How to Create a Twitch Starting Soon Screen with Timer

Your "Starting Soon" screen is the first thing viewers see when they join your Twitch stream early. A professional setup with countdown timer can increase viewer retention by 34% and sets the tone for stream quality. Here's how to create one from scratch.

What is a Twitch Starting Soon Screen?

A "Starting Soon" screen is a pre-stream scene that displays before you begin broadcasting your main content. It typically includes:

• Countdown timer showing when stream starts
• Stream schedule or today's topic
• Your branding (logo, channel name)
• Social media handles
• Chat engagement prompts
• Background music or animation

Purpose: Gather audience, build anticipation, provide information while you prepare.

Duration: Typically 1-3 minutes before transitioning to live content.

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Method 1: Complete DIY Setup (Free, 30 Minutes)

Step 1: Generate Countdown Timer

Using CreateTimer (Fastest):

1. Visit CreateTimer.com
2. Configure settings: Duration: 180 seconds (3 minutes) Resolution: 1920x1080 Background: Your brand color or #1a1a1a (dark gray) Text Color: High contrast (white if dark BG) Font: Bold, sans-serif
3. Optional: Add title text like "STARTING SOON"
4. Generate and download MP4

Result: Professional countdown video ready for OBS

Step 2: Gather Additional Assets

What You Need:

1. Logo/Channel Banner:
2. PNG format with transparent background

3. Recommended size: 400x400px (logo) or 1920x400px (banner)

4. Background (Optional):

5. Static image: 1920x1080px
6. Or: Animated background video (loop-able)

7. Or: Solid color

8. Music (Optional but Recommended):

9. Royalty-free track from YouTube Audio Library
10. Or: Epidemic Sound, StreamBeats
11. Duration: 3-5 minutes (or loop-able)
12. Upbeat, matches your content vibe

Step 3: Create Scene in OBS

OBS Studio Setup:

1. Create New Scene:
2. Click "+" under Scenes

3. Name it "Starting Soon"

4. Add Background (Bottom Layer):

5. Sources → "+" → Image or Video
6. Browse to background file

7. Right-click → Transform → Fit to Screen

8. Add Countdown Timer:

9. Sources → "+" → Media Source
10. Name: "Countdown"
11. Browse to CreateTimer MP4
12. ❌ Uncheck "Loop"

13. ✅ Check "Restart playback when source becomes active"

14. Add Logo/Branding:

15. Sources → "+" → Image
16. Browse to logo PNG
17. Position (typically top-center or top-left)

18. Resize (hold Shift for proportional scaling)

19. Add Text Elements:

Stream Title/Topic: Source: Text (GDI+) Content: "Today: Playing New Game Release" Font: Bold, 48-60pt Position: Below countdown or top of screen Color: Match brand

Chat Prompt: Source: Text (GDI+) Content: "Chat is live! Where are you watching from? 🌍" Font: Medium, 32-40pt Position: Bottom third Color: Complementary to brand

Social Media: Source: Text (GDI+) Content: "🐦 @YourTwitter | 📷 @YourInsta | 📺 YouTube.com/YourChannel" Font: Regular, 24-30pt Position: Bottom of screen Color: White or brand color

1. Add Background Music (Optional):
2. Sources → "+" → Media Source
3. Browse to music file
4. ✅ Check "Loop"
5. Adjust volume in Audio Mixer (-18db to -24db recommended)

Step 4: Layer Order (Top to Bottom)

Sources Panel Order:
1. Text: Chat prompt (top layer, appears in front)
2. Text: Social media handles
3. Text: Stream title/topic
4. Image: Logo/branding
5. Media: Countdown timer
6. Image/Video: Background
7. Media: Background music (audio only)

Why Order Matters: Elements at the top appear in front of elements below.

Step 5: Test the Scene

1. Click "Start Virtual Camera" or "Start Streaming" (test stream)
2. Verify countdown plays from 3:00 to 0:00
3. Check all text is readable (test on phone if possible)
4. Confirm audio levels (music not too loud)
5. Ensure countdown doesn't loop after ending

Total Time: 30 minutes first time, 5 minutes with template saved

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Method 2: Using StreamElements (Cloud-Based)

Step 1: Create Overlay in StreamElements

1. Log in to StreamElements
2. Dashboard → My Overlays
3. "Create New Overlay"

4. Select "Starting Soon" template

5. Add Countdown Widget:

6. Widgets → Timer/Countdown
7. Drag to canvas
8. Set duration: 180 seconds (3 minutes)

9. Customize appearance: Font: Bold, large Color: Match brand Animation: Pulse or static

10. Add Text Layers:

11. Widgets → Text

12. Add multiple text layers:

    • "STARTING SOON"
    • Stream topic
    • Social media
    • Chat prompts

13. Add Logo:

14. Widgets → Image
15. Upload your logo

16. Position and resize

17. Choose Theme:

18. StreamElements has 20+ pre-made themes

19. Or build custom from scratch

20. Save Overlay:

21. Get overlay URL

Step 2: Add to OBS

1. OBS Sources:
2. Add → Browser Source
3. Name: "SE Starting Soon"
4. URL: [Paste StreamElements overlay URL]
5. Width: 1920
6. Height: 1080

7. ✅ Check "Refresh browser when scene becomes active"

8. Control Countdown:

9. StreamElements dashboard (browser or mobile app)
10. Start timer when going live
11. OBS displays countdown in real-time

Pros: - Cloud-based (edit from anywhere) - No file management - Real-time updates - Mobile app control

Cons: - Requires internet during stream - Potential lag or loading issues - Free tier has limited themes

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Method 3: Pre-Made Template (Quickest)

Using Canva (Simplified)

1. Canva Starting Soon Template:
2. Search "Twitch Starting Soon" in Canva
3. Choose free template
4. Customize with your colors/logo

5. Export as video (MP4) or image (PNG)

6. Add Countdown Separately:

7. Generate countdown at CreateTimer
8. Layer countdown over Canva template in OBS

Time: 10-15 minutes

Limitations: Less customization than full DIY

Using Fiverr/Etsy

Purchase Pre-Made: - Fiverr: $5-$50 for custom Starting Soon package - Etsy: $3-$15 for instant download templates - Includes: PSD/After Effects files for editing

Best For: Non-designers who want professional results

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Design Best Practices

Visual Hierarchy

Primary (Largest/Central): Countdown timer Secondary: "STARTING SOON" text or stream topic Tertiary: Logo, social media, chat prompts

80/20 Rule: 80% of screen focused on countdown, 20% supporting elements

Color Psychology

High-Energy Streams (Gaming, Entertainment):

Background: Dark (#0d0d0d to #1a1a1a)
Countdown: Bright (#FFFFFF, #00FFFF, #FF6600)
Accent: Brand color

Chill/Creative Streams:

Background: Medium gray or gradient
Countdown: Soft bright (#FFE6F0, #E6F0FF)
Accent: Pastel brand colors

Professional/Educational:

Background: Clean white or soft gray
Countdown: Bold dark (#000000, #2C3E50)
Accent: Professional blue/teal

Typography Guidelines

Countdown Timer: - Font: Impact, Bebas Neue, Montserrat ExtraBold - Size: 120-180pt - Weight: Bold or ExtraBold

Supporting Text: - Font: Match countdown or complementary - "STARTING SOON": 60-80pt - Stream topic: 40-50pt - Social media: 28-36pt

Readability Rule: Test on phone screen (60% of Twitch mobile viewers)

Animation Considerations

Subtle is Better:

Good: - Countdown pulse (scale 100% → 105% → 100%) - Gentle background particle effects - Smooth color transitions

Bad: - Spinning text - Flashing lights (accessibility issue) - Distracting animations that compete with countdown

Performance: Heavy animations = CPU usage = potential stream lag

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Audio Strategy

Background Music Selection

Characteristics: - Royalty-free (avoid copyright strikes) - Upbeat but not overwhelming - Matches stream vibe (EDM for gaming, lo-fi for creative) - Loop-able (seamless repeat)

Volume Levels:

Background music: -20db to -24db
Countdown beeps (if used): -12db to -18db
Your microphone (when you start): -6db to -12db

Fade Out: Music should fade when transitioning to live content (avoid jarring cuts)

Sound Effects

Final Countdown Beeps: - Last 10 seconds: Beep every second - Or: Last 3 seconds only - Rising pitch = building urgency

Transition Sound: - Whoosh or impact sound at 0:00 - Signals "here we go!" - 1-2 seconds maximum

Sources: - YouTube Audio Library (free, safe) - Freesound.org (Creative Commons) - Zapsplat (free with attribution)

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Mobile-Friendly Design

Critical Considerations

Twitch Mobile Stats: - 65% of viewers use mobile - Vertical orientation common (portrait mode) - Smaller screens = harder to read

Optimization Checklist: - [ ] Countdown timer minimum 120pt font - [ ] High contrast (4.5:1 ratio minimum) - [ ] Nothing critical in corners (UI overlap) - [ ] Test on actual phone (Twitch app) - [ ] Avoid tiny details that don't scale

Portrait Mode Testing

How to Test: 1. Stream to private/test stream 2. View on phone in portrait mode 3. Check if countdown is readable 4. Verify social media text visible 5. Adjust sizing if needed

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Advanced Features

Multi-Language Support

For International Audiences:

Option 1: Universal Design

┌────────────────────────┐
│   STARTING SOON        │
│   BIENTÔT LE DÉBUT     │
│   BEGINNT BALD         │
│                        │
│       2:45             │
└────────────────────────┘

Option 2: Symbol-Based - Use countdown numbers only (universal) - Clock icon 🕐 instead of "minutes" - Minimize text reliance

Interactive Elements (Visual Only)

Not Actually Interactive, But Looks Engaging:

"Press START" Button: - Animated button graphic - Pulsing effect - Adds gaming aesthetic

Health Bar "Loading":

STREAM LOADING: [████████░░] 80%

"Players Joining" Counter:

Viewers in Chat: [Realtime count]

Implementation: Use Text sources with manual updates or API integration

Dynamic Countdown (Real-Time Clock)

Show Actual Start Time:

Instead of countdown, display:

STREAM STARTS AT:
8:00 PM EST

With real-time clock updating.

Why: Avoids confusion if stream delayed

Implementation: Browser source with JavaScript displaying system time

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Countdown Too Long

Problem: 10+ minute Starting Soon screen

Result: Viewers leave, "is this actually starting?"

Solution: 2-3 minutes maximum for regular streams

❌ No Information

Problem: Just countdown, no context

Result: Viewers don't know what to expect

Solution: Include stream topic, schedule, engagement prompt

❌ Audio Mismatch

Problem: Starting Soon music loud, stream content quiet

Result: Viewers adjust volume, miss beginning

Solution: Test full transition, normalize audio levels

❌ Forgetting to Switch Scenes

Problem: Countdown ends, still on Starting Soon screen

Result: Extremely unprofessional, confused viewers

Solution: Set phone alarm for 30 seconds before go-live time

❌ Cluttered Design

Problem: Too much text, too many elements

Result: Overwhelming, hard to focus

Solution: Minimalism. Countdown + 3-4 key pieces of info maximum.

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Workflow Automation

Using Advanced Scene Switcher (OBS Plugin)

Auto-Switch After Countdown:

1. Install Advanced Scene Switcher plugin

2. Configuration: Macro: IF scene "Starting Soon" active AND time elapsed > 180 seconds THEN switch to scene "Live - Main"

3. Countdown ends → automatic transition

Benefit: Never forget to switch scenes

Stream Deck Integration

Physical Button Control:

• Button 1: Switch to "Starting Soon"
• Button 2: Switch to "Main"
• Button 3: Switch to "BRB"

Elgato Stream Deck: - 6-32 buttons depending on model - $79-$249 - Worth investment for frequent streamers

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Troubleshooting

Issue: Countdown Doesn't Start

Causes: - Media source not set to restart on activation - File path broken - Countdown video corrupted

Solutions: 1. Right-click media source → Properties → ✅ Restart playback 2. Re-browse to file location 3. Re-download countdown video

Issue: Text Not Readable

Cause: Low contrast, font too small, poor color choice

Solution: 1. Increase font size (+50%) 2. Change text color (pure white or pure black) 3. Add drop shadow or outline effect 4. Test on mobile device

Issue: Countdown Loops

Cause: Loop setting enabled

Solution: - Media Source properties → ❌ Uncheck "Loop"

Issue: Scene Laggy/Choppy

Causes: - Too many animated elements - Browser source CPU usage - OBS encoding overload

Solutions: 1. Simplify scene (remove animations) 2. Use pre-rendered video instead of browser sources 3. Lower OBS canvas resolution 4. Close unnecessary apps

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Templates & Resources

Free Starting Soon Templates

Nerd or Die: - Free OBS overlay templates - Clean, professional designs - Easy customization

Own3D.tv: - Free tier includes basic Starting Soon scenes - Premium tier ($12/month) has 100+ options

StreamerSquare: - Community-made free templates - Download PSD or OBS scene collections

Countdown Generators

CreateTimer: - Generate free countdown - 720p free, 1080p PRO ($7/month) - 60-second generation

After Effects: - Unlimited customization - Requires Adobe CC subscription - 2-3 hour creation time

Music Resources

Free: - YouTube Audio Library - StreamBeats by Harris Heller - Pretzel Rocks (Twitch-safe)

Paid: - Epidemic Sound ($15/month) - Artlist ($16/month) - Soundstripe ($15/month)

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Quick Setup Checklist

Before Your First Stream with Starting Soon:

• [ ] Countdown video generated (2-3 minutes)
• [ ] Logo/branding assets prepared (PNG format)
• [ ] Background selected (image or video)
• [ ] Text layers created (stream topic, socials)
• [ ] Background music added (royalty-free)
• [ ] Audio levels tested (music not overpowering)
• [ ] All layers ordered correctly (top to bottom)
• [ ] Scene tested (countdown plays fully)
• [ ] Mobile readability confirmed
• [ ] Hotkey or transition plan set
• [ ] Alarm/reminder to switch scenes

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Measuring Success

Key Metrics to Track

Twitch Analytics:

1. Average Viewers (First 10 Minutes):
2. Compare streams with/without Starting Soon

3. Target: 20-35% increase with Starting Soon

4. Chat Activity During Countdown:

5. Messages per minute

6. Higher = better engagement

7. Viewer Retention:

8. How many who join during countdown stay?

9. Target: 80%+ retention into main content

10. New Followers During Countdown:

11. Professional setup = higher conversion
12. Track in Twitch Dashboard

A/B Testing

Week 1-2: Use Starting Soon screen Week 3-4: Start stream immediately (no countdown)

Compare: - Average concurrent viewers - Peak viewers - Follower growth - Chat engagement

Data-Driven Decision: Choose method that performs better for YOUR audience

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Conclusion

A professional Twitch Starting Soon screen with countdown timer takes 30 minutes to set up and delivers measurable improvements in viewer retention and engagement.

Start Today: 1. Generate 3-minute countdown at CreateTimer 2. Create "Starting Soon" scene in OBS 3. Add logo, text, music 4. Test before next stream 5. Monitor analytics to confirm improvement

Remember: Your Starting Soon screen is a promise of quality content ahead. Make it count by being clear, professional, and engaging.

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Related Articles: - Best Countdown Timer for Twitch Streams 2025 - OBS Countdown Timer Setup for Twitch Streamers - Free Countdown Timer for Twitch Overlays