How to Set Up Twitch Overlays in OBS

The best thing about streaming from a computer is the ability to be able to add overlays to your live streams. Having a unique design can really help your channel stand out, whilst reaffirming your brands theme or colour scheme. But how do you add them? This article will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up overlays in OBS.

How to Set Up Twitch Overlays in OBS

Whether you are adding overlays from assets such as overlay packs, or you have some built online using services such as StreamElements, the process is going to be very similar and easy to follow. Firstly, you are going to want to add a new scene to OBS by clicking the + on the scenes dock. Once your first scene is created, you can start adding your source and overlays. Once you have your first scene, you can start adding your overlays;

Step 1: Click the + icon in the bottom right of your sources section.

Step 2: Select the type of source you want to add. For example; static backgrounds will be Image, animated backgrounds will be Media Source. Now click OK.

Step 3: A properties window for the new source should now be on screen. If you are adding an image or media source, click browse.

Step 4: Locate the folder which includes your stream assets and select the file you need for the scene you are creating, then click open (if you have an overlay pack, you may have to unzip the pack folder first).

Step 5: Click OK in the properties window and resize/move your asset to where you need it.

Step 6:  Repeat the process until your scene is complete.

If your overlays are built online using services like StreamElements, simply copy the link from the overlay URL and add the image as a Browser source. You can learn more about how to add browser sources in my article, How to Set Up Twitch Alerts in OBS.

Where to Get Twitch Overlays

If you don’t have Twitch overlays already, you can find them in the following places:

• OWN3D – this platform is known for its wide range of graphics for streamers including Twitch overlays.
• Nerd or Die – with graphics and overlays that appeal to a range of different streamers, you are likely to find something that will match the personality of your channel and community.
• Fiverr – if you want something that is custom, you can find a designer on Fiverr, an online marketplace for freelancers.

Different Types of Twitch Overlays

No matter what content you create on your channel, you can create an overlay perfect for you. Here is a list of ten different types of overlays for you to think about!

1. Cam – An overlay to make your camera stand out. As simple as this may sound, there are all sorts of things you can do with a cam border. Whether it’s changing color with interactions like follows and subscriptions, to simply adding a mask filter and making your camera a different shape entirely – this overlay can really add a unique design to your stream.

2. Chatting – An overlay designed for just chatting segments. Often this will feature a large camera, an interesting background, and your Twitch chat displayed on the scene. These types of overlays are great for building viewer interaction.

3. Alerts – An overlay that displays when someone interacts with your stream, such as following the channel. Great for celebrating and giving thanks to the people who do interact.

4. Labels – An overlay used to display metrics/labels. These overlays are great for displaying recent events, like follows or donation goals, on your channel for a longer period of time.

5. Gaming – An overlay used for gameplay. This overlay can be anything from simply just a capture of the game you are playing, to what is referred to as a community gameplay scene. Community gameplay scenes are often used by backbox streamers. These types of overlays display a smaller gameplay window, metrics/labels, and your Twitch chat.

6. Socials – An overlay used to display your social media account names. This overlay could be something as simple as an asset rotator, which cycles through the names of your socials – adding a somewhat animated feel.

7. Sponsored – An overlay used to display sponsors’ logos and images. Often seen on a sponsored stream, but can sometimes be seen in an asset rotator cycling through multiple sponsors.

8. Starting Soon – An overlay used for starting a stream. Normally this will be something simple like a header that says ‘Starting Soon’, a timer, and your Twitch chat, though more and more streamers have been displaying their camera with a blur effect in these overlays.

9. Be Right Back – An Overlay used for taking a short break! A simple overlay displaying a header that says ‘Be Right Back’ and your Twitch chat.

10. Ending – An overlay used to show that stream is ending. Another simple overlay, in the style of your be right back or starting soon overlays, used the same as a credits reel.