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Choose a persistent list or popup alerts
A persistent event list keeps recent channel activity visible on the stream. A popup alert appears when an event happens and then goes away. StreamElements documents its AlertBox as a native widget for displaying live events from the queue in popup-like behavior; that alone does not create a persistent recent-events list.
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For a list-style display, use a widget that presents the recents data, documented by StreamElements as the chronological last 25 events. If the built-in options do not provide the appearance or behavior you want, a Custom Widget can use event-driven code; StreamElements documents an example that responds to a new follower. Check the current event reference for your platform and account rather than assuming every event type is available everywhere.
Create an overlay in StreamElements
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Open Overlays in StreamElements and create a new overlay.
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Choose a canvas resolution. StreamElements recommends matching your stream resolution, or using a smaller canvas if you want to reposition the overlay within your broadcasting software.
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Add a list-oriented widget that displays recent events. If you need a custom design or behavior, add a Custom Widget and configure it to handle the event data you need. The platform’s available events may differ, so verify the types relevant to your setup.
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Add the overlay to OBS
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Copy the overlay URL from StreamElements.
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In OBS, add a Browser Source and paste the URL into its URL field.
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Set the Browser Source width and height to fit the overlay canvas. StreamElements’ YouTube SE.Live setup tutorial, updated May 8, 2025, uses 1920 by 1080 as an example. Those dimensions are not a requirement for every stream; use dimensions suited to your canvas and layout.
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Position the source where it will not obscure important stream content. Check that names and event labels fit and remain legible.
Preview and troubleshoot before going live
Preview the overlay in your stream layout and confirm that the event types you want appear in the list. The documentation describes the widget and event data, but does not establish that every event type is available for every platform or account.
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- The overlay is missing in OBS: Confirm the Browser Source URL is the overlay URL and that the source dimensions are appropriate for the overlay canvas.
- The list is not persistent: Check whether you added an AlertBox. It is designed for popup-like event display; select a list-oriented widget or configure a custom widget to show recent-event data instead.
- The list is blank or lacks an expected event: Verify that the widget is configured for the event type and platform you use. Do not assume event coverage is identical across platforms.
- Text is clipped or difficult to read: Adjust the overlay or source dimensions and reposition the list so its content fits without covering important visuals.
Or let it run in the cloud
For a prerecorded-video stream that should stay live on YouTube around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate option from an OBS overlay workflow: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops uploaded videos from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. It streams 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: $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos rather than going live from a camera, and streams to YouTube only. See StreamNeo, or start the free day.
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