DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
24/7 streaming

How to Add a Clock and Ticker to an OBS 24/7 YouTube Stream

Use an OBS Browser Source to add a local or hosted clock-and-ticker overlay, check its time zone and visibility settings, and test it before your YouTube broadcast.

By DocumentaryTube Team 5 min read

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Add a clock and ticker to an OBS 24/7 YouTube stream with a Browser Source: load a local HTML overlay or a hosted overlay URL, set the source’s width and height for your layout, and position it in your scene. OBS’s Browser Source can display web pages directly in a scene, with a transparent background by default.

Choose a local or hosted overlay

OBS Browser Source can load either a webpage on your computer or a URL. Both approaches put the clock and ticker into the OBS scene as a browser-based overlay; the right choice depends on where the overlay is built and how you want to update its content.

Option How it works Best fit
Local HTML OBS loads an HTML file from your computer. You have a local page that renders the clock and ticker and want to avoid relying on a hosted overlay page.
Hosted overlay OBS loads a URL supplied by an overlay provider or your web app. You want to configure the overlay through a web service, if its controls support the clock, ticker, and styling you need.

OBS is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux through official packages. Its Browser Source help page documents both local-file and URL modes. OBS Browser Source documentation

Add the overlay as a Browser Source

  1. Prepare the overlay. For a local overlay, create or obtain an HTML page that renders both the clock and ticker. For a hosted overlay, get its URL and check the provider’s instructions for editing ticker text, clock format, timezone, speed, and colors.
  2. Open the scene that will be on air. In OBS, select the scene where the overlay should appear. In the Sources panel, select + and choose Browser to create a Browser Source.
  3. Name the source and choose its input. For a local page, enable Local file and browse to the HTML file. For a hosted overlay, leave Local file disabled and enter the overlay URL in the URL field.
  4. Set the viewport. Enter a width and height that fit the overlay’s intended layout and your stream canvas. OBS’s documented Browser Source defaults are 800 by 600 pixels, so adjust them if that does not suit your design.
  5. Confirm the display settings. OBS applies a transparent background by default, removes page margins, and hides overflow scrollbars. Browser Source also offers custom CSS, frame-rate, and refresh controls; change them only as needed for the selected page.
  6. Place the overlay. Confirm the source, then position it in the preview. Resize or crop it to fit the intended area without obscuring important documentary footage, captions, or other on-screen information.
  7. Check visibility behavior. OBS’s Shutdown source when not visible option unloads the page when it is hidden or not in the active scene. For an overlay meant to persist during a 24/7 broadcast, keep it in the on-air scene and decide whether unloading it during scene changes is appropriate.

Check the clock, ticker, and layout before broadcasting

Verify the time zone

A clock may render correctly but show the wrong time zone. Check the overlay’s documented timezone behavior and verify the displayed time in the OBS preview. OBS does not validate or synchronize the overlay’s clock for you.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

Make ticker text readable

Preview the ticker over representative footage. Check that its text is legible at the intended output resolution and does not cover subtitles, archival details, or other important picture content. If the provider offers controls for text size, color, speed, or line count, adjust them there; those controls vary by overlay.

Test the actual broadcast

YouTube advises testing before going live, using audio and movement similar to the planned broadcast, and monitoring stream health. Make a test broadcast and check that the clock and ticker appear as expected to viewers—not just in the OBS preview. YouTube Help: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions

Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Set YouTube and OBS up for the live stream

For a new channel, YouTube says first-time live streaming activation may take up to 24 hours. In YouTube Studio, follow the live encoder workflow to obtain the YouTube Live server URL and stream key, then enter them in OBS’s stream settings. Treat the stream key like a password: do not show it in a public screen capture, and use YouTube Studio’s controls if you need to manage it.

For H.264, YouTube Help’s recommended encoder settings, accessed in 2026, list these minimum and recommended bitrates:

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Output Minimum bitrate Recommended bitrate
1080p at 30 fps 5 Mbps 14 Mbps
1080p at 60 fps 6 Mbps 17 Mbps
720p at 30 fps 3 Mbps 8 Mbps

These are YouTube’s H.264 encoder recommendations, not overlay requirements; recommendations differ for other codecs and output settings. Use YouTube’s current encoder guidance for the resolution, frame rate, and codec you intend to stream.

Keep the content and rights suitable for a 24/7 broadcast

A clock or ticker does not change the rights status of the underlying documentary or other video. Before scheduling or looping material, confirm that you have the necessary rights for the video, music, archival footage, and any other included material. A continuous broadcast also needs to comply with YouTube’s live-streaming rules; check the current requirements in YouTube Help before going live.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2Ă— USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2Ă— USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

When a camera-specific ticker system may fit

CamStreamer’s Infoticker is a specialized option for an AXIS camera setup using CamStreamer App and CamOverlay App—not a required OBS plugin. Its vendor guide describes a 12-hour or 24-hour clock beside a banner, configurable text and background colors, one or two text lines, ticker switching intervals, and a crawl effect on supported camera processors. Text can be supplied directly or from a remotely hosted TXT file, and the guide says the widget can display continually when no schedule is filled in. Those camera and app prerequisites make it relevant to that ecosystem rather than a general Browser Source substitute. CamStreamer

Or let it run in the cloud

If the goal is an always-on YouTube channel, StreamNeo is a cloud service that loops uploaded videos or playlists, so your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It plays uploaded videos; it does not broadcast a camera feed.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • There is no computer at home that has to remain on.
  • Videos stream as uploaded, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot without re-encoding or quality tiers.
  • StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
  • The first day is free, with no card required.

Each slot includes one always-on stream, 10 GB of storage per slot (pooled across active slots), looping and playlists, and StreamNeo team support. The same product is included on every plan; only the billing length changes. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. UPI and cards are accepted in India; card checkout is available worldwide. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Screening Room

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.