Use OBS’s Browser Source to place a clock-and-weather panel over a nature scene. Add a hosted overlay by URL or load a local HTML page, set its viewport to the overlay’s intended size, then position it above the footage in the Sources list. A local page can keep the clock itself on the streaming computer, but weather data still needs an internet connection and may depend on an API provider.
Choose an overlay approach
OBS Project describes Browser Source as “one of the most versatile sources available in OBS.” It can display a webpage from a URL or a local file, making it a flexible way to add a changing clock and weather panel. The best choice depends on how much you want to maintain and which external services you are willing to rely on.
| Approach | Useful when | Main dependency | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local HTML clock in Browser Source | You need only a clock and want a simple local page. | The local file and the computer’s clock. | Fewer external dependencies, but you must choose or maintain the HTML page. |
| Local HTML weather widget in Browser Source | You want a configurable weather-and-time panel. | The local file, internet connection, API key, and provider. | Flexible, but weather relies on an external data service and its current terms. |
| Weather overlay plugin | You prefer a packaged plugin and theme approach. | Plugin compatibility and its data source. | Convenient if suitable, but check maintenance, compatibility, and permissions. |
| Hosted overlay URL | You want to avoid maintaining local HTML. | The overlay host and an internet connection. | Easy to add as a URL, but it depends on the host remaining available. |
Community examples illustrate these options rather than serving as official OBS endorsements. A clock-only local HTML page is described in an OBS forum resource. A community weather-and-time widget uses an OpenWeatherMap API key, city, and units, with options for time-only, temperature-only, or combined display (example repository). Another sample uses WeatherAPI and says it refreshes every 10 minutes (example repository). Those examples do not establish current API pricing, quotas, or terms; check the provider’s current conditions before relying on an API for a continuous stream.
A separate OBS forum listing describes a third-party weather plugin that fetches OpenWeather data, supports custom HTML/CSS/JS themes, and renders through Browser Source. Confirm its compatibility with your OBS version and review its maintenance activity and permissions before relying on it in a 24/7 broadcast.
#1 Best Overall
- Flexible TAO Cloud Activation – Unlock premium functions via monthly or lifetime plans (not exceeding $100 total lifetime cost). Choose and pay only for the features you need, including PTZ control, Record and Chroma key, logo overlay .
- Step for ACTIVATION – Upgrade your Mini V3 to the LASTEST FRIMWARE before use. Connect the device to the internet with a Ethernet network cable. On the menu of Mini V3, go to Settings → IP Setting, enable DHCP, and wait for the device to receive an IP address. Then go to Settings → TAO Cloud, follow on‑screen instructions to get a verification code, log in to your TAO Cloud account, and bind the Mini V3. For full details, see the USER MANUAL.
- Compact 4K Video Switcher – Mini V3 features 4× HDMI inputs, 2 x1080P HDMI output, a 2.1" touch screen, and professional T-bar control, making it the ideal video switcher for live streaming and multi-cam productions.
- Dual HDMI Output & UVC Webcam Mode – Stream with dual HDMI outputs for program and preview, or connect via UVC for instant webcam recognition on YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms. Perfect as an HDMI switcher and 4K switcher. NOTE: For stable UVC streaming with OBS on Mac or PC, use the included USB 3.0 cable.
- HD Recording & Creative Effects – Record directly to USB drives up to 2TB, add PIP layouts, chroma key overlays, and 15 transition effects. Recording and selected advanced features are activated via optional TAO Cloud licensing. A versatile video switcher with touch screen 2.1" for entry-level content creation.
Add the overlay in OBS
- Select the scene: In OBS, choose the scene containing your nature footage.
- Add a Browser Source: In the Sources dock, select +, then Browser. OBS documents Browser Source as able to load either a webpage URL or a local file; see the Browser Source guide.
- Choose the page: Paste the hosted overlay URL, or enable the local-file option and select the HTML file. A local file keeps the page itself on the streaming computer. If it calls a weather API, the weather request still requires network access and the external service.
- Set the viewport: Enter the width and height that match the overlay’s designed canvas or intended bounding area. OBS’s Browser Source default viewport is 800 by 600, so check the dimensions rather than assuming they match your video canvas. Crop or resize only as needed for the design.
- Place it above the footage: Drag the Browser Source into position in the preview. In the Sources list, put it above the nature video; sources higher in the list appear on top of lower sources, as explained in OBS’s Sources Guide.
- Check the details: Preview the scene and verify the clock’s time zone and 12- or 24-hour format, plus the weather location and units. These choices depend on the overlay; the cited community widget, for example, exposes location, units, and clock-format settings.
For a calm documentary-style scene, keep the panel compact and readable: use strong contrast, restrained opacity or a small background plate, and enough padding from the frame edge. These are design recommendations, not an official OBS preset.
Make the overlay suitable for a continuous stream
A 24/7 broadcast needs more than a panel that looks correct in a brief preview. Check the page’s behavior after a lost network connection and an OBS restart, and confirm whether the clock or weather resumes on its own. No long-duration reliability test of the community examples described here is established.
Rank #2
- BUILT-IN 4.5-INCH MULTIVIEW DISPLAY: Monitor all four HDMI inputs, Program, Preview, resolution status, and audio levels directly on the integrated screen. The compact all-in-one design reduces the need for a separate production monitor.
- 4-CHANNEL HDMI SWITCHING: Connect and switch between up to four HDMI video sources with 30 adjustable transition effects, including Mix and DIP. Landscape and portrait production modes support traditional broadcasts and vertical social media content.
- PTZ CONTROL AND PRODUCTION TOOLS: Control up to four compatible PTZ cameras through VISCA over IP, with four position presets available for each camera. Chroma key, luma key, PIP, DSK, and logo overlay tools help create polished live productions.
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- FLEXIBLE VIDEO AND AUDIO WORKFLOW: Assign the AUX HDMI output to IN1–IN4, PGM, Clean PGM, PVW, Clean PVW, PAT, or Multi View for recording and monitoring. Two 3.5 mm audio inputs and a headphone output support external audio sources and real-time monitoring.
- Keep the source available: OBS Browser Source includes a “Shutdown source when not visible” option that unloads the page while hidden. Leave the source visible if the overlay must remain active. Browser Source also has controls to refresh its cache and to refresh when a scene becomes active; see the OBS Browser Source guide.
- Account for external dependencies: A hosted page depends on its host and your internet connection. A local HTML page avoids that host dependency for the page itself, but an API-based weather widget still needs the network and its data provider.
- Plan a fallback: If weather data stops loading, consider a clock-only display or a static location label so a broken data request does not leave an empty or confusing panel.
- Recheck provider terms: API quotas and terms can change. Verify the current provider requirements before leaving a weather integration running continuously.
Troubleshoot common overlay problems
- The overlay is blank or clipped: Check that the URL or local file path is correct, then compare the Browser Source width and height with the page’s intended canvas.
- The overlay is behind the footage: Move its Browser Source above the video source in the Sources list.
- The clock or weather disappears after a scene change: Check whether “Shutdown source when not visible” is enabled and review the source’s refresh settings.
- The weather is missing while the clock still works: The page may load locally while its weather request fails. Check internet access, the configured API key, location, units, and the provider’s current service requirements.
- The time or temperature looks wrong: Confirm the overlay’s time zone, 12/24-hour choice, location, and unit settings.
- A plugin stops working after an OBS update: Verify its current OBS compatibility and maintenance status rather than assuming a third-party plugin will continue to work.
Or let it run in the cloud
OBS is the do-it-yourself route for building and maintaining the overlay, and it requires a streaming computer to run the scene. For a YouTube channel that should keep looping uploaded nature footage when your computer is off, StreamNeo runs the video stream from the cloud. Upload the recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live.
- Nothing has to stay on at home for the stream to continue.
- Your upload streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot rather than quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card; it is one free day per account.
- The monthly option is $9.99 per month.
StreamNeo keeps uploaded video live on YouTube; it does not stream from a camera. If you want to try that cloud setup, start with the free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The FEELWORLD L1 PLUS is a mini live switcher that is easy to carry around. It has a 2-inch TFT touch screen with iconized touch screen control, and can also monitor the input signal
- PTZ camera to control the screen focus; LOGO overlay, chroma keying to create a wonderful studio. Five-way joystick, easy to control PTZ rotation, picture-in-picture position, logo overlay size
- USB 2.0 real-time recording; USB 3.0 fast push streaming, simple and easy to use, making live broadcasting more convenient
- FEELWORLD L1 PLUS 14 transitions and 8 PIP modes to bring the live feed to life and T-Bar to easily switch transitions and sources
- Support HDMI embedded audio and external audio mixing, support audio delay adjustment；Remote control via PC/smartphone APP
Rank #3
- ONE-TOUCH MACRO & CUSTOM HOTKEYS: Eliminate repetitive tasks instantly. Launch apps, files, system commands, or input text/GIFs with a single press. Create multi-step workflows (e.g., stream setup, editing shortcuts) without coding.
- 10 LCD KEYS & 4 SMART KNOBS: Fully customizable with GIF-supported icons. Features 10 LCD keys, 4 RGB backlit knobs (with touch displays), and an editable TouchBar per scene for unlimited layout and dynamic visual control.
- 500+ PLUGIN ECOSYSTEM: Seamlessly integrate with OBS, Discord, Spotify, and more. Includes utilities like clock, weather, and calendar for all productivity and streaming needs.
- PREMIUM BUILD WITH DESKTOP HUB: Carbon-fiber-like overlay with toggleable key haptics. Built-in 2Ă— USB 3.0 + 1Ă— USB-C non-powered hub for style and practicality.
- ERGONOMIC & PLUG-AND-PLAY: Includes an adjustable stand for optimal viewing. Cross-platform support for Windows 10+ and macOS 11.0+ via USB-C for instant setup.
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