How To Create a Starting Soon Screen For Twitch

Introduction.

In the world of live streaming, the moments before your broadcast begins hold incredible potential.

These precious seconds offer a chance to captivate your audience, set the mood, and build anticipation for what’s to come. Enter the “Starting Soon” screen—a canvas where creativity meets audience engagement.

This guide is your gateway to designing an attention-grabbing “Starting Soon” screen that not only keeps viewers entertained during the countdown but also reflects your brand and style.

Whether you’re a new streamer or a seasoned content creator, mastering the art of the “Starting Soon” screen can transform your pre-stream moments into an unforgettable experience for your audience.

How Do I Create a Starting Soon Screen For Twitch?

The “Starting Soon” screen is your canvas to captivate viewers, showcase your brand, and build anticipation. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating a compelling “Starting Soon” screen that not only keeps your audience engaged during the countdown but also reflects your unique style and content. 

Whether you’re a new streamer or looking to elevate your pre-stream experience, these steps will help you design an unforgettable introduction to your Twitch channel.

1. Setting the Foundation.

Before you dive into the creative process, consider the following elements.

• Brand Identity: Define your brand’s colours, fonts, and overall visual identity. Your “Starting Soon” screen should align with your channel’s theme.
• Purpose: Determine the information you want to convey on this screen. It could include your channel name, social media handles, stream schedule, and any upcoming events.

2. Choosing Design Software.

Select design software that suits your skill level and preferences. Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or free tools like Canva can help you create visually appealing designs.

3. Selecting Dimensions.

Twitch “Starting Soon” screens can vary in dimensions, but a common size is 1920×1080 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio). Ensure your design fits within these dimensions to maintain a professional look.

4. Designing Your “Starting Soon” Screen.

Now, let’s break down the steps to create an engaging “Starting Soon” screen.

• Background: Choose a visually appealing background that aligns with your channel’s theme. It could be a static image, gradient, or even a looped video clip.
• Branding Elements: Integrate your channel’s logo, profile picture, or any other recognizable branding elements. These should be placed strategically to enhance visibility.
• Countdown Timer: If you’re using software like OBS Studio, you can add a countdown timer overlay to build anticipation among your viewers.
• Text and Typography: Include your channel name, social media handles, and upcoming stream schedule using legible fonts that match your branding.
• Animations and Transitions: Add subtle animations or transitions to elements like text or images to create visual interest.
• Music or Audio: Consider adding background music or ambient sound to create a captivating atmosphere. Ensure it’s not too loud to distract from the main content.
• Overlay Effects: Experiment with overlays or effects that complement your branding, but ensure they don’t overwhelm the screen.

5. Design Principles to Remember.

• Simplicity: Keep the design clean and uncluttered to convey information at a glance.
• Contrast: Use contrasting colours to ensure text and important elements stand out against the background.
• Hierarchy: Prioritize essential information by placing it prominently and using larger fonts.
• Alignment: Maintain a balanced layout by aligning elements to create a cohesive look.

6. Review and Testing.

Before finalizing your design, review it on different devices and resolutions to ensure it looks consistent and appealing.  Test the countdown timer and animations to make sure they function as intended.

7. Saving and Exporting.

Once you’re satisfied with your “Starting Soon” screen, save it in a high-resolution format and consider creating different versions to accommodate varying resolutions.

8. Setting Up in OBS or Streamlabs.

In OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS, create a scene for your “Starting Soon” screen. Add your saved image or video to this scene and position it as desired.

9. Engaging Your Audience.

During the “Starting Soon” screen, interact with your viewers through chat, answering questions, and creating a sense of community engagement.

10. Transition to Live.

When you’re ready to start your stream, transition smoothly from the “Starting Soon” screen to your live content. Use transition effects or animations to maintain a professional flow.

Conclusion.

A captivating “Starting Soon” screen is more than a countdown—it’s an opportunity to engage, inform, and captivate your audience.

By aligning your design with your brand, using effective visuals, and incorporating engaging elements, you can create a powerful introduction to your Twitch stream that keeps viewers eagerly anticipating your content. 

Remember, consistency in design, attention to detail, and audience interaction can transform your pre-stream moments into a memorable and engaging experience for your viewers.