The “Starting Soon” scene is the first thing anyone who arrives early sees, and it quietly does a lot of work: it holds early viewers, lets the algorithm register that you are live, and gives you a buffer to fix any last-second problems before your face goes on camera. A good one is simple, on-brand, and playing music — not a static wall of text. Here is how to build one that keeps people waiting.
What a Starting Soon scene needs
Four elements cover it: a background (image, looping video, or subtle animation), clear text that says you are starting soon, a countdown timer or “starting at” note, and low-volume music. Optionally add your social handles and recent-follower or chat widgets so early arrivals have something to watch and do.
Step 1: Build the scene in OBS
Create a new scene called “Starting Soon.” Add your background first as the bottom layer — a looping MP4 or a still image sized to your canvas (1920×1080 for most). Layer text or a pre-made overlay graphic on top. Keep the composition clean; empty space looks more professional than a crowded screen.
| Element | Purpose | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Looping background | Signals life, not a frozen screen | Keep it subtle, low motion |
| Countdown timer | Sets expectations | 5–10 min is typical |
| Music (low volume) | Holds attention | Use stream-safe/DMCA-free tracks |
| Socials / handles | Converts early viewers | Small, corner placement |
| Chat or recent follows | Encourages interaction | Optional but effective |
Step 2: Add a countdown timer
Use a countdown source: a free browser-source timer, a Snaz-style text file updated by a small tool, or a widget from your alerts provider. Point it at your real start time — 5 to 10 minutes is the norm. A visible countdown outperforms a vague “starting soon” because viewers know exactly how long to hang around.
Step 3: Use DMCA-safe music
This is where streamers get burned. Copyrighted music on your Starting Soon scene can mute your VOD or earn a strike. Use a library of stream-safe, royalty-free tracks and keep the volume low — roughly 20–25 LUFS quieter than your speaking voice will be — so it sets a mood without overwhelming.
Step 4: Test the transition
Before going live for real, rehearse switching from Starting Soon to your main scene so audio and camera come up cleanly. A Stream Deck button or a hotkey makes the swap instant. Check that your mic is muted on the Starting Soon scene so you can talk off-air while it plays.
Build a matching scene set
A Starting Soon scene works best as part of a small family: Starting Soon, Be Right Back, and Stream Ending, all sharing the same fonts, colors, and background style. Building the other two takes minutes once the first exists — duplicate the scene, swap the text, and adjust the widgets. A Be Right Back scene covers bathroom and snack breaks without dead air, and a Stream Ending scene lets you thank viewers, plug your socials, and raid someone while the countdown to offline runs. This consistency makes even a small channel feel established and gives you graceful cover for every transition a live stream inevitably needs.
FAQ
How long should a Starting Soon scene run?
Five to ten minutes is the sweet spot. Long enough to gather early viewers and let platforms register your stream, short enough that people do not lose interest. Publicize a consistent start time so regulars know the countdown is real.
Can I use any music on my Starting Soon screen?
No. Use only stream-safe or royalty-free music. Popular commercial tracks can get your VOD muted or trigger copyright strikes, and a Starting Soon scene often runs long enough to guarantee detection. Stick to a licensed stream-music library.
Bottom line
Layer a subtle looping background, a real countdown timer, low-volume DMCA-safe music, and your handles into a dedicated OBS scene, and bind a clean transition to your main scene. Keep it uncluttered and start it 5–10 minutes before showtime. It costs almost nothing and turns dead air into a warm-up act that holds your audience until you are ready.
