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To put a live clock inside a YouTube stream, add an OBS Browser Source that loads a clock webpage or a local HTML clock file. Set its size and time-zone format, position it in your scene, and verify that it advances in OBS before leaving the stream unattended. The clock becomes part of the video sent to YouTube—not merely a display on your computer.

Choose a clock overlay

OBS Browser Source can load either a webpage URL or a local file. That makes it possible to add a clock without pointing a camera at a physical clock. OBS describes the source this way: “Anything that you can program to run in a normal browser (within reason, of course), can be added directly to OBS.” OBS Browser Source documentation

Option Best suited to Trade-off
Local HTML file Keeping the overlay files alongside your OBS setup You manage the file and its settings locally; it does not depend on a hosted clock page remaining available.
Hosted clock webpage Convenient settings managed through a webpage The overlay depends on the hosted page being available. Long-run uptime is not established by the cited sources.

Clock options vary by project. Examples include controls for 12- or 24-hour notation, seconds, date, and time zone; do not assume every widget offers all of them. A community example explains using a local HTML file as a Browser Source, and the obs-time-overlay project describes clock/date files and display settings. OBS Forums: Time and Date Overlay updated

Add and configure the clock in OBS

  1. Pick the clock source. Download or create a local HTML clock, or choose a hosted clock page. Check that the overlay supports the time format and zone you need.
  2. Add a Browser Source. In the OBS scene where the clock should appear, add a new Browser Source. Select its local-file option and browse to the HTML file, or enter the hosted page URL. Keep the source in the scene that will be used for the broadcast.
  3. Set the viewport. Enter a width and height appropriate for the clock design and your output. OBS documents 800 × 600 as the Browser Source default; it is not a recommended clock size. If the text is clipped or too small, adjust the viewport and the source’s on-canvas size, then inspect it in the preview.
  4. Set the display. In the overlay’s own controls or configuration, choose 12- or 24-hour time, whether to show seconds or a date, and a time zone if available. These settings are widget-specific.
  5. Place and check it. Move the source to an uncluttered part of the composition. Check contrast and readability at the size viewers are likely to see, and make sure the clock does not cover the video’s subject or other important information.
  6. Check the time. Confirm the computer’s system clock and time zone, then compare the displayed time with the intended zone. Watch the OBS preview long enough to see seconds or minutes advance and confirm the date changes as expected around midnight.
  7. Test the broadcast. Start a private or otherwise appropriate test before relying on the setup. YouTube recommends testing before a live stream and monitoring stream health while it runs; those are general encoder recommendations, not clock-specific certification. YouTube: Choose live encoder settings, bitrates, and resolutions

Keep the clock visible during a 24/7 stream

A Browser Source may have options to shut it down when it is not visible and refresh it when its scene becomes active. OBS documents both controls. If the clock must appear across scene changes, make sure it is present in every relevant scene or use a scene arrangement that keeps it visible. Decide whether unloading a hidden source is appropriate for your overlay; test the result after switching scenes rather than assuming it will continue exactly as before.

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#1 Best Overall
Netzu 3-in-1 Digital Clocks for Living Room, Small & Compact Alarm Clock
  • Small & Compact Plug-in Alarm Clock for Every Room: Perfect for modern homes ditching cable boxes—place it under your living room TV to replace the lost clock display, or use it as a sleek bedside alarm in the bedroom. Also ideal for home offices, gyms, or dorm desks.
  • 3-in-1 Multispace Display: Stay organized with a bright, easy-to-read display showing time, date, and indoor temperature—no more switching apps or devices.Its compact design fits seamlessly into any space, keeping you on schedule whether you’re streaming, working, or sweating.
  • Adjustable Brightness for Day & Night: Adjust screen brightness in 4 levels+OFF with a single touch of the top-mounted button—no confusing menus. Keep it dim for a distraction-free bedroom at night or boost it for clear visibility in bright gyms or sunlit home offices.
  • Plug-in Power Clock: This alarm runs on AC power (cable included), ensuring it’s always on and accurate.
  • Sleek, User-Friendly Design:Designed with simplicity in mind: a single top button controls brightness, while the clean, modern look complements any decor—from minimalist living rooms to industrial-style home gyms. Its intuitive interface works for all ages.

The time shown depends on the overlay and its time source. The cited clock examples do not establish a universal synchronization guarantee. Check the system clock, configured zone, and preview. If the display is needed for an operational or legal purpose, independently verify its time source and synchronization; a decorative overlay is not evidence of certified timekeeping.

A local file avoids dependence on an overlay website, while a hosted widget may make settings more convenient. The cited material does not establish that either approach has better long-term reliability.

Rank #2
Sale
DreamSky Small Digital Alarm Clock for Bedroom, Large Big Numbers Display
  • Large Display Electric Alarm Clock with Brightness Dimmer: Corded plug in clock with compact streamline design yet large number display. 2 inches jumbo illuminated LED digits ensure the time is easy to see even for impaired vision people. The brightness dimmer allows you set the brightness of display, needless worry the brightness, either too bright thus affecting your sleep or too dark to read time.
  • Adjustable Alarm Sound: Single alarm setting with 9 minutes snooze. The beep alarm sound can be set from 30-90 DP as preference. Needless worry about too loud alarm sound frightening you or too low to wake you up from deep sleeping. One simple ON/OFF button allows you disable the alarm on weekend.
  • USB Charging Port: Convenient USB port allows you to charge your smartphone or other electric device without plug in wall, handy, convenient and organized.
  • Easy Operation Alarm Clock: Intuitive setting button, experience zero stress when setting the time or alarm. Easy for kids, seniors and the elderly.
  • Adapter Powered Only and Battery for Memory: Plug in to power the clock with the included DC adapter (with 59 inches USB cord). 2 x AAA batteries (not included) needed for storing time and alarm settings in case of power outage. With battery power source only, the screen will go blank and alarm will not sound.

Know what a 24/7 YouTube broadcast does—and does not—guarantee

YouTube’s encoder guidance says streams under 12 hours are automatically archived. That qualification does not promise indefinite archival or uninterrupted operation for a 24/7 broadcast. Check YouTube’s current encoder setup guidance for the operating pattern you plan to use, and do not treat an archive as a backup of a continuous channel.

A clock overlay also does not change the rights status of the underlying video. Before leaving a stream running, make sure you have the rights needed for the video and audio and follow YouTube’s applicable live-stream rules. A clock does not make copyrighted or reused material permissible.

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Rank #3
Sale
Clock with Day and Date for Elderly,7" Large Display Digital Calendar Clock
  • 【HD Display & Larg Font】The 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝘆 features a 7-inch 1024x600P HD LCD display that clearly displays the TIME, DATE, DAY of the WEEK, six time periods of the day[ MORNING, NOON, AFTERNOON, EVENING, NIGHT, MIDNIGHT, BEFORE DAWN ], and displays the ICONS of each time period in a bright Sun🌞 Moon🌙 visuals, ensuring that elderly individuals can easily understand the time & date.
  • 【20 Normal Alarms & 20 Custom Reminders】Our 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 has Up to 20 normal alarms(every day, weekdays or weekends, specific dates) and 20 reminders for personal need such as taking medicine and drinking water. More uniquely, you can customize your special reminders for specific date and time, such as Birthday or Meetings Plan. When the alarm goes off, the clear colorful icon with specific words will also help your get rid of misunderstanding
  • 【One-Touch Sleep Mode & 10-Level Brightness】Simply press the top button to activate sleep mode—the display turns off instantly for completely dark, undisturbed sleep. With 10 adjustable brightness levels ranging from 10% to 100%, you can easily customize the screen to suit day or night, reducing eye strain and promoting better rest by lowering brightness or turning it off completely at night.
  • 【12 Themes and More Color Options】Compared with other alarm clocks with only black and white fonts, this 𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 boasting 12 stunning display themes and different color options, you can customize different colors and themes according to your needs and different indoor scenes, each interface can meet the needs of different people such as students, vision impaired or elderly seniors with color blindness.
  • 【Volume Control & 3/5/9 Minute Snooze】With 9 adjustable volume levels and 18 ringtones, you can set the alarm as loud as a rock concert or as soft as a whisper, it's a great choice whether you're a light or heavy sleeper. If you have trouble getting out of bed, the snooze function provides the perfect wake-up cushion. You can customize a 3, 5 or 9-minute nap time, and the alarm will go off again when the time is up.
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Or let it run in the cloud

If your goal also includes keeping prerecorded video live continuously, StreamNeo is a cloud service for YouTube streams. Upload your recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. For this clock task, that handles continuous playback; the clock overlay still needs to be part of the video you upload if you want it visible in the broadcast.

  • Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs from the cloud, so your computer and home connection can be off.
  • Every slot streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot; there are no quality tiers or re-encoding.
  • StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
  • The first day is free with no card required (one free day per account).
  • Monthly: $9.99 per month.

See StreamNeo for service details, or start the free first day.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Netzu 3-in-1 Digital Clocks for Living Room, Small & Compact Alarm Clock
Netzu 3-in-1 Digital Clocks for Living Room, Small & Compact Alarm Clock
Clock Dimensions: 5.94"L x 1.3''W x 2.17"H
$11.99
SaleBestseller No. 5
Amazon Basics Small Digital Oval Alarm Clock with LED Display, Nightlight, Snooze Function & Battery Backup, Black, 4.5 x 3.5 x 2.4 Inches
Amazon Basics Small Digital Oval Alarm Clock with LED Display, Nightlight, Snooze Function & Battery Backup, Black, 4.5 x 3.5 x 2.4 Inches
Built-in nightlight gently illuminates a dark room; Repeating snooze function makes it possible to sleep a little longer
$8.52
Best Value
Sale
Amazon Basics Small Digital Oval Alarm Clock with LED Display, Nightlight, Snooze Function & Battery Backup, Black, 4.5 x 3.5 x 2.4 Inches
  • Digital alarm clock with a 0.7-inch green LED display for easily checking the time at a glance
  • Built-in nightlight gently illuminates a dark room
  • Repeating snooze function makes it possible to sleep a little longer
  • AC powered with integrated power supply. Batteries may be used as a backup power source to ensure time and alarms are retained in memory for 8 hours (refer to User Manual for details)
  • Measures 4.5 x 3.5 x 2.4 inches (LxWxH); weighs 0.4 pounds (6.6 oz) Note: Batteries are not included
Rank #4
Sale
Peakeep Small Digital Alarm Clock for Bedroom, Large Number, Battery Backup
  • Small Digital Alarm Clock: Considering practicality, durability and aesthetics, Peakeep, as a leading brand of alarm clocks, designed this LED clock with compact size of 5 1/2 (W) x 2 1/2 (H) inch. This small digital clock for bedroom doesn't take up much space and very easy to carry, making it suitable as a travel digital alarm clock, desktop clock, nightstand clock and table clock
  • Plug in Alarm Clock with Battery Backup: This simple alarm clock designed with a battery backup function, which 4AAA batteries can keep all the setting and the alarm works well during the power outage, taking no risk of missing any important schedule. Besides, it's useful and distinctive to check the time by pressing top button, which will illuminate display for 20 seconds during power outages. Important: Adapter (included) is needed to keep the clock working. Batteries are for memory backup only
  • Dimmable Alarm Clock with 6 Dimmers: As a modern alarm clock for bedrooms, this brightness clock has 5 adjustable dimmer levels+OFF to satisfy different needs for brightness. The level of brightness does not distract you from sleeping, ensuring that you can clearly see the time cross the room and easily check the time at night with its large number. More importantly, this electronic clock can protect your eyesight from harm with adjustable dimmer
  • Loud Alarm clock with 5 Adjustable Volumes: Different people have different needs regarding alarm volume and snooze time. In order to wake you up naturally and gently, not suddenly, this dimmer clock has 5 alarm volumes to choose from, ranging from 55-90 dB. If you have trouble getting out of bed, the 9-minute snooze function provides the wake-up cushion
  • Minimalist Aesthetics Alarm Clock for Room Decor and Gifts: This newly designed simple digital alarm clock retains the advantages of a digital alarm clock: easy to set, accurate time keeping, long life, and most importantly a small size (only 5 inch display). Its minimalist design not only serves as a travel alarm clock, tabletop clock, but also decorates the room. No matter what the holiday, it is a suitable choice as a gift to everyone

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