How To Create a Starting Soon Screen For Twitch

Introduction.

Starting a Twitch stream with a “Starting Soon” screen might seem like a small detail, but it’s one of the most effective ways to boost engagement, keep viewers informed, and set the vibe before your show even begins.

If you’ve spent any time on Twitch, you’ve probably noticed that the most polished streamers all use some kind of intro screen.

They don’t just jump right into the action; instead, they give their audience a moment to gather, adjust their settings, and get ready to watch.

This isn’t just about looking professional – it’s about giving your community a better experience. A “Starting Soon” screen creates anticipation and gives you time to double-check everything.

Whether you’re just getting started on Twitch or you’ve been streaming for a while, adding a good starting screen can be a game-changer. And the good news?

You don’t need to be a designer or tech expert to make one! I’ll walk you through it all – the tools you need, how to put it together, and tips to make it look great.

Why a “Starting Soon” Screen Matters

Let’s start by digging into why this screen is important. For one, people on Twitch tend to pop in and out of streams constantly.

The “Starting Soon” screen holds viewers’ attention while you’re setting up, so you don’t lose anyone who might stop by early. Here are some ways it helps:

Creates anticipation: A countdown or engaging graphic builds excitement for your stream. People know something is coming, which keeps them on the page rather than clicking away.
Gives time for setup: Sometimes things go wrong right before you start. The screen gives you a buffer to get everything in order, like setting up your mic, camera, or other software.
Helps with viewer retention: According to Twitch’s own data, people are more likely to stay in a stream if there’s a visual cue that something is about to happen, especially if there’s a countdown.
Branding and personal touch: It’s a chance to show off your channel’s style, logo, colors, or theme, so viewers know they’re in the right place from the very beginning.

In short, a “Starting Soon” screen is like the lobby of a theater – it’s where people gather and get ready for the main event. It’s one of those small details that can make a huge difference in viewer experience.

How Do I Create a “Starting Soon” Screen for Twitch?

Now, let’s get into the nuts and bolts of creating your own “Starting Soon” screen. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the options available, the tools you might use, and a few tips to make it stand out.

Step 1: Choose Your Tools

The good news is that there are tons of tools, both free and paid, that make creating a starting screen pretty easy. Here are some popular ones to consider:

Canva: Canva is a super easy-to-use design tool that’s free and offers templates for Twitch overlays, including starting screens. It’s perfect if you’re new to design or don’t want to mess around with complex software.
OBS Studio: OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a free and popular streaming tool that lets you create scenes, add images, video, and text, and set up the starting screen right inside the app.
Streamlabs: Streamlabs is another streaming tool that offers pre-made themes, overlays, and starting screens. If you use Streamlabs for streaming, it might be easier to set up everything there.
Adobe Photoshop or After Effects: For those with design experience or who want more control over visuals, Photoshop and After Effects are excellent options but come with a learning curve and cost.
Premade Twitch overlays: Sites like Nerd or Die, Own3D, and Visuals by Impulse offer paid templates that you can customize. They come in packs, so you get a starting screen, intermission screen, and an ending screen that all match in style.

If you’re just starting out, I’d recommend Canva or Streamlabs for ease and affordability.

Step 2: Design the Screen

Designing the screen is the fun part, and it’s where you get to showcase your brand or personality. Here’s what you should include:

Background: A solid color, animated background, or video clip can all work. Keep it simple, as a busy background might distract viewers.
Countdown Timer: A countdown timer is great for letting people know when you’ll start. It also helps build excitement. Both OBS and Streamlabs offer timer plugins, or you can add a separate countdown app.
Logo and Username: Branding helps people recognize you immediately. Add your logo or channel name somewhere prominent on the screen.
Text: A simple “Starting Soon” message with your logo or name does the job. You might also add a short welcome message like “Get ready!” or “Starting shortly!” to keep things lively.
Music or Sound Effects: Playing some background music during this screen can add energy and fill any awkward silence while viewers wait.

Step 3: Put It All Together in Your Streaming Software

Once you’ve got all your elements ready, it’s time to set everything up in your streaming software. Here’s a quick overview of how to do it:

Open OBS or Streamlabs: In your software, create a new scene called “Starting Soon.”
Add your background: You can add an image, video, or color background by selecting “Add Source” and then choosing the appropriate file.
Add text: Choose “Text” to add the “Starting Soon” message and any other text you want.
Add a countdown: Use a countdown plugin or a custom script. In OBS, there’s an option to use a timer overlay if you want to show exactly how much time is left.
Add music: If you want to play music during this screen, add an audio source. Just be mindful of copyright if you’re streaming on platforms like Twitch; make sure to use royalty-free music or tracks that Twitch allows.

Step 4: Test Everything

Once you’ve set up your starting screen, it’s a good idea to test it out before going live. Run through your setup as if you’re about to start streaming to make sure everything looks and sounds the way you want it to. Here’s what to check:

Audio levels: Make sure the music isn’t too loud or too soft compared to your voice.
Countdown timer: Verify that the countdown works correctly.
Visual clarity: Make sure everything is visible and easy to read on both desktop and mobile screens.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

Once you’re comfortable with the setup, add some personal touches to make it uniquely yours. You could include a quote that represents your channel, a brief description of what you’ll be streaming today, or a “Goal” tracker to let viewers know what you’re aiming for (like followers, subscribers, etc.).

Tips for a Better Starting Screen

Here are a few additional tips to help your “Starting Soon” screen stand out and provide a better experience for your audience:

Keep it short: Aim for a countdown that’s under five minutes unless you have a very active chat community.
Avoid clutter: Make sure your screen isn’t too busy – clean visuals work best for viewer attention.
Stay consistent: If you use specific fonts, colors, or graphics on your channel, carry those over to your starting screen for a cohesive look.
Use animation sparingly: A little movement, like an animated background or subtle effect, can grab attention, but too much can be distracting.

FAQs

Do I need a “Starting Soon” screen?

Technically, no, but a starting screen helps you look more professional and gives you time to prepare without awkward silence.

How long should the countdown be?

A countdown between two to five minutes is usually ideal. Anything longer can lose viewers unless you have an active chat to keep them entertained.

What music can I play during the “Starting Soon” screen?

You’ll need to use royalty-free music or licensed tracks approved for Twitch. Some streamers use services like Streambeats or Epidemic Sound for Twitch-safe music.

Can I use animated backgrounds?

Yes! Animated backgrounds can be very engaging, but be cautious not to overdo it – subtle animations generally work best.

Wrapping It Up

A “Starting Soon” screen might seem like a small detail, but it can make a huge difference in keeping viewers engaged and setting the tone for your stream.

Plus, it’s a simple way to add a professional touch that helps build your channel’s brand and style.

What’s your go-to approach for setting up a Twitch stream? Do you prefer to jump right into the action or warm things up with an intro screen?