is the best place to make a first impression. Position the video near the top of the page with a clear title like "New Here?" or "Welcome to Our Church." Pair it with a short note that invites new viewers to watch it first before exploring the rest of your content.

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Use it in follow-up emails or welcome messages. If your church has a way to gather emails (e.g. through online forms or prayer requests), include the welcome video in your automated follow-ups. It’s a gentle way to reintroduce yourself and make a more personal connection with those who expressed interest or reached out.

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Include it during your live stream intro. Many churches play a countdown or welcome loop before live services begin. Add your welcome video here, especially for first-time viewers tuning in early. It offers clarity, warmth, and a bridge between browsing and belonging, even before the sermon begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. A smartphone with a good camera and a quiet room can do the job. Just use natural light, a stable tripod, and speak clearly. Keep it simple.

Ideally, yes. Visitors are most likely to connect with whoever they’ll see from the pulpit. But a staff member or volunteer can also record it if they’re a consistent and friendly face at your church.

Absolutely. You can refresh your welcome video any time, especially if you move buildings, change service times, or just want to improve the tone or quality.

Start by answering these: Who are we? Why do we do what we do? What do we hope you find here? That’s enough. Keep it honest and clear, and it’ll connect.