Timers and countdowns for your stream
Use any of our timers or countdowns as an OBS overlay: a “Starting soon” countdown before you go live, a break timer, a bomb for a chat challenge or the countdown to the next holiday.
Pick your overlay
Choose a timer, set the time and either open it in its own window or copy the link for a Browser Source. The overlay fills the whole window and shows no ads.
Add it to OBS
- Pick a timer above. For countdowns, also set the minutes and seconds.
- Browser Source: click “Copy link”, then in OBS click + under Sources, choose “Browser” and paste the link into the URL field.
- Set the width and height of the source (800 × 600 is a good start) and click OK.
- To start, pause or reset the timer while you're live, right-click the source, choose “Interact” and use the buttons.
- Prefer a window? Click “Open stream window”, then add a “Window Capture” source in OBS and choose that window.
Tip: run a 5- or 10-minute timer as your “Starting soon” screen before you go live. Viewers who arrive early know exactly when the stream begins.
Questions & answers
Does this work with Streamlabs, Twitch Studio or vMix?
Yes. Any streaming app that can show a browser source or capture a window works the same way.
Does the timer stay accurate when I switch scenes?
Yes. It counts against your computer's clock, so it doesn't fall behind while other scenes are on screen. Just leave “Shutdown source when not visible” unticked in the Browser Source settings.
Do I need an account or a download?
No. Copy the link or open the window and start. There is nothing to install or pay for.
Can my viewers use the same timer?
Yes. Share the normal timer page in chat and anyone can run it in their own browser.
Want the same timer on a website or blog? Embed a timer