The First Impression Matters
You go live. The notification goes out. Viewers click the link.
They arrive at your channel.
If you jump straight into gameplay with zero buildup, you miss a crucial window of opportunity. The “Starting Soon” screen serves as your opening act. It sets the tone, gathers the crowd, and establishes the energy for the entire broadcast.
Think of a concert. The lights dim. The crowd cheers. The intro music swells. The band hasn’t even stepped on stage yet, but the energy in the room spikes. Your stream requires that same dramatic entrance.
The Strategy of the Countdown
A dedicated intro screen performs three specific tactical functions for your broadcast.
1. The Buffer Zone
Notifications take time. Push alerts on mobile, email notifications, and Discord pings all have distinctive delays. A 5-to-10-minute countdown gives your community time to arrive. By the time you switch to your camera scene, you have an active chat and an audience ready to interact. You start with momentum.
2. Audio Atmosphere
Music dictates emotion. A high-energy EDM track signals a fast-paced, competitive session. Lo-fi beats promise a chill, cozy vibe. Use this time to play a playlist that matches your stream’s persona. The audio cues the audience on what to expect. They hear the music, and their brain switches into “stream mode.”
3. The Chat Primer
An empty chat room feels intimidating to join. A “Starting Soon” screen breaks the ice. Strategic design elements encourage engagement before you even speak. Add a “Question of the Day” text source to your layout.
- “What are you playing this weekend?”
- “Coffee or Tea?”
- “Rate the new patch: 1-10.”
Viewers see the prompt. They answer. Suddenly, the chat moves. When you finally appear, you step into an active conversation rather than an awkward silence.
Designing the Perfect Intro
Your “Starting Soon” screen needs to visually align with your brand.
- Motion Capture: Static images feel dead. Use animated backgrounds or subtle particle effects. Movement catches the eye and retains attention.
- Information Hub: Display your schedule, social media handles, and chat rules clearly. This screen acts as a billboard for your brand while you prepare behind the scenes.
- The Timer: A countdown timer creates urgency. It promises a specific start time. Viewers know exactly how long they have to grab a snack before the show begins.
The Technical Execution
Deployment is simple.
- Scene Setup: Create a dedicated “Intro” scene in OBS.
- Media Source: Add your animated background (ensure “Loop” is checked).
- Widgets: Layer your “Stream Label” text files (Recent Follower, Recent Sub) to show appreciation for early supporters.
- Audio: Add a dedicated music source. Keep the volume lower than your voice—around -20dB is the sweet spot for background vibes.
Conclusion
Your stream starts the moment the notification hits. The “Starting Soon” screen is an active, valuable part of your content. It builds anticipation. It warms up the room. It prepares the stage.
Treat this screen with the same care as your gameplay layout. When the countdown hits zero, you want your audience eager, present, and ready for the show.
Need a professional intro? Check out the Streaming Vault shop for animated “Starting Soon” screens that match your unique style.