Twitch Starting Soon Countdown Timer

Common uses for a twitch starting soon countdown timer

Twitch stream start
YouTube live intro
Gaming stream setup
Pre-show countdown
Live event intro

A starting-soon countdown is the pre-stream screen that tells arriving viewers exactly when the broadcast begins. This 10-minute countdown gives your existing followers time to see the notification, click, and arrive before the stream starts. During the countdown, chat is open — viewers can warm up, ask questions, and build anticipation. The 60-second warning signals you to complete final setup: check audio levels, camera framing, and browser source layout before going fully live. Streamers using a consistent starting-soon timer report higher concurrent viewer counts at stream start versus going live immediately.

Ten minutes is the most common starting-soon timer duration on Twitch and YouTube. It balances giving viewers time to arrive against the risk of losing momentum from a long pre-show wait. Adjust to 5 minutes for smaller channels or 15 minutes for larger communities.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I display this on my stream?

Add the timer page as a Browser Source in OBS or Streamlabs. Set the URL to this page, size to your overlay dimensions, and position over your starting soon screen.

What is the best starting soon timer length?

10 minutes is the most common. Use 5 minutes for small channels or spontaneous streams; use 15 minutes if you have a large community that needs more time to gather.

Should I interact with chat during the countdown?

Yes — engaging with early viewers during the pre-stream countdown builds anticipation and rewards viewers who arrive early.

Can I customize the color to match my stream branding?

Adjust the countdown color in the settings panel to match your stream's color scheme.

Does this work as an OBS browser source?

Yes. Add the timer URL as a browser source at 1920×1080. The countdown displays cleanly as an overlay element.

What should I do during the final 60-second warning?

Mute your mic briefly to check audio levels, verify your camera is properly framed, and confirm your scene is set for the opening segment.

Can I use this for YouTube live streams?

Yes. The starting-soon countdown format works across all live streaming platforms including YouTube, Kick, and Facebook Live.

Does this work offline?

Once loaded, yes — but you'll need internet for the actual stream, so this is primarily a convenience.