To add overlays, alerts, or widgets in OBS Studio, configure them with a provider such as StreamElements or Streamlabs, copy the provider’s overlay URL, and add it to your OBS scene as a Browser source. Then size and position the source, set its layer order, and test it before going live. OBS does not generate alerts itself; the alert content comes from the provider.
Choose how to add your overlay or alerts
The general-purpose method is an OBS Browser source pointed at a hosted overlay URL. It works without an alert-provider plugin. A provider’s editor may let you combine several elements—such as alerts, chat, labels, and goals—into one overlay. Streamlabs also documents adding its Alert Box through Streamlabs Desktop or its OBS plugin.
| Approach | What it does | When it may suit you |
|---|---|---|
| OBS Browser source with a provider URL | Loads a hosted overlay or widget in an OBS scene. | A general approach that does not require a provider plugin. |
| StreamElements overlay | Uses its overlay editor to combine elements such as alerts, chat, labels, or goals, then renders them through a Browser source. | Useful when you want to configure multiple visual or event widgets in one hosted overlay. |
| Streamlabs Alert Box | Adds an alert widget through Streamlabs Desktop, its OBS plugin, or a Browser source in other streaming software. | Useful if you already use Streamlabs alert customization and testing tools. |
Before choosing, check whether the provider supports the event types and widgets you need, how it is added to your software, how much control it gives you over appearance and alert variations, and how easily you can test and reuse it across scenes. Provider features and dashboard labels can change, so confirm what is currently available in your account.
Add an overlay or alert to OBS with a Browser source
- Select the scene. In OBS, choose the scene where the overlay or alert should appear. Each scene has its own sources.
- Configure the overlay. In the provider’s dashboard or editor, select the visual elements and alert events you want. For a basic setup, StreamElements describes an editor that can be used without coding.
- Copy the overlay URL privately. Treat this URL as sensitive: StreamElements warns that overlay URLs contain tokens linked to your account. Do not post it publicly or share it casually.
- Add a Browser source. In the OBS Sources dock, select the plus button and choose Browser. Name the source if helpful, then paste the provider URL into its properties.
- Set the source dimensions. Choose width and height suited to your overlay and stream canvas. StreamElements documents 1920 Ă— 1080 as its default Browser-source size unless the source resolution has been changed; that is a provider default, not a requirement for every layout. Its guidance suggests 30 or 60 FPS depending on stream settings and computer capability.
- Position and layer the source. Drag it into place in the OBS preview. In the Sources list, sources higher up appear above lower ones, so place the overlay above the camera, game, or background content it should cover.
- Test before broadcasting. Use the provider’s test function or dashboard to trigger an alert. Check its animation, sound, size, placement, and event selection before going live.
Check the result in your scene
- Confirm the Browser source is enabled in the selected scene and contains the intended overlay URL.
- Verify the overlay fits the canvas and does not obscure information you want viewers to see.
- Trigger a test alert and confirm its visual style, sound, and event match your settings.
- If the same alert box is used in multiple scenes, check for duplicate sources that could trigger duplicate alerts or audio.
Troubleshoot common overlay problems
Nothing appears
Check that the Browser source is enabled in the scene currently selected, that its properties contain the correct provider URL, and that the provider’s test function is being used. The OBS workflow depends on loading the provider’s overlay URL in that source.
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The overlay is clipped or misplaced
Adjust the Browser source’s width and height, then reposition it in the preview. The provider’s default dimensions may not match your canvas or layout.
The overlay hides the camera or game
Change the source order in OBS. Sources higher in the list render above those below them; move the overlay to the appropriate layer.
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Check the active theme and the settings for the specific event, save any changes, and trigger another test. Streamlabs documents the active theme and event settings as checks when an alert differs from what you expect.
Alerts or audio play twice
Look for duplicate alert-box sources across scenes. StreamElements documents using one alert box across scenes and removing or hiding duplicates to avoid duplicate audio.
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You are unsure whether an overlay URL is safe to share
Keep it private. Provider overlay URLs can contain sensitive account-linked tokens.
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