The Tool Desk
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Choose a persistent list or popup alerts
An event list keeps recent activity visible so viewers can refer to it after an event occurs. A popup alert calls attention to an event as it happens, then is intended to behave like a transient notification. StreamElements documents AlertBox as a native widget that displays live events from the queue in a popup-like behavior; it does not, by itself, mean a persistent recent-events list has been added.
For a list-style display in StreamElements, use a list-oriented widget or a custom widget that displays recents. StreamElements describes recents as a chronological list of the last 25 events in its Widget Events documentation.
Add the event list to an overlay
1. Create or choose an overlay
- In StreamElements, open Overlays and create a new overlay, or open one you already use.
- Choose an overlay resolution. StreamElements recommends matching the stream resolution, or choosing a smaller canvas if you want to reposition the overlay within your broadcasting software. For example, use a 1920 × 1080 canvas when that matches your stream; it is not a universal requirement.
See StreamElements’ guide to creating an overlay for its documented setup.
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#1 Best Overall
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2. Choose the widget that fits
- For transient notifications: add the built-in AlertBox widget. StreamElements documents it as displaying queued live events in a popup-like behavior.
- For a persistent recent-events list: choose a list-oriented widget or create a custom widget that presents the
recentsdata. Check that its design and behavior actually show a continuing list rather than only a popup. - For a custom design or behavior: StreamElements supports Custom Widgets and event-handling code. Its documentation illustrates responding to a new follower event. Verify the event types supported for your chosen platform and account rather than assuming all platforms provide the same events.
StreamElements explains its widget options in Getting Started with Overlays and describes custom widget event handling in its Custom Widget Events documentation.
3. Add the overlay to OBS
- Copy the overlay URL from StreamElements.
- In OBS, add a Browser source to the scene where the event list should appear.
- Paste the overlay URL into the source’s URL field, then set its width and height to match the overlay canvas or the size you need in the scene.
StreamElements’ YouTube setup tutorial, updated May 8, 2025, uses 1920 by 1080 as an example browser-source size. Use the dimensions that fit your own overlay and stream rather than treating that example as a requirement. See the StreamElements YouTube setup tutorial.
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4. Position and preview the list
- Place the widget where it will not obscure important gameplay, slides, captions, or other on-screen information.
- Check that event labels and names fit within the chosen width and remain legible at the stream’s output size.
- Preview the overlay and confirm that the event types you intend to show appear in the list before going live.
Built-in widget or custom widget?
| Approach | Best fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| AlertBox | Popup-style notifications for live events. | It is documented as popup-like, so confirm it meets your needs if you want events to remain visible as a list. |
List-oriented or recents-based widget |
A persistent chronological display of recent events. | StreamElements describes recents as the last 25 events; verify that the widget presents them in the continuing list format you want. |
| Custom Widget | A tailored appearance or event-driven behavior. | Configure and preview the desired event handling. Event availability can vary by platform; universal parity is not established. |
Common problems and fixes
- You see popups but no persistent list: an AlertBox is documented as popup-like. Switch to a list-oriented widget or configure a custom widget to display
recents. - The overlay is cropped or too large: check the overlay canvas dimensions and the OBS Browser source width and height. Match them, or adjust the source and placement to suit the scene.
- Names or labels are difficult to read: give the widget more room, simplify its layout, or move it to a less busy part of the scene, then preview it at the output size.
- An expected event type does not appear: check that the selected widget handles that event and that the event is available for the connected platform and account. Do not assume support is identical across services.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is a YouTube channel that stays live with uploaded videos, rather than a camera-based broadcast with an on-screen event list, StreamNeo keeps the stream running from the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; videos stream as uploaded up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly billing is $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- 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.
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