Nicole Rojas

OBSCountdown

How to add a countdown timer in OBS

Install the plugin, link a text source, and test the end of the countdown before using it in your starting scene.

By Nicole Rojas
OBS Docks menu with Countdown Timer selected
Cómo agregar un countdown timer a tu stream con un plugin gratis

Short answer

Install an Ashmanix Countdown Timer release compatible with your OBS version while OBS is closed. Create a text source, open the plugin dock, and link it. Set duration, display format, final message, and an optional scene change. Run a ten-second countdown to verify the text, zero state, and transition before streaming.

Before you start

  • OBS 30 or later according to current plugin documentation
  • A backup or export of your profile
  • The official installer or package for your system
  • A Starting scene and destination scene
  • A manual backup scene if automatic switching fails

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Step by step

  1. 01

    Check compatibility and download

    Official OBS Countdown Timers repository ↗

    Open the official repository and read the OBS requirement and package names. Download from Releases. Avoid installers republished by another site.

    What you should see: You have the correct package for your system and OBS version.

  2. 02

    Install with OBS closed

    Nicole, plugin installation ↗

    Exit OBS completely, run the installer or package instructions, then reopen it. If OBS fails to start, remove the plugin before changing scenes.

    What you should see: OBS opens and Countdown Timer appears under Docks.

    OBS Docks menu with Countdown Timer selected
    The plugin appears in the Docks menu after OBS restarts. YouTube · 2:16 ↗
  3. 03

    Create the text source

    Nicole, text source ↗

    In the Starting scene, add a Text source named Countdown. Enter a temporary value so you can place it and set its size.

    What you should see: The temporary word or number appears in the scene.

  4. 04

    Link the timer

    Nicole, linking the source ↗

    Open Docks > Countdown Timer, create a timer, and select the Countdown source. Choose a duration countdown or a target date and time.

    What you should see: The source changes every second after you start it.

    Timer linked to an OBS text source
    The source name connects the dock to the visible text. YouTube · 3:52 ↗
  5. 05

    Define the ending

    Nicole, final message and scene ↗

    Set the message shown at zero. For automatic switching, choose a safe scene. Test with ten seconds so every change is quick to check.

    What you should see: Zero shows the correct message or opens the chosen scene.

    Countdown final-scene selector in OBS
    The chosen scene opens when the countdown reaches zero. YouTube · 5:51 ↗
  6. 06

    Set format and design

    Nicole, format and design ↗

    Show only needed units. Change font, size, color, opacity, alignment, and outline on the text source. Check contrast over the real background.

    What you should see: The timer stays readable in a small preview.

    Countdown font settings in OBS
    The text source controls size and readability over the overlay. YouTube · 7:32 ↗
  7. 07

    Test restart and live behavior

    Nicole, finished countdown ↗

    Stop, restart, and switch scenes twice. Close and reopen OBS to confirm the setting persists. Record the full final minute.

    What you should see: The timer restarts, ends, and changes scenes consistently.

  8. 08

    Define what a late viewer sees

    Nicole, behavior at zero ↗

    Decide whether the timer restarts, stays at zero, or changes scenes. The final message should make sense to someone opening the channel at that moment. Avoid a blank screen between states.

    What you should see: Start, zero, and the next scene form a clear sequence.

  9. 09

    Keep a route without the plugin

    Official OBS Studio overview ↗

    Duplicate the scene with static text and assign a hotkey to the main scene. If an update breaks the plugin, you can start on time without repairing live.

    What you should see: One key moves from the static backup to the main scene.

If something does not work

The dock is missing.
Confirm OBS 30+, the correct package, and installation while OBS was closed.
Text does not change.
Check that the timer points to the exact source and no duplicate shares its name.
It opens the wrong scene.
Disable automatic switching, select the destination again, and run a ten-second test.
The timer shows another time after restart.
Check time zone, duration or date mode, and saved settings. Test ten seconds, restart OBS, and repeat before using a distant target date.

Test before you go live

  • Compatible version
  • Official download
  • Source linked
  • Readable format
  • Ending tested
  • Restart tested

Cómo agregar un countdown timer a tu stream con un plugin gratis

Watch the full tutorial ↗

Common questions

Can I use multiple timers?

The plugin supports multiple timers. Give each one a clear name and test each source alone.

Can it count toward a date?

Yes. Check the computer's date, time, and time zone before using that mode.

Must it switch scenes automatically?

No. You can show a message at zero and switch manually.

Why is the countdown invisible?

Check visibility, source order, color, opacity, and the linked source name.

What if an update breaks the plugin?

Use a backup scene with static text and switch manually. Review compatibility and the OBS log after the broadcast.

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