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How to Add a Countdown and Slate Between Playlist Videos in Wirecast

Create a playlist shot in Wirecast 16, add and time a slate between videos, and enable the playlist completion countdown.
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In Wirecast 16, create a Playlist Shot, add your videos and insert a slate image or media shot between them. Give the slate a finite duration so the playlist can advance. To show timing, play the playlist in the Live Broadcast Area, open the countdown gear menu and choose New Playlist – Completion; this displays both the current shot countdown and the playlist countdown.

Create a playlist shot

  1. In a layer, click +, choose Shots, select New Playlist Shot and click Add. The new playlist shot appears with a playlist badge and its duration.

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  2. Add the videos by dragging clips or shots onto the playlist shot. Alternatively, double-click the playlist shot to open the Playlist tab, then choose Shots > New Shot.

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Insert and time the slate

Choose an image or media shot

Prepare the slate as an image shot or media shot, then place it in the playlist sequence between the videos where you want the break. Wirecast playlist content can include videos, images, audio and live shots. A slate is simply an ordinary playlist item in this sequence, not a separate special-purpose Wirecast feature.

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  • Use a still image when viewers only need a static message or visual pause.

  • Use a short media clip if the interstitial needs motion or audio.

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Set a finite duration

  1. Right-click the slate item and choose Modify Duration.

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  2. Enter how long the slate should display and click OK. Choose a brief interval for a quick separator or a longer one if viewers need time to read it; Wirecast does not prescribe a particular slate length.

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A finite duration lets playback advance to the next playlist item. The Wirecast 16 guide says clips need an assigned duration; live sources default to infinite duration. Avoid Apply to All unless you intend to change the duration of every playlist item.

Display the countdowns

  1. Start the playlist in the Live Broadcast Area.

  2. Click the countdown gear icon beneath that area.

  3. Choose New Playlist – Completion to display both the current shot countdown and the playlist countdown. Select the current shot name instead if you want to show only that shot’s countdown.

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Limitations and version notes

  • Do not delete shots while the playlist is running.

  • Wirecast does not support nested playlists, so you cannot place one playlist inside another.

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  • The playlist workflow described here is from Telestream’s Wirecast 16 user guide. Telestream’s version history lists Wirecast 16.5.3 as released June 10, 2026, and records fixes involving countdown-clock and media-playback behavior. If a timer or clip behaves differently in your installation, check the installed version and current release notes.

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Or let it run in the cloud

The Wirecast workflow above gives you control over a playlist and its slate on your own production setup. If your goal is instead to keep uploaded videos running as a 24/7 YouTube stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops the uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It accepts the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; it can automatically recover if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start the free first day.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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