If you’ve ever tuned into a live stream, you’ve likely seen a “stream starting soon” screen. It’s become a staple of modern streaming. But did you know that a clean, customizable countdown timer can make your entire setup feel next-level? Whether you're going live on Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Gaming, there’s a simple way to look polished and prepared, it's called OBS Countdown.
This easy-to-use web tool allows you to generate professional countdown overlays you can drop straight into OBS Studio or any software that supports browser sources. With no installations and zero coding, you'll be streaming like a pro in minutes.
Why Use a Countdown Timer for Streaming?
Before your main content begins, a countdown gives viewers time to join the stream, settle in, and get excited. It also gives you a buffer, those crucial few minutes to check audio levels, fix lighting, or grab a drink.
But more than that, a countdown timer for OBS makes your channel feel organized. It sets a professional tone, improves viewer retention, and reduces awkward silence at the start of your show.
What Is OBS Countdown?
OBS Countdown is a free browser-based tool designed to help streamers quickly create and customize countdown overlays. Instead of building a timer from scratch or relying on clunky plugins, you simply generate a live countdown link and add it as a browser source in OBS.
There’s no software to install. The interface is clean and responsive, and everything is updated in real-time. It’s perfect for streamers at all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
Key Features of OBS Countdown
- Fast Setup – Create a timer and add it to your OBS scene in under 60 seconds.
- Live Synchronization – Changes update instantly, no need to refresh or reload OBS.
- Customizable Style – Choose fonts, colors, layout, and even background images.
- Responsive Design – Works great on mobile, tablet, and desktop browsers.
- Zero Downloads – 100% online, just generate a link and go live.
How It Works
Using OBS Countdown is incredibly simple:
- Go to the OBS Countdown Dashboard.
- Set your countdown duration and customize the design.
- Copy the provided browser source URL.
- Paste it into a browser source in OBS or your streaming software.
- Hit “Start Streaming” with confidence!
Your viewers will see a clean, real-time countdown overlay that matches your stream’s branding.
Why It’s Better Than Built-in Timers or Templates
Sure, you could use a pre-made “starting soon” screen. But those often come with fixed times, static text, and no flexibility. OBS Countdown gives you complete control, change the timer on the fly, adjust the style mid-stream, and reuse it across multiple shows.
Plus, unlike local timers, this one won’t crash or go out of sync. Everything is cloud-powered and optimized for live streaming environments.
Perfect for Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and More
OBS Countdown works with any platform that supports OBS browser sources. That includes:
- Twitch
- YouTube Live
- Kick
- Facebook Gaming
- Trovo
- Even Zoom or webinar tools, if you want to run a countdown before going live!
Wherever you stream, your audience will see a countdown that’s synced, sharp, and on-brand.
Custom Styling to Match Your Stream
You don’t want your stream to look like everyone else’s, and with OBS Countdown, it won’t. Choose from multiple layout options, fonts, countdown styles, and even animated backgrounds. You can upload your own images or keep it minimal with text-only timers.
It’s ideal for gaming channels, music performances, podcasts, educational streams, charity events, or anything else that benefits from a strong, well-designed intro.
Mobile-Friendly Dashboard
Need to adjust your timer without alt-tabbing or disrupting your OBS scene? You can control your countdown directly from your phone or tablet. The OBS Countdown configurator is mobile-optimized so you can tweak the timer duration, colors, or text on the fly, even mid-broadcast.
This is especially useful for solo streamers or creators managing everything on their own.
Ideal for Beginners and Pros Alike
If you're just getting started with OBS, you’ll appreciate how fast and beginner-friendly the setup is. If you’re a professional, you’ll love the advanced styling options and ability to control the overlay remotely.
No matter your experience level, OBS Countdown helps you kick off every stream with a bang.
Start Strong, Stay Professional
Your stream deserves more than a blank screen or silence before the action begins. With OBS Countdown, you give your audience a reason to stay, and keep coming back. Every second before you go live is a chance to build excitement, promote your brand, and show viewers that your content is worth their time.
So the next time someone sees “stream starting soon” on your channel, they’ll know it’s not just another screen, it’s a sign that they’re in for something great.
Try OBS Countdown Today
Ready to create your own custom countdown timer? Visit the OBS Countdown configurator now and generate your overlay in seconds. It's fast, it's free, and it works right out of the box.
Don’t just stream, stream with style.