How To Create a Starting Soon Screen For Twitch

Introduction

If you’ve ever streamed on Twitch or thought about starting, you probably know that first impressions matter.

One of the best ways to set the tone for your stream is by having a Starting Soon screen. It’s that placeholder that greets viewers while you finish setting up, letting them know you’re about to go live.

Why is it so important?

A good Starting Soon screen doesn’t just fill the gap—it helps build hype, gives viewers time to join, and creates a more polished, professional look.

Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your brand, engage your audience right from the start, and even share useful info like your social media links or upcoming events.

Ready to make your own? I’ll walk you through everything step by step, no need for fancy tools or expert skills. Let’s get into it.

What is a Starting Soon Screen?

A Starting Soon screen is a simple visual that appears before your stream officially begins. Think of it as the “opening act” of your show. It usually includes:

• A catchy or welcoming message (like “Starting Soon”).
• Your stream schedule or social media handles.
• Background music to keep things lively.
• Animations or graphics that reflect your brand’s style.

Why Do You Need One?

It might seem optional, but it serves several purposes:

1. Keeps Viewers Engaged
   Not everyone arrives the second you go live. A Starting Soon screen gives viewers a few minutes to join in, grab a snack, or say hello in chat.
2. Adds Professionalism
   Your stream will feel more put-together with a clean intro instead of jumping straight into the action. It shows you’ve thought about the little things, and that goes a long way.
3. Time to Prepare
   Let’s be real—streaming isn’t as simple as hitting “Start.” A Starting Soon screen buys you time to check audio levels, adjust lighting, and ensure everything is working smoothly before you show your face.

How Do I Create a Starting Soon Screen?

You don’t need to be a designer or spend money on fancy software. Here’s how you can create a solid Starting Soon screen with free or affordable tools.

Step 1: Choose a Design Tool

There are tons of tools out there that make this process easy. Some popular ones include:

• Canva (Free and Paid)
  Super user-friendly with drag-and-drop features. It also has tons of templates.
  Link to Canva
• Placeit (Paid, but offers free options)
  Great for animated screens and templates made specifically for Twitch.
  Link to Placeit
• StreamElements (Free)
  Offers overlays, widgets, and themes designed for streamers.
  Link to StreamElements

Pick one that fits your needs and style. For this guide, I’ll use Canva since it’s free and beginner-friendly.

Step 2: Pick a Template

Once you’ve chosen a design tool, start by searching for a Starting Soon screen template. Canva, for example, has several ready-made options.

If you’re feeling creative, you can start from scratch, but templates are a great way to save time and get inspiration.

Step 3: Customize Your Screen

Now the fun part—making it your own! Here’s what to add:

1. Background.

Use a background that fits your brand. This could be:

• A simple colour gradient.
• An image related to your stream’s theme (like gaming, art, or music).
• A looped video for some movement.

2. Text.

Add a bold, easy-to-read message like “Starting Soon” or “We’ll Be Live Shortly.” Keep it short and to the point.

3. Social Media Links.

Include your handles for platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube. This is a subtle way to grow your following outside of Twitch.

4. Animations (Optional).

Using a tool like Placeit, you can add animated elements like moving text or glowing icons. Be careful not to overdo it—too much animation can be distracting.

Step 4: Add Background Music

A silent screen can feel a little dull. Adding background music can keep viewers entertained while they wait.

Where to Find Music:

• Epidemic Sound (Paid) – Offers a wide range of copyright-free music.
• StreamBeats by Harris Heller (Free) – Designed specifically for streamers and copyright-free.

Just make sure your chosen music won’t get your stream muted or flagged for copyright issues.

Step 5: Test It Out

Before going live, test your Starting Soon screen. Open your streaming software (like OBS or Streamlabs) and add the screen as a scene.

Check how it looks on different devices, and make sure the text is readable and the music volume is balanced.

Extra Tips to Make It Stand Out

• Brand Consistency
  Use colors, fonts, and styles that match your overall brand. This helps viewers recognize your content instantly.
• Add a Countdown Timer
  A countdown timer can build excitement and give viewers a clear idea of when you’ll start. You can find free timer widgets online to embed in your screen.
• Use Chat Widgets
  Displaying live chat on your Starting Soon screen can encourage interaction before you even go live.

FAQs

1. Do I really need a Starting Soon screen?

It’s not mandatory, but it definitely helps. A well-made screen gives your stream a polished look, keeps viewers engaged, and buys you time to set up.

2. Can I use a Starting Soon screen for other platforms like YouTube or Facebook?

Absolutely! While Twitch is the most common, you can use the same screen for YouTube, Facebook Gaming, or any live-streaming platform.

3. How long should the Starting Soon screen last?

Usually, 5 to 10 minutes is ideal. It gives people time to join without making them wait too long.

4. Can I make a Starting Soon screen on my phone?

Yes! Tools like Canva have mobile apps, so you can design on the go. Just make sure to preview it on a larger screen before using it live.

Conclusion

Creating a Starting Soon screen for Twitch doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can set up a professional, engaging intro that welcomes your viewers and builds excitement for your stream.

So, what’s your next move? Will you go for a simple design or something more animated and eye-catching?