Streamlabs Setup Guide for Streamers

Streamlabs is one of the most popular streaming platforms for beginner and intermediate streamers. Built on top of OBS technology, it adds a beginner-friendly interface with built-in alerts, themes, widgets, and a stream tip page — all in one app. This guide covers everything you need to know to set up Streamlabs for live streaming, from installation to overlays, alerts, scenes, and streaming to Twitch, YouTube, Kick, and TikTok.

What Is Streamlabs?

Streamlabs (formerly Streamlabs OBS or SLOBS) is a free streaming software built on top of OBS Studio. It includes everything OBS has, plus a built-in alert box, stream labels, tip page, loyalty points system, and a theme marketplace. Streamlabs is available on Windows and Mac. A paid tier called Streamlabs Ultra unlocks additional features, but the free version covers everything most streamers need.

How to Download and Install Streamlabs

Go to streamlabs.com and download the desktop app for your operating system. Create a free account or log in with your Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook account. On first launch, Streamlabs runs an auto-setup wizard that configures your encoding settings based on your hardware and internet speed.

How to Set Up Overlays in Streamlabs

Overlays in Streamlabs are added as sources inside your scenes. Animated WebM and MP4 files are added as Media Sources. Static PNG overlays are added as Image Sources. Position and resize each file on the canvas to match your layout.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see How to Setup Overlays in Streamlabs for Beginners and How to Add Animated Overlays Inside of Streamlabs.

All Stream Designz overlays are compatible with Streamlabs. Browse our Animated Overlay Packages and Ultimate Stream Bundles.

How to Set Up Scenes in Streamlabs

Scenes in Streamlabs work the same as OBS — each scene is a different view you switch between during your stream. The standard setup includes: Starting Soon, Gameplay, Just Chatting, BRB, and Ending Soon. Each scene contains the relevant sources: gameplay capture, webcam overlay, alert box, and scene graphics.

Guides for setting up individual scenes in Streamlabs:

How to Set Up Stream Alerts in Streamlabs

Streamlabs has a built-in alert box that handles follow, subscription, donation, bits, and raid alerts. In Streamlabs Desktop, go to Alert Box in the left sidebar, customize your alert settings, then add the Alert Box widget as a Browser Source in your scenes.

For animated alerts that match your overlay theme, see How to Setup Animated Twitch Alerts in Streamlabs. Browse themed alert sets in our Animated Stream Alerts collection.

How to Add a Stinger Transition in Streamlabs

A stinger transition masks your scene switches with a brief animated clip. In Streamlabs, go to Scene Transitions, add a new Stinger Transition, and upload your WebM file. Set the transition point to where the clip covers the full screen. See How to Setup a Stinger Transition in Streamlabs for a full walkthrough.

Browse themed stinger transitions in our Stinger Transitions collection.

How to Add a Countdown Timer in Streamlabs

Add your countdown timer MP4 file as a Media Source on your Starting Soon scene in Streamlabs, set it to loop, and it will count down automatically each time you activate that scene. See How to Add a Countdown Timer to Streamlabs and How to Add a Countdown Timer in Streamlabs for step-by-step instructions.

Browse themed countdown timers in our Countdown Timer Overlays collection.

How to Stream to Different Platforms Using Streamlabs

Streamlabs supports streaming to Twitch, YouTube, Kick, TikTok, and Facebook. Go to Settings → Stream and select your platform. Guides for each:

Streamlabs vs OBS Studio — Which Should You Use?

Streamlabs is better for beginners who want everything in one place. OBS Studio is better for experienced streamers who want more control and lower CPU usage. Both are free. If you’re just starting out, Streamlabs is the faster path to going live. See our OBS Studio Setup Guide to compare.

Stream Overlays Compatible With Streamlabs

All Stream Designz overlays are fully compatible with Streamlabs. Every product includes setup instructions. Browse our catalog:

Ultimate Stream Bundles — complete stream setup in one download
Animated Overlay Packages — overlays, scenes, alerts, and panels
Animated Stream Alerts — themed alert notifications
Countdown Timer Overlays — Starting Soon countdown clocks
Stinger Transitions — animated scene-change clips