In Streamlabs, open the Alert Box settings, choose the event type you want to customize, select + Add Variation, set a condition, customize the variation, and save it. Then add the Alert Box to your streaming software and test it before going live. StreamElements offers a separate route through its Elements Editor; its controls and labels are not interchangeable with Streamlabs.
What an alert variation does
An alert variation lets an alert type use a different presentation when a chosen condition is met. For example, you can configure a different message or sound for a qualifying event instead of using the same alert presentation every time. The condition belongs to the specific alert type you are editing; available controls can differ by event.
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Before setting one up, decide which event it should apply to, what condition should trigger it, and which parts of the presentation should change. Check that the event is supported for the platform connected to your account.
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Set up a variation in Streamlabs
- Open the Alert Box settings. Choose the platform connected to your account, then select the event type you want to edit, such as follows, subscriptions, or tips, where supported.
- Add the variation. Under that alert type, select + Add Variation. Give the variation a recognizable name so you can identify its purpose later.
- Set the condition. Configure the variation’s Condition to match the event or threshold you want. Confirm that the condition is attached to the intended alert type.
- Customize its presentation. Edit the message template or sound where those controls are available. Streamlabs documents
{name}as a dynamic name field for message templates. Controls are not necessarily identical for every event. - Save before leaving the settings. Do not assume the variation is retained if you navigate away without saving.
- Add the Alert Box to your scene. In Streamlabs Desktop, add an Alert Box source. With the Streamlabs OBS plugin, use its Widgets menu. In other streaming software, copy the widget URL and add it as a browser source.
- Test the alert. Use the service’s test or preview function and check the text, media, and sound in the scene. Test the event types and variations you expect to use; a preview does not necessarily simulate every condition of a live platform event.
Use StreamElements instead
StreamElements has its own alert workflow in the Elements Editor. Its documentation covers dynamic text, sound, and multiple alert variations; its Alert Box templates also describe controls such as fonts, timing, sounds, and effects. Create and check each variation in the StreamElements interface rather than following Streamlabs button names.
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Examples on the StreamElements template page include follows, subscriptions, tips, cheers, raids, and community gifts. Treat these as examples, not a guarantee that every event is available for every connected platform or account. Verify the event you need in your own setup, then preview or test it and inspect the result in your scene.
Check the scene before you go live
- Confirm the Alert Box source is present in the scene where the event should appear and is not hidden behind another source.
- Check that the chosen event type and condition match the variation you intend to trigger.
- Review the message and sound for the variation, including any dynamic name field.
- Use the service’s test or preview controls, then check the visible alert and audio in the actual scene.
- If more than one variation could apply, review the conditions individually and test the relevant cases.
Troubleshoot common problems
The variation never appears
Check that you added it under the correct alert type, saved the settings, and set a condition that matches the event you are testing. Also confirm that the event is supported for the connected platform and account.
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The alert does not appear in the streaming software
Verify that the Alert Box source was added to the active scene. If you use other software, check that you used the correct widget URL in a browser source; in Streamlabs Desktop or with its OBS plugin, use the corresponding Alert Box or Widgets route.
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The alert appears, but the message or sound is wrong
Reopen the specific variation and check its message template and sound selection. Test again after saving; do not assume one alert type’s customization also applies to another.
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A preview works, but a live event behaves differently
A test or preview confirms the presentation path, but it may not reproduce every live platform condition. Check the event’s platform support and condition, then verify the relevant real event behavior when practical.
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