This free stream countdown timer is the easiest way to add a "starting soon" countdown to your stream. Set how long you want to count down, style it with your colors, and drop a clean transparent countdown into OBS as a browser source. When the timer hits zero it switches to your custom "we're live" message. Perfect for Twitch, Kick and YouTube, and it all runs in your browser.
How to add a countdown to OBS
Set your minutes and seconds, pick a style and colors, then press Copy OBS link. In OBS, add a Browser Source, paste the link and set it to 1920 × 1080 (or 1080 × 1920 for a vertical canvas). The countdown starts as soon as the source loads and ticks down live on your stream. Prefer a fixed time? Choose Until a time to count to a set time of day instead. Because the background is transparent, it sits cleanly over your Starting Soon scene or background video.
Twelve clock styles
Choose a progress ring, a big digital readout, a flip clock, LED segments, tiles, a progress bar, neon, pixel, a stopwatch dial, a dot ring, a gauge or a minimal look. Match the colors to your brand with a palette, pick fonts and text effects, and scale the size to fit your scene. Start from 55 ready-made templates — from starting-soon screens and break timers to corner badges and vertical TikTok layouts — or export a WebM countdown video or a PNG.
Starting soon, be right back, intermission
Use it for a pre-stream countdown, a "back in X minutes" break timer, or an intermission clock. Change the title and the end message to fit — for example "Back Soon" counting down to "Back now!".
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a countdown timer to OBS?
Configure the timer here, press Copy OBS link, then add it in OBS as a Browser Source at 1920×1080 (1080×1920 for a vertical canvas). It counts down automatically when the source loads.
Is the countdown background transparent?
Yes, by default the OBS view is fully transparent so only the countdown shows over your scene. You can also pick a solid, gradient or moving background, or one of four illustrated scenes, with optional particles, if you prefer.
What happens when the timer reaches zero?
It switches to your custom end message — for example "We're live!" — so you can transition straight into your stream. You can also keep it at 0:00, count overtime, restart it or fade it out, with confetti or a sound if you like.
Does it work for Twitch, Kick and YouTube?
Yes. It's just a browser source, so it works with OBS, Streamlabs or any software on Twitch, Kick, YouTube and beyond.
Will it keep counting if OBS reloads the source?
By default the countdown starts again from your set duration whenever the source loads, which is ideal for a "starting soon" timer you begin right before going live. Turn on Keep counting if OBS reloads to continue where it was, or count to a set time of day, which a reload never resets.
More free tools for streamers
Browse the full free tools hub — including a Starting Soon screen maker, a giveaway wheel and a webcam overlay maker.
Last updated: October 2026