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To show a speedrun timer on a livestream, run a timer such as LiveSplit, configure or load your game’s splits, and add the timer window to your OBS scene with Window Capture. Put it somewhere readable that does not cover important gameplay, then check a short recording before you go live. A compatible browser overlay is another option; a capture card is only relevant if you need to bring console gameplay into the PC running OBS.
What you need—and what the timer does
The timer and the stream scene are separate pieces. The timer tracks the run on your computer; OBS captures the game and includes the timer as another visible source. LiveSplit is a well-established starting point and its official project page describes configurable sizing, Speedrun.com integration, game-time support, and autosplitting when a supported game splitter is available: LiveSplit project overview.
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You do not need special hardware just to display a timer. You need a timer program, a way to set up the intended run and splits, and streaming or recording software that can capture the timer. If you are new to LiveSplit, its download page recommends reading the FAQ and watching the introduction video before using it.
Set up LiveSplit and add it to OBS
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Install and open a timer
Download LiveSplit from its official project materials, then consult the linked FAQ and introduction video if you need help with its first-run setup. Other timers can work too, but their layouts and capture compatibility may differ.
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Configure the game and splits
Add the game and category you are running, then create checkpoints or load a compatible split file. Check the rules for your game and category to confirm the timing method and split expectations. Do not assume every game has an autosplitter or that every category uses the same timing standard. LiveSplit describes game-time and autosplit support as conditional on the game and available splitter.
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Add a Window Capture source
Open OBS and select the scene that will show your gameplay. Add a Window Capture source and choose the LiveSplit window. Resize and position it in the scene preview so the timer is legible without obscuring important game information. The exact labels and controls can vary by software version; the general window-capture workflow is described in a Speedrun.com community setup discussion, not an official OBS step-by-step guide.
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Verify the result in a recording
Check that both gameplay and timer are visible in the OBS preview, then make a short recording. Watch it back at the size your audience is likely to see. If the timer is clipped, too small, hard to read, or covers a useful part of the game, adjust its size or position and record another check.
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Choose the right way to display the timer
| Approach | Best for | What to check | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timer window capture | A straightforward desktop setup | Select the correct timer window, then check its size and position in the scene. | It depends on capturing the timer window correctly; detailed OBS controls vary by version. |
| Browser-source overlay | A custom or browser-based display | Confirm the timer supports a compatible feed and follow its project-specific setup. | Configuration may be required. OpenSpeedRun’s documented WebSocket overlay server is optional and off by default. |
| Console-to-PC capture path | Console gameplay that needs to appear in a PC streaming scene | Check that the console, PC, video route, and streaming setup suit your needs. | A capture card may be part of the video route, but it does not provide timer functionality. No specific model or hardware specification is established here. |
When to use a browser overlay
A browser source can be useful when your chosen timer provides an overlay designed for it. OpenSpeedRun documents an optional local WebSocket overlay server intended for an OBS browser source; the server is off by default and must be enabled in the project configuration. See the OpenSpeedRun overlay documentation for that project’s requirements. Do not assume the overlay works with a different timer, or that its setup applies to LiveSplit.
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Adding a timer to console gameplay
If you want to play on a console but build the streaming scene on a PC, the gameplay needs a route into that PC. A capture card can be part of that route; once the game appears in OBS, add the timer as a separate source using the desktop setup above. Whether you need one depends on your console, existing video setup, and how you intend to stream. A community console capture discussion illustrates this kind of setup, but does not establish a particular card or model as a recommendation.
Common problems and fixes
- The timer is missing from the stream: Confirm the Window Capture source points to the open timer window and that the source is visible in the scene. Make a short recording to distinguish a preview issue from a recording or stream issue.
- The timer appears but is unreadable: Increase its displayed size or adjust its placement in the scene preview. Check the recording at normal viewing size rather than relying only on the OBS preview.
- Splits or autosplitting do not match the run: Check the game, category, split file, and timing rules. Autosplitting depends on a supported splitter being available for the game; it is not universal.
- The browser overlay does not connect: Check that the selected timer actually supports the overlay, that its project-specific server is enabled where required, and that you followed the documented local connection settings. OpenSpeedRun’s server is off by default.
- Console gameplay is not in the OBS scene: Resolve the video path from console to PC first. A timer source cannot substitute for a gameplay capture route; a capture card may be relevant depending on your setup.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a YouTube channel that needs to keep uploaded videos live around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate option from a speedrun timer: it loops uploaded videos from the cloud rather than capturing a live camera or gameplay session. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; videos stream as uploaded at any quality up to 4K 60fps for one flat price per slot, with no re-encoding or quality tiers. StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly service is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start the free day.
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