An essential element to make a VTuber’s streaming screen more attractive is the “streaming overlay”.

This article explains in detail the advantages and disadvantages of streaming overlays, types, setup methods, specific operations using OBS Studio, effective usage, design points, and recommended material sites in an easy-to-understand manner even for beginners.

What is a Streaming Overlay?

A streaming overlay is a decoration that adorns the streaming screen, essentially the element that constitutes the “appearance” of the streaming screen.

It also serves as an information tool to make the broadcast easier to see and understand for the audience, adds various visual effects to the broadcast screen, and is expected to make the broadcast more attractive and enhance audience engagement.

Specifically, you can display various elements such as adding decorative frames around the stream screen, creating a space to display viewer comments, and placing panels to display streaming information or BGM information.

By combining these elements, you can freely customize the stream screen and create an attractive space for viewers, which also aids in the branding of the streamer or channel.

Streaming overlays are not just decorations; they are a crucial tool for enhancing the quality of the stream and deepening the connection with the audience.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Streaming Overlays

By introducing streaming overlays, you can improve the quality of the stream and provide more attractive content for viewers. However, since there are also disadvantages, it’s important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages before proceeding with implementation.

The main advantages of streaming overlays include the following three points:

Advantages	Description
Differentiation from other streamers	Unique overlays can make a lasting impression on viewers
Visual Information	Clearly displaying streaming information enhances immersion in the stream
Increase Viewer Engagement	Interactive overlays, such as displaying viewer comments, increase viewer engagement

On the other hand, the disadvantages of streaming overlays are as follows:

Disadvantages	Description
Cluttered Screen due to Overload of Information	Too much information can make the screen hard to read
Reduction of Game Screen during Game Streaming	Overlays may obscure the game screen, making it difficult to see
PC Load	Depending on the PC specs, there may be performance issues

Considering these advantages and disadvantages, introduce the streaming overlay that best fits your streaming style.

Types of Streaming Overlays

There are various types of streaming overlays that you can choose from according to the content of the stream and personal preference. Here are some representative types:

Webcam Frame

A frame that surrounds the streamer’s video. It ranges from simple designs to decorative ones. This frame can express the streamer’s personality or improve the appearance of the stream screen.

Chat Box

A box for displaying comments sent by viewers during the broadcast. The color and font can be changed to match the comments’ content. It plays an important role in facilitating communication with the audience.

Information Panel

Panels for displaying streaming titles, the streamer’s name, SNS account information, etc. They convey necessary information to viewers and can encourage channel subscriptions and follows.

Animation

An overlay that displays moving illustrations or logos. It adds motion to the screen and captures viewers’ attention. It can enhance the atmosphere of the stream or be useful for announcing special events.

Static Image

An overlay for displaying background images or character illustrations. It decorates the entire screen and creates an atmosphere suitable for the streaming content.

Brand Logo

An overlay to display the logo of the streamer or sponsor. It helps establish brand image and increase recognition.

Alerts

An overlay that appears when there’s a new follower, subscriber, or donation. It displays viewer actions in real-time and enhances the excitement of the stream. Expressing thanks also helps build a good relationship with viewers.

By combining these overlays, you can create a more appealing streaming screen. Choose the best overlays for your streaming purpose and utilize them effectively.

How to Set Up Streaming Overlays

To set up streaming overlays, use streaming software (OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, etc.). Here, we will explain the setup method using OBS Studio as an example.

First, you need to prepare overlay materials. Overlay materials can be obtained for free or for a fee. You can also create your own using free distribution sites or design tools like Canva. Once you have the materials ready, add them to OBS Studio.

Launch OBS Studio, select “Source” > “+” > “Image”. In the pop-up window, enter a file name of your choice and click “OK”. Then, select “Image File” > “Browse” to choose the overlay material file you prepared and click “OK”. This will add the overlay to the streaming screen.

You can directly adjust the position, size, and transparency of the added overlay on the stream screen. Click to select the overlay, and drag to adjust its position, drag the border to adjust its size, or change transparency via the right-click menu.

Setting Item	Operation
Position	Click & drag the overlay
Size	Click & drag the overlay border
Transparency	Right-click the overlay > Filters > Color Correction

In OBS Studio, you can set multiple scenes. By setting different overlays for each scene, you can smoothly transition between scenes.

Utilize scene settings to switch overlays for openings, during gameplay, and at endings, to create a more attractive presentation for your stream.

How to Use Streaming Overlays Effectively for an Attractive Broadcast

Using streaming overlays effectively can provide viewers with a more comfortable and attractive broadcast. Here, we will explain the role and placement of each overlay element, animations and sound effects, customization to match the streaming content, and how to utilize multiple scenes.

Each streaming overlay element has its role.

For example, the chat box is a place for communication with viewers, and the webcam frame conveys the streamer’s expressions and reactions. The information panel displays streaming information or SNS accounts, while animations, static images, or brand logos enhance the atmosphere of the stream.

By effectively placing these elements, viewers can focus on important information without missing it.

Element	Effective Placement
Webcam Frame	Place in the corner of the screen
Chat Box	Place at the bottom or side of the screen
Information Panel	Place on the top or side of the screen

Animations and sound effects add appeal to the stream. For instance, using animations or sound effects to react to viewer comments or interactions can express a special form of communication. However, excessive use may distract viewers, so balance is key.

The content of the stream varies widely, so it’s important to customize the overlays to suit the content. For game streams, a simple design that doesn’t obstruct the game screen is suitable. For chat streams, expression of personality or a larger chat box display can be effective.

When using multiple scenes during a stream, customizing overlays for each scene allows for smoother streaming. For example, switching between gameplay-focused overlays during playtime and large chat display overlays during breaks.

Points for Creating Streaming Overlays

Streaming overlays significantly influence the impression of the streaming screen. Here are points for creating effective streaming overlays:

Design to Match the Genre and Atmosphere of the Stream

By ensuring design consistency with streaming content, you can leave a positive impression on viewers. For example, choose stylish designs for gaming streams and cute designs for chat streams to match the atmosphere of the broadcast.

Color Schemes and Fonts Considering Visibility and Readability

By ensuring high contrast between background and text colors and an appropriately large font size, viewers can easily read the information. Also, choosing fonts that match the stream’s atmosphere, not just Gothic or Mincho, but also more design-oriented fonts, can be beneficial.

Balance of Information Volume

Overcrowding with information can make the screen cluttered, causing viewers to miss important information. Carefully selecting necessary information and arranging it in a balanced manner can create easy-to-read and understand overlays. For example, at the start of the stream, only display greetings and overview, and during the stream, display chat and current status, switching displayed information by the situation.

For how to create stream overlays and the best tools to design them yourself, check out the article below.

How to Create Stream Overlays: Beginner-Friendly Guide with Recommended DIY Tools

Choosing Materials with Copyright in Mind

When using free or paid material sites, always check the terms of use. Unauthorized use of materials prohibited for commercial use may constitute copyright infringement. Choose materials that can be used safely, and carry out your streaming activities with confidence.

By considering these points, you can create streaming overlays that are easy for the audience to view and convenient for the streamer to use.

Point	Description
Design Matching the Stream’s Genre and Atmosphere	Stylish designs for gaming streams, cute designs for chat streams, etc.
Visibility and Readability with Color Schemes and Fonts	Ensure high contrast between background and text colors, and suitable font size.
Balance of Information Volume	Too much information can make the screen cluttered, leading to missed important details.
Choosing Materials with Copyright in Mind	Always check the terms of use when using material from free or paid sites.

Recommended Sites for Streaming Overlay Materials

Streaming overlay materials, ranging from free to paid, are available from various sites. Depending on the site, the material’s atmosphere, types, and price range will vary, so it’s important to find a site that matches your streaming style and preferences.

Let’s look at what specific sites are available.

Site Name	Features	Price
Etsy	Abundant in high-quality materials. Also rich in animation materials.	Paid (relatively inexpensive)
BOOTH	Lots of works by Japanese creators, with familiar designs. Many free offerings.	Free & Paid
OKUMONO	Abundant in pop and cute-tasting materials, including seasonal event materials.	Free & Paid
Skolabo	Rich in materials for VTubers/Vsingers, applicable by freely combining in streaming software.	Free & Paid

Although Etsy is an overseas site, it offers the charm of high-quality materials at relatively affordable prices. BOOTH mainly features works by Japanese creators, with a wide range from free to paid. OKUMONO is recommended for those looking for cute and pop design materials. Skolabo is a convenient site for VTubers/Vsingers, allowing various material combinations.

In addition to these, many streaming overlay material sites exist. Explore different sites to find materials perfect for your stream.

Moreover, the streaming screen design service Alive Studio allows you to quickly organize your streaming layout with just the integration with OBS Studio, without needing to download materials.

Conclusion

Streaming overlays are decorations and information displayed on the streaming screen, which provide viewers with a more accessible and understandable streaming environment.

Introducing streaming overlays can bring about the following effects:

Benefits	Description
Improving Stream Quality	Easy-to-view & understandable information provision
Enhancing Engagement	Interactive audience plans
Monetization	Exposure for Sponsors
Branding	Unified Streamer Image
Improving Viewer Retention	Prevention of audience drop-off

Additionally, the key points for creating attractive streaming overlays are:

• Design suited to streaming genre
• Securing visibility through colors and fonts
• Balance of information volume
• Choosing materials considering copyrights

By effectively utilizing streaming overlays, you can enhance the quality of your stream. It not only provides a better experience for viewers but also contributes to the streamer’s branding. Use this guide to leverage streaming overlays and boost your stream to the next level!

What’s Next After Utilizing Streaming Overlays?

Once you’ve successfully utilized streaming overlays, why not also refine the overall design of your stream? With the streaming screen design service Alive Studio, your personalized streaming screen can be completed quickly with intuitive operation.

• Over 1,000 background and accessory materials from the VTuber material production team “Usaneko Memory” are available for unlimited use!
• More than 100 BGM tracks from the music material site “Maou Damashii” available for unlimited use!
• Equipped with topic roulette and counter features!
• All features available for just ¥980 per month (tax inclusive)!

“I want to create a more memorable stream!” “I want to stand out from other streamers with design!”
If that’s you, definitely try Alive Studio.

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