A first video messaging service, running on top of an operating system in a data processing system, automatically presents a first video message. After using the first video messaging service to present the first video message, the data processing system automatically determines whether the first video messaging service has become nonfunctional. In response to determining that the first video messaging service has become nonfunctional, the data processing system automatically uses a backup video messaging service to present a second video message. The backup video messaging service operates in a boot environment. In one embodiment, the data processing system is configured to provide digital signage, the first video messaging service presents content for the digital signage when the operating system is operational, and the second video messaging service presents content for the digital signage when the operating system is nonfunctional. Other embodiments are described and claimed.