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.

What Is Twitch?

Twitch is a popular live streaming platform primarily focused on video game live streaming and esports content.

It was originally launched in 2011 as a subsidiary of Justin.tv but later became its platform dedicated solely to gaming content.

In 2014, Amazon acquired Twitch, and it has since grown into one of the leading platforms for streaming video game-related content.

On Twitch, users can broadcast live streams of themselves playing video games, as well as share other forms of content, such as creative artwork, music, talk shows, and real-life “IRL” (In Real Life) streaming.

Viewers can watch these streams and interact with the streamers through chat, which fosters a sense of community and engagement.

Twitch has a significant and active user base, with millions of streamers and viewers worldwide.

It offers various ways for streamers to monetize their content, such as through subscriptions, donations, and advertisements.

Why Should I Join Twitch?

In recent years, the world of online content creation has exploded, offering numerous platforms for individuals to share their passions, talents, and interests with a global audience.

One platform that stands out in the realm of live streaming is Twitch. If you are contemplating joining Twitch but are still on the fence, here are some compelling reasons why you should take the plunge into this exciting and vibrant community.

1. Connect with Like-Minded Individuals.

Twitch is a hub for gamers, artists, musicians, and creative minds from all walks of life. By becoming a part of this platform, you instantly gain access to a vast community of like-minded individuals who share your interests and passions.

Whether you’re an avid gamer, a talented artist, or a music enthusiast, Twitch allows you to connect with others who appreciate what you do, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

2. Share Your Creativity Live.

Twitch enables you to stream yourself live to an audience, offering a unique and immediate form of content creation.

Unlike pre-recorded videos, live streaming allows you to interact with your viewers in real-time through chat, making the experience more personal and engaging.

Whether you’re showcasing your gaming skills, creating digital art, performing music, or simply chatting about your day, live streaming allows you to share your creativity as it happens.

3. Build a Community and Fan Base.

As you consistently stream on Twitch, you have the chance to build a loyal community and fan base. Viewers who enjoy your content can follow your channel, receive notifications when you go live, and support you in various ways.

Through regular streaming and genuine interactions with your audience, you can foster a dedicated following that eagerly awaits your next broadcast.

4. Learn and Improve.

Twitch is not just about sharing content; it’s also a place to learn and grow. As a streamer, you can receive feedback from your audience, which can help you improve your skills and content.

Additionally, by watching other streamers in your niche, you can gain insights, tips, and inspiration to enhance your streams.

The Twitch community often offers constructive feedback and supportive environments, making it an excellent platform for personal and creative development.

5. Monetization Opportunities.

While streaming on Twitch can be a rewarding hobby, it can also become a source of income for talented and dedicated streamers.

Twitch offers a Partner and Affiliate program that allows eligible streamers to monetize their channels through subscriptions, donations, and advertisements.

As your channel grows, you can potentially earn revenue from your passion, turning what you love into a sustainable career.

6. Diverse Content Opportunities.

Contrary to popular belief, Twitch is not limited to just gaming content. While gaming remains a significant part of the platform, Twitch has expanded to include various other categories such as “Just Chatting,” Music, Creative Arts, Science & Technology, and more.

No matter what your interests are, you can find a niche on Twitch that aligns with your passions.

7. Pushing Boundaries and Having Fun.

Twitch allows you to experiment, take risks, and explore new possibilities. Whether you’re trying out a new game, attempting a challenging art project, or doing a unique live event, Twitch encourages creativity and innovation.

Embrace the opportunity to have fun, entertain others, and showcase your personality dynamically and interactively.

8. Networking and Collaboration.

Twitch is not just a platform for individual content creators; it’s also an excellent place to network and collaborate with other creators.

Engaging with fellow streamers, joining communities, and participating in events can open doors to exciting collaborations and partnerships.

Collaborating with other streamers can expose you to new audiences, introduce you to fresh ideas, and create memorable content that combines the best of both worlds.

9. Real-Time Interaction with Your Audience.

One of the most powerful aspects of live streaming on Twitch is the real-time interaction with your audience.

Through the chat feature, you can communicate directly with viewers, answer their questions, and engage in meaningful conversations.

This direct interaction builds a stronger bond with your community, and viewers often feel a deeper connection to streamers who take the time to interact with them.

10. Raising Awareness for Causes and Charity Streams.

Twitch has become a platform where users have leveraged their influence to support various causes and charitable organizations.

Charity streams are common on Twitch, where streamers dedicate their broadcasts to raising funds and awareness for specific charities or social issues.

By joining Twitch, you can use your platform to make a positive impact on the world and support causes close to your heart.

11. Improve Your Presentation and Communication Skills.

Streaming on Twitch challenges you to develop your presentation and communication skills. Whether you’re narrating your gaming adventures, explaining your creative process, or hosting discussions, you’ll gradually enhance your ability to articulate ideas effectively.

These skills can prove valuable not just on Twitch but also in various other aspects of your personal and professional life.

12. Stay Updated with the Gaming and Creative Communities.

Twitch is not just a content platform; it’s a cultural hub for gaming and creative communities. By joining Twitch, you’ll stay up-to-date with the latest trends, developments, and discussions within your niche.

Whether it’s new game releases, industry news, or innovative artistic techniques, Twitch provides an immersive way to be part of these exciting communities.

13. A Supportive and Inclusive Community.

Twitch has made strides in fostering a more inclusive and diverse community. The platform actively supports streamers from all backgrounds and encourages respect and kindness among its users.

Whether you’re a viewer or a streamer, you can experience a sense of belonging and find others who share your values and interests.

14. Create Everlasting Memories.

As you build your Twitch channel and share your journey with your audience, you’ll create unforgettable memories.

From epic gaming moments and artistic masterpieces to heartwarming interactions with viewers, these memories will stay with you for years to come.

Additionally, your broadcasts are archived, allowing you to revisit and share these special moments with new viewers in the future.

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.