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First, identify where the alert is failing
Alerts usually come from a third-party provider, such as Streamlabs or StreamElements, and are displayed in OBS through a Browser Source. OBS does not supply the alert itself. Determine whether the problem occurs in the provider’s preview, in OBS, or only in the live stream; that helps narrow down whether to check provider settings, the OBS source, or the event path. See the OBS alerts FAQ.
Send a provider test alert before changing settings. A test can confirm that the configured alert appears in the current preview or scene, but it does not prove that a real event will reach the provider and play correctly. Streamlabs documents testing alerts in its alert setup guide.
If an alert stays on screen
Check Streamlabs Show and Hide animations
In Streamlabs, open the settings for the specific alert and inspect its Animation controls. Make sure both Show and Hide have an animation selected. Streamlabs says an alert can get stuck when either animation is missing, unless the behavior was intentionally written into custom code. Its troubleshooting checklist was updated April 25, 2025; interface labels may change.
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Review duration, variations, and custom code
Check the alert duration if it disappears sooner than you expect. Streamlabs notes that a very short duration makes the alert appear for less time. If you use alert variations, temporarily disable them to see whether a variation is causing the issue. Review custom HTML or CSS only if you deliberately added it; custom code can change how an alert behaves.
If an alert does not play at all
Check whether alerts are paused or muted
In StreamElements, check the Activity Feed for paused or muted alerts. StreamElements’ overlay troubleshooting guidance, updated April 2, 2025, covers these checks.
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Check moderation approval
In Streamlabs, check whether moderation is holding alerts for approval. With Unlimited Alert Moderation Delay, each event must be accepted before it plays. An event still awaiting approval will not appear. Streamlabs’ setup guide explains regular and unlimited moderation behavior.
If an alert is audible but not visible
Check the source order in OBS. Make sure the correct alert Browser Source is visible and positioned above any source that might cover it. StreamElements specifically advises moving its Browser Source above covering sources when an alert can be heard but not seen. Streamlabs also recommends checking whether another source is obscuring the alert.
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If an overlay stutters or appears frozen
Verify the StreamElements overlay URL and dimensions
For a StreamElements overlay, copy the current overlay URL from your provider account and replace the URL in the OBS source properties. Confirm that the Browser Source dimensions match the overlay’s actual dimensions. StreamElements notes that 1920×1080 is common, but it is not a universal requirement; use the dimensions configured for your overlay.
Test browser-source hardware acceleration
Try toggling OBS Browser Source hardware acceleration—if it is enabled, disable it, or vice versa—then restart OBS and test again. Streamlabs and StreamElements both include this as a troubleshooting step. Change one setting at a time so you can tell whether it affects the problem.
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Refresh the source and clear cache only if needed
If the settings and rendering checks do not help, refresh or recreate the Browser Source. Streamlabs recommends deleting and re-adding widget sources. For persistent Streamlabs issues, its troubleshooting checklist also documents clearing the OBS browser cache: close OBS or Streamlabs Desktop first, remove the relevant obs-browser cache folder, reopen the software, re-add the alerts, and run a test alert.
Cache deletion should be a later step, not the first one. Follow the provider’s current instructions carefully and do not delete unrelated files. If you are unsure which cache folder is relevant, ask the provider’s support team rather than removing folders at random.
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Escalate with details that help diagnose the problem
If the alert still fails, report the provider, OBS and provider software versions, the exact symptom, whether it happens every time, and what action preceded it. For StreamElements, include OBS and SE.Live versions, OBS logs, the triggering activity, any exact error text, and whether the issue is reproducible. Do not include a private overlay URL or stream key in screenshots or public support posts.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a separate option for keeping a YouTube channel live with uploaded videos; it is not a fix for alert settings or OBS Browser Sources. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay running at home. It supports uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and the first day is free with no card. The Monthly price is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free day.
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