To show a countdown and schedule before a YouTube live stream, first create the event in YouTube Studio, then build holding scenes in an encoder such as OBS and send that feed to YouTube. For a scheduled encoder stream, check that the preview appears in Live Control Room and click Go live when you are ready to begin.
How YouTube scheduling and countdown screens work
YouTube Studio creates and controls the scheduled event, including its watch-page URL. Your encoder creates the video picture viewers see: a countdown, schedule or main program scene. Scheduling an event alone does not start the encoder feed or complete the start sequence.
YouTube says scheduling lets you promote a stream; viewers can receive reminders and you can share the event URL. You do not need special physical gear just to schedule an event or compose these screens. YouTube lists an external microphone, webcam and green screen as examples of streaming equipment, not requirements for a countdown scene.
1. Schedule the YouTube live event
- In YouTube Studio, open Create → Go Live, then choose Manage.
- Select Schedule stream. Reuse settings from a previous stream or create a new event.
- Set the title, scheduled time, audience visibility and other event details. Review the visibility before sharing the watch-page URL.
- Share the event URL with viewers who may want to set a reminder.
YouTube’s default privacy setting differs by age: accounts for ages 13–17 default to private, while accounts for ages 18 and over default to public. Creators can change the visibility. Interface labels can change; these steps reflect YouTube Help accessed October 4, 2026.
#1 Best Overall
- Dual Cold Shoe Mounts: Attach microphones, lights, and accessories for enhanced photography or vlogging.
- Versatile Screw Design: 1/4" screw hole compatible with tripods, selfie sticks, cameras, and various accessories.
- 360° Rotation, 180° Tilt: Effortlessly switch between landscape and portrait mode with adjustable angle design for precise control.
- Universal Phone Compatibility: Fits smartphones from iPhone 14 to Galaxy S23 Ultra, accommodating devices within 2.16" to 3.7" width. For best results, avoid clamping directly on the side buttons. Adjust the position slightly higher or lower if your phone has thick cases or protruding buttons.
- Secure Grip: Thick non-slip silicone pad ensures stability even with a thick phone case.
2. Build countdown and schedule scenes in OBS
OBS scenes can combine text, image, browser and media sources. Use those source types to assemble a branded holding screen and a separate schedule scene. This is a way to apply OBS’s documented scene tools; the OBS guide reviewed does not describe a built-in countdown timer template or a specific timer setup recipe.
- Create a scene for the countdown and another for the schedule or starting-soon message. Give each a clear name.
- Add text for the event title, scheduled start time and schedule. Add an image for a background or logo, or a media source for a prepared video asset.
- If you use a browser source for a countdown page or overlay, choose one you trust. Treat that as a workflow choice rather than a YouTube feature.
- Arrange and layer sources in the Sources dock. Items higher in the list render above those lower in the list; position and resize them in the preview.
- Check the output frame for readable text and contrast. Keep important information away from the edges.
For example, a holding screen can show the event name, scheduled start time with its timezone, countdown and a short message that the stream will begin shortly. Make a separate scene for the upcoming segments, then switch to the main program scene when appropriate.
Rank #2
- FEATURE: the tripod phone mount is adjustable by screw mechanism, 360 degree rotating, vertical(portrait mode) and horizontal(landscape mode) or any angle as you need, not necessary to take your cell phone out of a standard tripod or small tripod.
- EASY TO USE: two options for using tripod phone holder: 1. screw it directly to the tripod or selfie stick with pivoting arm, being able to 360 degrees rotating, 2. remove the phone clamp from pivoting arm and then mount on a tripod or monopod.
- ADJUSTABLE WIDTH: 2.2inch-4.1inch(55mm-105mm), attachable to any regular-size smartphone, tripod, selfie stick, monopod or camera; two standard 1/4 x 20mm female thread interfaces meeting your various needs. Very functional and compact.
- MATERIAL: the black part made of sturdy plastic, the female threads inserted are brass, the male screw is steel and soft non-slipping silica gel pads, which protect your cellphone from scratch and hold the phone securely.
- ATTACHABLE TO: most mobile phones, tripods, unipods, selfie sticks, cameras, camcorders, pico projectors, including iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max/X/XS/XR/XS Max/8/7/6/6s Plus/SE/5s/5/5c, Samsung Galaxy S10/10+/S9/S9+/S8/S8+/S7/S6/S6 edge, Note10/10+/9/8 and Android phones.
3. Connect the encoder and go live
- In your encoder’s stream settings, enter YouTube’s stream URL and stream key, or choose YouTube directly if your encoder offers that integration.
- Start sending the encoder feed early enough to inspect it in Live Control Room. Keep the stream key private; it is a credential.
- Confirm that the video preview appears in Live Control Room.
- When ready to begin the scheduled broadcast, click Go live, then switch from the countdown or schedule scene to your main program scene.
YouTube describes an encoder as converting video into a digital format for streaming on YouTube. OBS is listed by YouTube as open-source software available at no charge. Streams under 12 hours are automatically archived, according to YouTube Help.
Choosing an encoder
OBS is one no-cost software encoder option for arranging scenes and sources. Other encoders may differ in YouTube integration, scene flexibility, operating-system compatibility, support for guests or multiple cameras, and cost. YouTube’s encoder list identifies available products but does not provide a comparative evaluation, so choose based on the features and workflow you need.
Rank #3
- 🏆【Latest Metal Phone Tripod Mount】: 360° rotation smartphone holder with 2 side cold shoe and 1 back cold shoe & 1/4" Expand Hole Design, you can attach additional LED light, microphone or other film device. It helps you film steady vlogging video for Facebook, Youtube, and platforms as well as live streaming channels.
- 🏆【Back Cold Shoe & Two 1/4" Expand Hole Design】: There is a cold shoe on the back, which solves the problem that the wireless microphone cannot be fixed during mobile phone recording. Two 1/4" screw hole help you expand the devices you want.
- 🏆【Standard Arca Mount on Bottom】- ULANZI Iron Man IV with a standard Aka quick release plate port, quick installation. A 1/4 screw port is added at the bottom to connect tripods. It is all aluminum metal made. Solid, Durable and Safer.
- 🏆【Side Double Cold Shoe Design】: ULANZI ST-27 with 2 cold shoes on the side, you can mount your fill light & microphone at same time. It is be the best choice for your vlog.
- 🏆【Extra Wide Compatibility】: Ulanzi phone tripod mount compatible with iPhone17 16 15 14 13 12/12Pro/12Pro Max/11/11Pro/11Pro Max/X/Xs/XR/Xs Max,8/7/6/6s, iPhone 6/6s plus, iphone SE,Samsung Galaxy s10s10 plus S9/S9+,S8/S8+/S7/S6/S6 edge, Note 10 9 8 5 4 3 and many other brands and models
FAQ
How do I schedule a YouTube live stream in OBS?
Schedule the event in YouTube Studio under Create → Go Live → Manage → Schedule stream. Then connect OBS using YouTube’s stream URL and stream key, start the encoder feed, check the Live Control Room preview and click Go live.
How do I show a starting-soon screen before going live?
Create a holding scene in OBS with text, images, a browser source or media. Start sending the feed to YouTube and check the preview before clicking Go live for the scheduled stream.
Rank #4
- The ST-06s is upgraded from ST-06, adds one more cold shoe, enhance the material, makes it more sturdy, functional and convenient
- 2 cold shoe design, allows to mount the mic and led video light at the same time, improve your vlog or video quality; 360°rotating design, supports horizontal and vertical shooting angles, work with tiktok mode
- Z-axis design, adjust a pitch angle freely, work as phone monitor mount, compatible with sony canon nikon cameras DJI roin s/sc/rs Zhiyun crane gimbals
- Mini and lightweight, only 51g, 105mm/4.13in, very portable, easy to take out and put it into any bag even pocket; Protective pad, there is silicon pad in the phone holder that keep your phone form scratching
- Widely compatible, the phone holder width ranges from 2.36 - 3.54in, fit 99 % phones in the market, compatible with for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max X XR Xs Max 8 7 Plus Samsung Galaxy s10 s9 Note10 Google smartphone
Does OBS include a built-in countdown timer?
The OBS Sources Guide reviewed documents text, image, browser and media sources, but does not document a built-in countdown timer setup. A countdown can be part of your scene workflow, for example through a prepared media asset or a trusted browser overlay; the method is your choice.
Do I need a microphone, webcam or green screen?
No. Those are examples of optional streaming equipment. You can schedule the event and compose countdown or schedule scenes without them.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Easy to Install: There are two option to use the The Phone Tripod Mount: 1. Screw directly to the tripod with pivoting arm, being able to 360 degrees to rotate. 2. Remove the clip from pivoting arm and then mount on a tripod. Fit all phone wide from 5.5cm to 10.5cm, widely used.
- Stable and Safe: the width of the tripod Phone Holder is adjustable by screw locked, always hold your phone in safe with or without the phone case
- Widely Mounted: with 1/4 screw for most supports like tripods, mono pole, selfie stick, chest for POV, livestreaming, vlog shooting......
- The phone remote controller fits most andriod and ios system, with anti-lost strap. Comptable with: iphone 16/16pro, 15 Pro, 15, 14, 14 Plus, 13 pro, 13 pro max, 12 11 X Xs 8, 7 Samsung, Google Pixel, Huawei, HTC...both Andriod and IOS
- WHAT YOU GET：1x phone tripod mount adapter 1x remote shutter 1x hand strap, 12 Months warranty. If any questions about this phone holder to tripod, please feel free to contact us.
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.
