5 Main Types of Lower Thirds
In today’s digital age, churches are not only sanctuaries of spirituality but also hubs of multimedia communication. If you’re broadcasting your church services, you might be familiar with ‘lower thirds’. If not, no worries! Lower thirds refer to the graphic overlays positioned in the lower area of a video. And guess what? They can really spruce up your church broadcasts. So, let’s dive right in and explore these super tools!
1) The Sidebar

Hey there, meet your new best friend, the sidebar. This friendly chap loves hanging out on the side of your screen, always ready to share helpful information. Imagine you’re streaming a Sunday service and your pastor refers to an upcoming event. Wouldn’t it be neat if the info popped up right on the screen? Well, that’s the magic of a sidebar! It’s like a loyal assistant, ready to jump in with important details while keeping the main focus on the speaker.
2) The Chyron

Now, we’re onto the famous chyron, the bread and butter of lower thirds. When you see a name or a title appear on the bottom of the screen, that’s the work of a chyron. In church broadcasts, it’s an absolute necessity. Picture this: your pastor is delivering a deep and profound sermon, and a new viewer tunes in. The chyron saves the day by displaying your pastor’s name and the topic of the sermon. It’s like a welcome sign on the interstate, letting everyone know where they are and who’s speaking.
3) Corner Bugs

Tiny but mighty, say hello to the corner bug! It might seem like just a little logo in the corner of your screen, but it’s so much more. That little logo is like your church’s digital signature, reminding viewers who’s providing this beautiful content. It’s subtle, unobtrusive, yet always there, constantly whispering your church’s name to your viewers. In the world of digital broadcasting, having a corner bug is like having your own mini billboard that never stops promoting your church.
4) Tickers

The ticker is the jack-of-all-trades in the lower third world. Its superpower is streaming a line of text that rolls across the bottom of the screen, keeping viewers in the loop. Think of it as a digital newsboy, calling out the latest updates as they happen. Have an announcement about the upcoming event or a prayer request for a church member? The ticker has got you covered! It’s a dynamic way to share real-time updates without disrupting the main content.
5) The Split Screen

And finally, there’s the split screen. Ever wish you could be in two places at once? Well, the split screen makes it possible, at least on a digital platform. It lets you show two different views at the same time, doubling the impact of your broadcast. Imagine, one side of the screen could show your pastor delivering a sermon while the other side presents an inspirational quote or relevant Bible verse. It’s like having a dialogue with your viewers, making the broadcast a more immersive experience.
In essence, these lower third types are the unsung heroes of your church’s digital broadcasts. They help provide context, reinforce your brand, and create an engaging viewing experience for your congregation and beyond.
Happy broadcasting!



