StreamElements is one of the two major platforms for stream overlays, alerts, and chat tools (the other being Streamlabs). It runs entirely in the browser and integrates into OBS as a browser source, which makes it lightweight and easy to manage. Here is how to set it up.
What StreamElements Gives You
StreamElements provides free tools that make your stream look polished:
- Custom overlay designs with your branding
- Follower, subscriber, and donation alerts
- Chat bot for moderation and commands
- Loyalty points system to engage viewers
- Scene editor for building overlays without design skills
- Tipping page for viewer donations
All of this runs through their website and connects to your stream via a browser source URL.
Getting Started
- Create a StreamElements account and link your Twitch or YouTube channel
- Open the dashboard at the StreamElements site
- The overlay editor and bot are available immediately
No software to install on your PC. Everything lives in the cloud and connects through URLs.
Setting Up Overlays
StreamElements has an overlay editor where you build your visual layout:
- Open the overlay editor in your dashboard
- Add widgets for alerts, goals, chat, recent events, or custom images
- Position and style each widget
- Copy the overlay URL
- In OBS, add a Browser Source and paste that URL
- Size it to match your canvas
The overlay now appears live on your stream, updating in real time as alerts trigger.
Configuring Alerts
Alerts fire when someone follows, subscribes, donates, or raids. To customize them:
- Open the alerts section in your overlay editor
- Choose alert types (follow, sub, cheer, raid, donation)
- Set the animation, sound, duration, and text style
- Upload custom images or GIFs for a personal touch
- Test alerts from the dashboard to preview them
Alerts appear through the same browser source as your overlay, so no extra setup in OBS.
The Chat Bot
StreamElements includes a chat bot that runs without downloading anything. It handles:
- Custom commands (!socials, !discord, !schedule)
- Moderation (spam filters, link protection, word blacklist)
- Timers that post messages at intervals
- Loyalty points for engaged viewers
Configure it through the bot section of the dashboard.
Tips for Clean Overlays
Keep it simple. New streamers often overload their screen with too many widgets. A clean layout with just alerts, a small chat widget if desired, and your webcam looks professional. Add more only when you have a reason.
Match colors to your branding. Consistent colors across your overlay, panels, and alerts look intentional rather than slapped together.
StreamElements vs Streamlabs
Both do similar things. StreamElements is lighter (no desktop app needed) and fully browser based. Streamlabs offers a bundled OBS fork with built in features. Choose whichever workflow you prefer. Both are free for core features.
FAQ
Is StreamElements free? Yes. Core features including overlays, alerts, and the bot are free. Premium features exist but are optional.
How do I add StreamElements to OBS? Add a Browser Source in OBS and paste your overlay URL from the StreamElements dashboard.
Do I need to install anything? No. StreamElements runs entirely in your browser and connects to OBS via a URL.
Related: OBS Studio setup guide, How to go live on Twitch, Best streaming services and platforms