Add a Countdown Before Videos in an OBS Loop Stream

Updated 8 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Adding a countdown before the first video gives viewers a clear start time and fills the wait with a planned screen instead of a blank scene. In OBS, you can do this by placing a countdown source in a separate scene, then switching to your looping video scene when the timer ends. You will need a countdown source or timer media file, plus an OBS scene collection you can test before going live.

What You’ll Need

OBS Studio with your loop stream already set up, or the video files and sources you plan to use.
A countdown method: a compatible OBS countdown script or plugin, a browser-based timer source, or a pre-made countdown video file.
A start scene and a video scene. The video scene should contain the looping video or playlist and be ready to play.
A few minutes to test the transition and audio before streaming.

Step-by-Step

Save a copy of your current setup. In OBS, save your scene collection or duplicate the relevant scenes before changing them. This makes it easier to restore your loop if a source or transition behaves unexpectedly.
Choose how the countdown will run. The simplest dependable option is a countdown video of the exact duration you want. Add it as a Media Source and enable Restart playback when source becomes active. If you want a timer that displays changing numbers, use a browser source with a countdown page or a compatible OBS script. Only install scripts or plugins from a source you trust, and check that they support your OBS version.
Create a dedicated start scene. In the Scenes panel, add a scene such as “Countdown.” Add your background, logo, starting message, and countdown source to it. Keeping the countdown separate from the loop scene makes the handoff easier to control and troubleshoot.
Set the countdown duration and appearance. Choose a duration that matches your planned waiting period, such as five minutes. For a media file, verify its actual length and make sure it shows the numbers in the order you expect. For a browser or script timer, set the duration and check its text size, contrast, and position in the OBS preview.
Prepare the loop scene. Select the scene containing your video source. For one repeating file, open the source’s properties and enable Loop. For a playlist, check that repeat or loop playback is enabled in the playlist settings. Confirm that the first video is the one you want viewers to see when the countdown finishes.
Decide how the stream will switch scenes. If you can switch manually, keep the countdown scene live and switch to the video scene when the timer reaches zero. For an automatic change, use a timer or automation method that can trigger an OBS scene switch. A countdown display alone does not automatically switch scenes; the display and the scene change are separate functions.
Configure an automatic switch carefully, if needed. Use an OBS-compatible automation tool or script with a documented scene-switch action. Set its target to the exact name of your video scene and its delay to match the countdown. Avoid relying on a browser timer to control OBS unless the page or integration explicitly supports that action. Keep a manual scene-switch option available in case the trigger fails.
Check audio and source behavior. Decide whether music or background audio should play during the countdown. Mute the countdown media if it should be silent, or set its audio level appropriately. In the video scene, verify the video source’s audio settings and ensure the countdown’s sound will not continue after switching.
Run a complete test while not live. Start the countdown from the beginning, wait for the final seconds, and confirm that the switch happens at the intended time. Watch the opening moments of the loop and check video, audio, and scene transitions. If the loop source needs time to load, start it early or use a short transition that avoids a blank frame.
Go live with a fallback ready. Before streaming, confirm the starting scene is selected and the timer is reset. Keep OBS’s scene controls visible so you can switch to the video scene manually. After the transition, verify that the video continues to repeat as intended.

Common Mistakes

A frequent mistake is assuming the timer itself will switch scenes. A countdown source may only display numbers; it needs a separate manual action or an automation trigger to change scenes. Another is setting the timer and media file to different durations, which can leave the screen counting down after the video starts—or show the video before the timer finishes.

Also check for duplicate audio. A countdown video may contain music while a separate music source plays in the scene. If both are audible, viewers may hear overlapping tracks. Finally, a source hidden behind another layer can make the countdown appear missing; check the source order in the scene and use the eye icon to confirm it is visible.

Tips

Use a clear “Starting soon” message and display the expected start time or remaining minutes.
Make the countdown legible at the stream’s actual output size, not just when enlarged in the OBS preview.
Choose a timer length that gives you a buffer for setup, but avoid leaving a long countdown running after the stream is ready.
Use a scene transition that fits the stream, and test it with the same transition settings you will use live.
Keep a local copy of countdown media and note any browser-source or plugin settings so the setup is easier to restore.

Troubleshooting

The countdown does not appear: Confirm the Countdown scene is selected, the source is visible, and it is not covered by another source. For a browser source, check its address and refresh it. For a media source, reopen its properties and confirm the file path is valid.

The timer starts at the wrong number or does not reset: For a media file, enable Restart playback when source becomes active and reselect the scene to test. For a script or browser timer, look for a reset or start control and verify the configured duration. Some sources keep running while hidden, so test whether hiding and showing the scene resets the timer.

The video does not start after the countdown: Check whether you are using a manual switch or an automation trigger. If manual, switch scenes yourself. If automated, verify the trigger is enabled, the delay matches the timer, and the destination scene name is correct. Keep the manual switch ready rather than waiting indefinitely.

The loop plays only once: Open the video or playlist source settings and enable looping or repeat. Test the end of the file, because some videos include a black frame or a pause at the loop point.

There is a black screen, frozen video, or unwanted audio: Confirm the media file is accessible and that the source is not paused. Test the file locally and check its playback settings. Review audio meters and mute any countdown sound source that should not continue after the scene change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can OBS automatically switch scenes when the countdown ends?
Not with a basic countdown display by itself. Use a compatible automation method that triggers a scene change, or switch scenes manually when the timer reaches zero.

Can I use a countdown video instead of a timer plugin?
Yes. A countdown video is straightforward and does not require a timer script. Match its duration to your planned start and enable playback restart if you may replay the scene.

Will the countdown work with a playlist of videos?
Yes. Put the playlist in a separate scene, confirm repeat is enabled, and switch to that scene when the countdown finishes.

Why does my countdown keep running when I change scenes?
Some sources continue running while hidden. Check the source’s playback or browser settings, or use a timer method that pauses or resets when the scene becomes inactive.

Should I put the countdown and loop in the same scene?
A separate countdown scene is usually easier to manage. It lets you control the start screen and video playback independently and makes the scene switch obvious.

How can I make sure the transition works before going live?
Test the full countdown and scene change while OBS is not streaming. Check the first seconds of the video, the loop setting, and all audio sources, then reset the countdown before going live.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.