The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The safest place to start is your alert software’s built-in library: Streamlabs offers alert themes and a sound gallery, while Twitch provides default assets and lets you upload your own. For a more distinctive look, commission original artwork. GIF and sound-effect libraries can help you find ideas and files, but a file being available online does not mean you have permission to use it.
Start with the library in your alert software
Streamlabs
Streamlabs points creators to its Desktop Media Library for alert themes. Its sound guide describes a gallery with free and premium sounds; additional premium sounds are associated with Streamlabs Ultra. What is included can change, so check the current Streamlabs product page and your plan before choosing an asset. Streamlabs’ alert asset guide was last updated April 25, 2025.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Twitch
Twitch’s Asset Library provides default alert images and sounds and supports uploading custom ones. If you use Twitch alerts, this is a practical first stop because the assets are offered within Twitch’s own alert setup.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Other places to find alert media
Commission custom graphics or sounds
A commissioned alert can be designed around your channel’s colors, name, and style. Streamlabs names Etsy and Fiverr as examples of marketplaces where creators may find artists. Before paying, ask the artist to spell out the license in writing. Confirm whether it covers live broadcasts, saved VODs, clips, and commercial use; a marketplace listing alone does not settle those terms.
#1 Best Overall
- 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
- One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.
Search third-party GIF and sound libraries
Streamlabs names Giphy and other GIF sites as places to discover visuals, and Free Sound, Sound Bible, and AudioMicro as sound-effect sources. Treat these as discovery options, not blanket permissions. Streamlabs specifically advises contacting a GIF’s author for permission. For any asset, check the individual license and intended-use terms before adding it to your stream.
Make your own GIF
Streamlabs lists Giphy and Gifmaker as GIF-making tools. Creating a GIF does not clear the rights to its ingredients: verify that you have permission to use any underlying images or footage, especially in livestreams and recordings.
Rank #2
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more. Know that your command has been executed.
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc.
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more
- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more. Regular updates and new plugins frequently added.
Check the license before you use an asset
Twitch says alert images and sounds must follow its Community Guidelines and must not violate third-party rights, including copyright. The ability to upload a file is a technical feature, not proof that you have a license. Keep a copy of the license or permission record with the asset, and check that it covers both live use and recordings you publish.
- Check whether use is allowed on livestreams, VODs, clips, and monetized or other commercial content.
- Note any attribution, modification, or redistribution conditions.
- Keep the asset’s source and permission details together so you can verify them later.
- If the terms are unclear, choose another asset or get written permission rather than assuming it is safe.
Check file types and upload limits
Supported formats and size limits depend on the platform and may change. Twitch currently lists the following specifications for alert assets; verify Twitch’s current help documentation before preparing files.
Rank #3
- 36 macro keys: Trigger commands and access tools with one press; customize your controls in the Stream Deck app, free for PC and Mac; trigger Multi Actions to automate entire sequences with one press
- Six multifunction dials: Make quick adjustments with more precision; turn a single dial into many functions with tools like Action Trigger for extra control; adjust settings and levels with precision
- Touch strip display: See important information at a quick glance; see your most important info in real time on an expanded touch strip; access additional pages of actions with a quick swipe of your finger
- Hundreds of integrations: Connect essential apps and equipment; integrate everything from DAWs and video switchers to creative apps; expand your connectivity with optional accessories like Network Dock
- Custom profiles: Create unique layouts for workflows and users; create custom profiles for workflows, projects, and team members; unlimited custom profiles for seamless page navigation
| Platform | Asset | Formats listed | Maximum file size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitch | Images | PNG, JPG, GIF, MP4 | 25 MB for static images; 100 MB for video images |
| Twitch | Audio | MP3, OGG, WAV | 25 MB |
| Streamlabs Alert Box | Images | PNG, GIF, JPG/JPEG, WebP, WebM, MP4 | Not stated in the cited Streamlabs format guidance |
| Streamlabs Alert Box | Audio | MP3, OGG, WAV | Not stated in the cited Streamlabs format guidance |
Twitch also lists Asset Library storage of 100 MB for users who are not Affiliates or Partners and 1 GB for Affiliates and Partners. These are Twitch platform specifications, not general file-size recommendations.
Add the alert to your streaming software and test it
OBS Studio
OBS does not supply alerts itself. The OBS Project FAQ says alerts come from third-party providers. Add the provider’s overlay as a Browser Source, using the provider’s setup instructions and widget URL.
Rank #4
- 18 Programmable Keys Macro Keypad: This stream controller deck comes with 18 customizable macro keys (15 LCD visual keys + 3 physical buttons). Users may program single actions or multi-step sequences for daily operation. The keys support in-game combos, app launch and media playback control for multiple usage scenarios. Each LCD key accepts JPG, PNG and GIF images and animations to mark separate functions
- Single Tap Control: This USB macro keyboard pad supports single tap commands for quick operation. Users can trigger pre-set macros, input text, open files and web pages, adjust media playback, or switch OBS scenes with one tap. The straightforward layout fits gaming, live streaming and professional office task setup
- One Tap Multi-Shortcut: This macro controller pad streaming deck supports multi-shortcut macro programming for gamers and content creators. Custom shortcuts simplify game combo inputs, video editing, music production and photography workflows. The Operation Follow function runs multiple macro steps in custom order or simultaneous execution for adjustable task control
- Adjustable RGB Surround Light Ring - VSD M18 gaming streaming deck features an outer RGB light ring with auto color cycle mode. Custom RGB tones are available via device firmware upgrade. The light ring offers adjustable visual lighting for dim gaming, streaming and night work setups.
- Wide System Compatibility: This VSDinside macro control board works with Windows 11 and newer, macOS 11.0 and newer systems. Connect via USB-C cable for immediate use. It is compatible with mainstream software including OBS, Streamlabs, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Excel, Word and Photoshop for daily production work. Native Linux system plug-and-play support is not available, while SDK development documents are provided for custom secondary development
Streamlabs Desktop or plugin
In Streamlabs Desktop, add an Alert Box source. If you use the Streamlabs plugin with OBS, add its Alert Box widget. For other streaming software, Streamlabs directs users to copy the widget URL into a Browser Source.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Test before going live
- Install or select the alert asset in the provider’s library or alert settings.
- Add the relevant Alert Box or Browser Source in your streaming software.
- Use the provider’s test-alert control, if available, and check that the image appears at the intended size and position.
- Listen to the alert and confirm its audio is included in the stream mix at a sensible level.
- If you publish recordings, check that the alert’s sound is also present in the recording mix.
Keep a YouTube channel running separately from alert sourcing
StreamNeo is a separate option for keeping a YouTube channel live from uploaded videos; it is not a source of alert graphics or sound effects. It runs the stream in the cloud, so a computer at home does not need to stay on. If that separate need applies, see StreamNeo: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It supports uploaded video up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, can recover automatically if YouTube drops the stream, and offers a first day free with no card. Start a free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Work smarter not harder: forget keyboard shortcuts. Stream Deck Mini lets you assign tedious, hard to memorise shortcuts to a single key. Instantly identify and activate them without error.
- Compatible with your apps: Seamlessly integrate with essential software including Zoom, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, GoogleSuite, MS Office, Photoshop, Adobe Creative Apps, Spotify, Music, and many more.
- Customizable LCD keys: Instantly activate commands and functions with a single tap.
- Easy Set Up: User-Friendly Software. Drag actions onto keys. Then personalize settings with ease.
- Multi-action efficiency: Execute multiple actions at once or in a sequence, precisely timed.
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.
