Tukios Announces “Video Backgrounds” for Obituaries – A New Way to Personalize Tributes

Ogden, UT – October 9, 2025 — Tukios, a leader in funeral technology solutions, is excited to introduce its upcoming “Video Backgrounds” feature. This new tool allows families to replace traditional cover photos, found behind the loved one’s photo on the obituary, with stock videos, providing a more dynamic and personalized tribute for their loved ones.

The Video Background feature offers a curated library of themed videos, including serene landscapes, sunsets, and other meaningful backdrops. These videos will appear in the spot where the “cover photo” typically goes, giving families a unique way to celebrate their loved one’s life.

A Seamless and Personal Experience

This easy-to-use feature enables funeral homes and families to select a video background that reflects the personality of the deceased, adding a more engaging and meaningful element to the online obituary. No extra setup is required, making it simple to incorporate into existing obituary pages.

Coming Soon: More Customization Options

The Video Background feature will be available soon and will be offered at no additional cost for funeral homes using Tukios’ platform. Families and funeral homes can explore a variety of options to create a fitting and respectful tribute.

About Tukios

Tukios provides innovative software solutions to funeral homes, offering easy-to-use tools for websites, video tributes, and e-commerce. Known for its leadership in AI technology, Tukios helps funeral professionals serve families with care, while keeping them relevant in the evolving digital landscape.

Tribute Spotlights Take Your Obituaries Where They’ve Never Gone Before

This week’s announcement from Tribute Technology and Chptr was more than just a press release — it signaled a truly historic shift in the way today’s deathcare professionals share death notices and obituaries. Tribute Spotlights, the nation’s largest broadcast memorial platform, now offers you the opportunity to publish dynamic video tributes throughout an ever-growing network of more than 200 television markets, providing your funeral home with a new, lucrative revenue stream, increased brand recognition, and a reputation as a differentiator in a competitive landscape.

A modern and meaningful solution 

Tribute Technology and Chptr launched Tribute Spotlights in February to assist funeral directors and families in sharing the news of death and pending arrangements with as many people as possible. Not only do Spotlights expand your memorial offerings well beyond the reach of the local newspaper or your own website; they also transform the typical printed notice and family-submitted photo montage into an engaging and informative video, professionally produced by the Chptr team.  

“At Chptr, our mission has always been to help people celebrate and remember lives in the most authentic way possible,” says Rehan Choudhry, Co-Founder and CEO of Chptr. “Through Tribute Spotlights, we’re able to combine our storytelling expertise with Tribute Technology’s powerful platform to bring memorials to audiences at a scale never before possible. We’re proud to partner with Tribute Technology to give funeral homes a tool that not only honors families’ loved ones but also elevates their visibility and value in the communities they serve.”

Thanks to a full integration with your Tribute Technology-powered platform, every Spotlight can be easily initiated and seamlessly shared with your local television stations for immediate broadcast and inclusion on the station’s website. The simplified process places no extra burden on your team members, while exponentially expanding the scope of your care.

While families can opt out of Spotlight broadcast coverage, funeral homes that have shared this unbelievably affordable package with families have witnessed an amazing adoption rate. For example, 90% of families served by Hill & Wood Funeral Service in Charlottesville, Virginia, have opted to televise their Chptr-produced tributes with local news channel 29News WVIR.

“We offer Chptr to every family through our professional services charge with an opt-out option,” says Tess Willets, Vice-President of Finance at Hill & Wood. “We’ve received a good bit of positive feedback from both families and viewers alike.”

Benefits beyond the broadcast

With each Spotlight, Hill & Wood Funeral Service has reached at least 218,000 households, equating to a media value of more than $2,250 per announcement — roughly ten times the investment in the package and in addition to the built-in charge to families. In most markets, each Tribute Spotlight death notice and one-minute memorial video costs your funeral home $225, with longer memorial videos available upon request at an additional charge. Spotlight bundles of 25 videos per month are also an option, as are custom packages for funeral homes seeking exclusive coverage in their market. Some funeral homes have also been able to include their own ads in the broadcast at no charge with unused airtime, amplifying their savings along with their visibility within the community.

Tribute Spotlights live on the television station’s website, but link back to yours at no additional cost, which increases traffic and SEO value each time you publish an obituary. The Spotlights platform also automatically generates social media-ready visuals that families can post to their profiles to complement their personal remembrances of their loved ones. Families can also upgrade their memorial to a longer, more comprehensive video that is sure to become a treasured keepsake.

“Tribute Spotlights transforms a moment of remembrance into a powerful way to connect families, friends, and entire communities while increasing the funeral home’s visibility on broadcast TV,” adds Courtney Gould Miller, Tribute Technology’s President of Commercial Markets. “This is truly a win for funeral homes and families.”

Spotlighting success

The partnership of Tribute Technology and Chptr has been overwhelmingly successful, exceeding the expectations of and prompting glowingly positive feedback from both families and the funeral homes to whom they entrust their loved ones. Tribute Spotlights are a new and innovative way to elevate your funeral home above those using more traditional (and typically more costly) obituary options.

To learn more about Tribute Spotlights, visit https://www.tributetech.com/tribute-spotlights, or reach out to your Tribute Technology representative.

April 4, 2025

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and navigating the funeral process can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time making funeral arrangements or you’re unsure about certain aspects of the process, it’s natural to have many questions. Understanding the typical procedures and options available can help ease the burden during this difficult time. Here are some of the most frequently asked funeral questions and their answers to guide you through the process. 1. What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? A funeral typically involves a ceremony held with the body of the deceased present, either before or during burial or cremation. It often includes a viewing or wake, where family and friends can pay their respects. A memorial service , on the other hand, takes place after the body has been buried or cremated and does not involve the presence of the body. Memorial services may be held in various settings, such as homes, churches, or other venues, and can be personalized to reflect the life of the deceased. 2. What is embalming, and is it required? Embalming is a process that involves preserving the body to delay decomposition, usually for viewing purposes. It is not legally required in most places but may be necessary if the body is to be displayed at a public service or transported over long distances. In cases where there will be no viewing, embalming is typically not needed. However, certain states or countries may have regulations about embalming or the timing of burial. It’s important to check with the funeral home to determine what’s required in your area. 3. How much does a funeral cost? The cost of a funeral can vary greatly depending on factors like location, the type of service, and the funeral home you choose. There are options to help manage funeral expenses, such as cremation (which can be less expensive than burial), choosing a less elaborate service, or purchasing a funeral plan in advance. 4. What is cremation, and how does it differ from burial? Cremation involves the process of reducing the body to ashes. Many people choose cremation for its simplicity, lower cost, and flexibility in how the ashes can be kept, scattered, or interred. Some people opt for a cremation memorial service, where the ashes are present but there is no body. Burial , on the other hand, involves placing the body in a casket and then burying it in a cemetery. This option may include the purchase of a grave plot, headstone, and other related services. The choice between cremation and burial depends on personal, cultural, and religious preferences. 5. What are the steps in planning a funeral? Planning a funeral typically involves the following steps: Notify family and friends : Reach out to close family and friends and inform them of the passing. Choose a funeral home : Select a funeral home to help with arrangements, including embalming (if applicable), obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating transportation. Select the type of service : Decide on whether you want a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. You’ll also need to choose the location and any religious or cultural elements to incorporate. Choose a casket or urn : Select a casket for burial or an urn for cremation. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from. Plan the ceremony : Work with the funeral director to plan the service, including music, readings, eulogies, and floral arrangements. Arrange for transportation : The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body to the service and burial or cremation site. 6. Should I pre-plan a funeral? Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice. Many people choose to pre-plan to relieve their loved ones of the burden of making arrangements during a time of grief. Pre-planning allows you to specify your wishes for the service, casket, burial, and other aspects of the funeral, ensuring your desires are respected. Additionally, pre-paying for a funeral can help protect your family from rising costs in the future. However, it’s important to carefully consider pre-planning options, as funeral costs can vary, and you’ll want to ensure that the plan is flexible and fully understood by the family members who will carry out your wishes. 7. What are the options for scattering ashes? If you choose cremation, there are many options for what to do with the ashes: Scattering : Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a location that had significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature spot. Keepsake urns : Some families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a special urn or piece of jewelry. Interment : Ashes can be interred in a family plot or at a cemetery, either in a niche or within a memorial garden. Other creative options : There are many creative options for commemorating the deceased, including turning ashes into diamonds or using them to create a memorial reef. 8. What is a death certificate, and why is it important? A death certificate is an official document issued by a governmental authority that confirms the death of a person. It is essential for handling legal and financial matters, such as settling the deceased’s estate, claiming life insurance, and closing accounts. The funeral home typically assists in obtaining several copies of the death certificate. 9. Can I personalize a funeral service? Absolutely! Many families choose to personalize the funeral service to reflect the deceased’s personality, passions, or hobbies. You can incorporate meaningful music, photos, special readings, or even display personal items that were important to the deceased. The funeral director can help guide you through creative options for personalization. 10. What should I do if I can’t attend the funeral? If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, consider sending flowers, a sympathy card, or making a charitable donation in the deceased’s honor. If the family holds a memorial service, they may also offer the option to participate virtually, such as through a livestream. It’s always thoughtful to express your condolences in any way possible. Funeral planning can be complex, but understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions can help make the process easier to navigate. Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning your own, it’s important to take the time to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can create a meaningful, respectful ceremony that honors the life and memory of the deceased, while providing comfort to those who are grieving.

April 4, 2025

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and navigating the funeral process can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time making funeral arrangements or you’re unsure about certain aspects of the process, it’s natural to have many questions. Understanding the typical procedures and options available can help ease the burden during this difficult time. Here are some of the most frequently asked funeral questions and their answers to guide you through the process. 1. What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? A funeral typically involves a ceremony held with the body of the deceased present, either before or during burial or cremation. It often includes a viewing or wake, where family and friends can pay their respects. A memorial service , on the other hand, takes place after the body has been buried or cremated and does not involve the presence of the body. Memorial services may be held in various settings, such as homes, churches, or other venues, and can be personalized to reflect the life of the deceased. 2. What is embalming, and is it required? Embalming is a process that involves preserving the body to delay decomposition, usually for viewing purposes. It is not legally required in most places but may be necessary if the body is to be displayed at a public service or transported over long distances. In cases where there will be no viewing, embalming is typically not needed. However, certain states or countries may have regulations about embalming or the timing of burial. It’s important to check with the funeral home to determine what’s required in your area. 3. How much does a funeral cost? The cost of a funeral can vary greatly depending on factors like location, the type of service, and the funeral home you choose. There are options to help manage funeral expenses, such as cremation (which can be less expensive than burial), choosing a less elaborate service, or purchasing a funeral plan in advance. 4. What is cremation, and how does it differ from burial? Cremation involves the process of reducing the body to ashes. Many people choose cremation for its simplicity, lower cost, and flexibility in how the ashes can be kept, scattered, or interred. Some people opt for a cremation memorial service, where the ashes are present but there is no body. Burial , on the other hand, involves placing the body in a casket and then burying it in a cemetery. This option may include the purchase of a grave plot, headstone, and other related services. The choice between cremation and burial depends on personal, cultural, and religious preferences. 5. What are the steps in planning a funeral? Planning a funeral typically involves the following steps: Notify family and friends : Reach out to close family and friends and inform them of the passing. Choose a funeral home : Select a funeral home to help with arrangements, including embalming (if applicable), obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating transportation. Select the type of service : Decide on whether you want a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. You’ll also need to choose the location and any religious or cultural elements to incorporate. Choose a casket or urn : Select a casket for burial or an urn for cremation. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from. Plan the ceremony : Work with the funeral director to plan the service, including music, readings, eulogies, and floral arrangements. Arrange for transportation : The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body to the service and burial or cremation site. 6. Should I pre-plan a funeral? Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice. Many people choose to pre-plan to relieve their loved ones of the burden of making arrangements during a time of grief. Pre-planning allows you to specify your wishes for the service, casket, burial, and other aspects of the funeral, ensuring your desires are respected. Additionally, pre-paying for a funeral can help protect your family from rising costs in the future. However, it’s important to carefully consider pre-planning options, as funeral costs can vary, and you’ll want to ensure that the plan is flexible and fully understood by the family members who will carry out your wishes. 7. What are the options for scattering ashes? If you choose cremation, there are many options for what to do with the ashes: Scattering : Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a location that had significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature spot. Keepsake urns : Some families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a special urn or piece of jewelry. Interment : Ashes can be interred in a family plot or at a cemetery, either in a niche or within a memorial garden. Other creative options : There are many creative options for commemorating the deceased, including turning ashes into diamonds or using them to create a memorial reef. 8. What is a death certificate, and why is it important? A death certificate is an official document issued by a governmental authority that confirms the death of a person. It is essential for handling legal and financial matters, such as settling the deceased’s estate, claiming life insurance, and closing accounts. The funeral home typically assists in obtaining several copies of the death certificate. 9. Can I personalize a funeral service? Absolutely! Many families choose to personalize the funeral service to reflect the deceased’s personality, passions, or hobbies. You can incorporate meaningful music, photos, special readings, or even display personal items that were important to the deceased. The funeral director can help guide you through creative options for personalization. 10. What should I do if I can’t attend the funeral? If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, consider sending flowers, a sympathy card, or making a charitable donation in the deceased’s honor. If the family holds a memorial service, they may also offer the option to participate virtually, such as through a livestream. It’s always thoughtful to express your condolences in any way possible. Funeral planning can be complex, but understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions can help make the process easier to navigate. Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning your own, it’s important to take the time to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can create a meaningful, respectful ceremony that honors the life and memory of the deceased, while providing comfort to those who are grieving.

We learned of an upcoming webinar that will feature Death Care experts Ryan Thogmartin and John Heald.  Legacy.com’s Heald will be joined by Connecting Directors’ Thogmartin and they will discuss how to  unwrap the features of Legacy.com for your funeral home.

Among other things you can expect to learn you will learn:

1. How to control your brand on the Legacy network
2. How to get 100% of flower sales to your funeral home store
3. How to get at-need and pre-need leads

Legacy.com is mis-understood by many in the profession.  However, they get about 44 million page views per year and are a driving force for funeral homes to partner up with to drive leads to their own websites.  According to Similarweb they rank #1 in their category.  Learn some of the myths during this webinar.

The registration form for this webinar says this, “This is your chance to ask the tough questions and get candid answers. Be part of the conversation that could redefine the future of your funeral home.”

The webinar is free of charge and will be held on Wednesday, March 27 at 2:00 pm Eastern Time (1 pm Central Time).

To learn more and/or register click here.

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“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

You might remember flipping through the newspaper obituary section or watching your parents and grandparents do this while telling stories about the familiar names they spotted. In fact, before social media, obituaries were the primary way we kept up with the passing of friends, neighbors, and acquaintances.

Indeed, throughout history, preparing an obituary has held a special place in the traditions used to commemorate the death of a loved one. This unique remembrance allows us to celebrate and honor the deceased, inform the community, preserve family history, and begin the difficult journey through grief.

But times have changed. In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, these tributes have moved online. Fewer people publish obituaries in papers these days. Instead, dozens of sites offer a place to put the information in virtual form.

At first glance, this seems positive since it means the information has a broader audience. And perhaps it would be a good thing if a darker aspect hadn’t arisen. That darker aspect is the rise of fake obituaries in virtual spaces. These fabricated stories, often brimming with misinformation or made-up details, can profoundly impact the families and friends of the deceased. The motivations behind fake obituaries vary, but whatever other reason, the consequences are very real.

Fake Obituaries Make the Journey Through Grief More Difficult

Obituaries serve a crucial purpose. They are a public acknowledgment of a person’s life, a way to share their accomplishments and stories with the world. For those left behind, they can be a source of comfort and a starting point for the healing process. Fake obituaries disrupt this delicate process.

Imagine searching for a loved one’s obituary online, only to find a fabricated story filled with inaccuracies or cruel lies. This can be incredibly upsetting for grieving families, reopening wounds and causing unnecessary emotional distress. Furthermore, fake obituaries can damage the deceased’s reputation, tarnishing their memory in the eyes of their community.

Artificial Intelligence: Less Work, More Misinformation

Ready access to artificial intelligence engines isn’t the cause of misinformation spreading through fake obituaries, but it’s not helping. With just a few keystrokes, an obituary with little regard for accurate information can be created. Websites that make money through online traffic can use fake obituaries to generate clicks. Keywords and dramatic headlines attract attention, which leads to more advertising money. Even more nefarious reasons can also exist — from petty revenge to attention-seeking. In some cases, fake obituaries are linked to online scams. Fraudsters can use fake obituaries to solicit donations or exploit grieving individuals. Regardless of the reason, the impact on those affected is undeniable.

These fabricated stories can be easily shared on social media, amplifying bad information. This can be particularly harmful to public figures or individuals who have passed away under unusual circumstances. It also causes confusion for everyday people and funeral homes that rely on obituaries to get the word out.

Fake obituaries can also erode trust in legitimate sources of information. If people can’t be sure whether an obituary is real, they may be less likely to trust any online obituary altogether. This can make it difficult for grieving families to share their loved one’s story in a way that is both accurate and respectful.

The Fight Against Fake Obituaries

Combating fake obituaries is not simple. It will require a concerted effort from both the funeral industry and consumers.

• Fact-Checking by Funeral Homes and Platforms: Funeral homes are responsible for verifying the information they publish in obituaries. This can be done by requiring documentation, such as death certificates, before publishing an obituary. Online platforms that host obituaries can also play a role by implementing fact-checking measures.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Online platforms should have precise reporting mechanisms for users to flag suspicious obituaries. This will allow them to investigate and take appropriate action, such as removing the fake obituary. If you spot an obituary with inaccurate information, particularly in a trusted publication, report it.
• Legislative Solutions: There are currently no specific laws against fake obituaries. Legal experts believe that existing laws against harassment and defamation could be applied in some instances. In the future, legislators may also consider creating specific laws to address this issue.

Remember the Human Cost

Fake obituaries are about lack of respect for the deceased and their loved ones. These fabricated stories are not harmless pranks; they can have a real and lasting impact on those who are already grieving. By working together, funeral homes, online platforms, and the public can take steps to combat this trend and ensure that obituaries remain a place of truth and remembrance.

Remember that obituaries are not just online articles; they are tributes to real people who lived and loved. They deserve to be treated with respect and accuracy.

How Can You Spot a Fake Obituary?

If you know the person for whom the obituary was written, it may be pretty apparent that it is not real. In most cases, however, you’ll have to look more closely before deciding if an obituary is authentic.

Here are some things to look for:

1. Suspicious Sources: Look for obituaries published in legitimate sources, such as established newspapers or funeral home websites. Be wary of unfamiliar websites with generic names or those with a history of publishing questionable content.
2. Social Media Posts: While social media is a common place to share news of a death, obituaries are typically more detailed and published by a trusted source. Avoid relying solely on a social media post, especially if it seems sensational or lacks specifics.
3. Inconsistent Details: Consider dates, locations, and names closely. Inconsistencies or vague details can be a sign of a fake obituary.
4. Missing Information: Legitimate obituaries typically include basic details about the deceased’s life, such as place of birth, education, and family members. A lack of such information might indicate a fake obituary.
5. Uncharacteristic or Peculiar Tone: Does the obituary’s tone seem out of place? It could be false if it’s overly negative, sensational, or filled with irrelevant details. A genuine obituary should be respectful and offer a factual overview of the deceased’s life.
6. Unverified Fundraising: Beware of obituaries linked to fundraising campaigns, especially those on unfamiliar platforms. Always verify the legitimacy of the fundraiser with the family or a trusted source before donating.
7. Unfamiliar Contact Information: Avoid reaching out if the obituary provides suspicious contact information.

If you’re unsure about an obituary, try to find information about the deceased from other sources, such as news articles or social media posts from verified accounts of friends and family. Don’t hesitate to contact the funeral home listed in the obituary or a trusted family member to confirm the information.

>>Our funeral planner is the perfect place to store information that can be used to create an accurate obituary. Learn More.

>>Learn about Writing An Obituary.