15 Best Free Stream Overlays for Twitch & YouTube (2026)
Find the best free stream overlays for Twitch, YouTube, and Kick. Includes webcam frames, alert overlays, stream panels, full-screen scenes, and step-by-step OBS installation instructions.
The best free stream overlays in 2026 come from StreamElements (cloud-based overlay editor), Nerd or Die (premium-quality free packs), and OWN3D (large template library). Free overlays give new streamers a professional look without spending money, and most work directly with OBS Studio through browser sources.
Whether you're just starting out on Twitch or building a YouTube Live channel, a polished overlay package makes you look like a veteran. In this guide, we break down 15 of the best places to get free stream overlays, explain the different types you need, walk through OBS installation, and share customization tips to make your stream stand out.
Key Takeaways
- StreamElements offers the best free overlay editor with drag-and-drop customization
- Nerd or Die provides premium-quality free overlay packs for Twitch and YouTube
- All overlays work with OBS Studio via browser source — no plugins needed
- Free overlays include webcam frames, alerts, panels, starting/BRB/ending screens
- Pair free overlays with Stream Alert donation alerts for a complete professional setup
Types of Stream Overlays You Need
Before diving into sources, it helps to understand the six core overlay types that make up a professional stream layout. Most free overlay packs include several of these together.
1. Webcam Frames & Borders
A decorative frame that wraps around your webcam feed. Good frames match your overall theme and include space for your name, social handles, or recent events. They keep your camera looking clean and integrated into the rest of the layout.
2. Alert Overlays
Pop-up animations that trigger when someone donates, follows, subscribes, or raids. Alert overlays are typically added as a browser source in OBS and are managed through services like Stream Alert, Streamlabs, or StreamElements. They're the most interactive part of your overlay setup.
3. Stream Panels
Static graphics displayed below your stream on Twitch (the "About" section). Common panels include About Me, Schedule, Rules, Donate, Social Links, and PC Specs. They give your channel page a professional, unified look.
4. Full-Screen Scenes
Dedicated screens for Starting Soon, Be Right Back (BRB), and Stream Ending. These fill your entire canvas when you're not actively streaming gameplay. Animated versions with countdown timers keep viewers engaged while they wait.
5. Chat Widgets
On-screen displays of your live chat, styled to match your theme. Useful for VOD viewers who can't see chat, and for streamers who want chat visible during full-screen gameplay.
6. Event Lists & Goal Bars
Scrolling tickers that show recent followers, subscribers, donors, and top gifters. Goal bars track progress toward donation or subscriber milestones. Both encourage community participation by making contributions visible.
15 Best Free Stream Overlay Sources
Here are the best places to find free stream overlays in 2026, ranked by quality, selection, and ease of use. Each source is described with what it offers, pricing, and key strengths.
1. StreamElements
Best overall free overlay editor
100% Free
StreamElements is the gold standard for free stream overlays. Its cloud-based overlay editor lets you drag and drop widgets — alerts, chat, event lists, webcam frames — onto a canvas without downloading anything. Everything runs in the cloud, which means zero CPU impact on your computer.
Highlights:
- Drag-and-drop visual overlay editor
- Hundreds of free community-made themes
- Built-in alert box, chat widget, and event list
- Custom CSS/HTML support for advanced users
2. Nerd or Die
Premium-quality free packs
Freemium
Many free packs available
Nerd or Die is known for creating high-quality overlay packs that rival paid alternatives. Their free section includes complete packages with webcam frames, panels, alerts, and screen transitions. Designs are clean, modern, and game-agnostic.
Highlights:
- Complete overlay packs (not just individual pieces)
- Animated and static versions included
- Works with OBS, Streamlabs, and StreamElements
- Regular new free releases
3. OWN3D
Largest template library
Freemium
Free + paid tiers
OWN3D has one of the largest overlay libraries on the internet. Their free section is substantial, with dozens of full overlay packages across various aesthetic styles — from neon cyberpunk to minimalist clean. They also offer a browser extension for one-click overlay installation in OBS.
Highlights:
- Huge selection of free overlay packages
- Includes panels, alerts, webcam frames, and scenes
- OBS integration plugin for easy installation
- Game-specific and genre-specific themes
4. Zerge TV
YouTube-focused overlays
Free
Zerge TV specializes in free overlays designed for YouTube Live streamers. Their designs account for YouTube's different layout and chat positioning. They offer tutorials alongside every overlay pack, making them ideal for beginners.
Highlights:
- YouTube-optimized overlay dimensions
- Video tutorials for each pack
- Clean, modern aesthetic
- Completely free with no upsells
5. Streamlabs
Built-in theme marketplace
Freemium
Free themes + Prime ($149/yr)
Streamlabs has a built-in theme marketplace with hundreds of free overlay themes. If you already use Streamlabs Desktop, you can browse and apply themes with one click — no downloading or manual installation required.
Highlights:
- One-click installation in Streamlabs Desktop
- Bundled with alerts, scenes, and widgets
- Community-rated themes
- Prime unlocks hundreds more premium themes
6. Canva
Custom design tool
Free
Pro: $12.99/mo
Canva isn't a dedicated streaming platform, but it's one of the best tools for creating custom overlay graphics from scratch. Use their Twitch overlay templates as a starting point, then customize colors, fonts, and images to match your brand perfectly. Export as PNG with transparent backgrounds.
Highlights:
- Full design customization (colors, fonts, images)
- Twitch-specific templates built in
- Transparent PNG export (free tier)
- Great for panels, webcam frames, and scenes
7. Placeit by Envato
Professional templates
Freemium
Limited free templates
Placeit offers professionally designed stream overlay templates that you customize in your browser. Change text, colors, and graphics, then download the finished product. Their free selection is smaller than others on this list, but the quality is consistently high.
Highlights:
- Designer-quality templates
- Browser-based customization — no software needed
- Matching panels, overlays, and banners
- Logo maker for complete branding
8. Visuals by Impulse
Animated overlay specialists
Freemium
Select free packs
Visuals by Impulse focuses on animated overlays with smooth transitions and motion effects. Their free packs include animated webcam borders, stinger transitions, and starting soon screens that give your stream a broadcast-TV feel.
Highlights:
- High-quality animated overlays
- Stinger transitions included
- Works with OBS and Streamlabs
- Custom commission service available
9. Fiverr
Affordable custom overlays
From $5
Custom pricing
While not entirely free, Fiverr deserves a spot on this list because you can get fully custom, unique overlays starting at just $5. Hundreds of designers specialize in Twitch and YouTube overlays. You'll own a design that nobody else has — a huge advantage for branding.
Highlights:
- 100% unique, custom-made designs
- Prices start at $5 for basic packages
- Review portfolios before ordering
- Full packages (overlay + panels + alerts) from $20–$50
10. Twitchoverlay.com
Dedicated free overlay site
Free
A dedicated website for free Twitch overlays with a curated collection of webcam frames, panels, and scene packages. The site is straightforward — browse, preview, download. No account required for most downloads.
Highlights:
- No account needed to download
- Organized by category and style
- Includes Photoshop source files for customization
- Regular updates with new designs
11. Stream Starter Kit
Beginner bundles
Free
Designed specifically for new streamers, Stream Starter Kit offers complete overlay bundles that include everything you need to launch a professional-looking stream from day one. Bundles are organized by theme so everything matches.
Highlights:
- All-in-one starter bundles
- Beginner-friendly installation guides
- Matching overlays, panels, and alerts
- Multiple color variants per pack
12. Kudos.tv
Minimal & clean designs
Free
Kudos.tv focuses on minimalist, clean overlay designs that don't clutter your stream. If you prefer a subtle, professional aesthetic over flashy animated graphics, Kudos is one of the best options. Their designs emphasize readability and elegance.
Highlights:
- Clean, minimalist aesthetic
- Doesn't distract from gameplay
- Perfect for professional or IRL streams
- Lightweight and performance-friendly
13. Streamplay.gg
Browser-based overlay editor
Free
Streamplay offers a browser-based overlay editor similar to StreamElements, plus a library of pre-made templates. Customize colors, fonts, and layout directly in your browser, then export the overlay URL for OBS. Good middle ground between using templates and designing from scratch.
Highlights:
- In-browser design editor
- Pre-made templates as starting points
- Export as browser source URL
- No design software required
14. Behance
Designer portfolio overlays
Free
Behance is Adobe's portfolio platform where professional designers share free overlay projects. Search for "Twitch overlay free" or "stream overlay pack" to find high-quality designs with downloadable source files. Many include PSD or Figma files so you can customize every detail.
Highlights:
- Professionally designed by real graphic designers
- Often includes editable PSD/Figma source files
- Unique designs not found on template sites
- Great for finding designers to commission custom work
15. Gumroad
Creator marketplace
Free + Paid
Many "pay what you want" ($0)
Gumroad is a creator marketplace where independent designers sell (and give away) stream overlay packs. Many listings are "pay what you want" with a $0 minimum, which means you can download them completely free. The quality varies, but the best packs rival expensive premium overlays.
Highlights:
- "Pay what you want" pricing (often $0)
- Independent creators with unique styles
- Full packages with editable files
- Support creators directly if you choose to pay
How to Install Stream Overlays in OBS
Once you've downloaded your overlay pack, here's how to add it to OBS Studio step by step. This process works for image-based overlays (PNG files) and browser source overlays (URLs).
- Download and extract your overlay files
Most overlay packs come as a .zip file. Extract it to a permanent folder on your computer (e.g., Documents/Stream Overlays/). Don't leave files in your Downloads folder — if you move or delete them later, OBS will lose the reference and show a blank source.
- Open OBS Studio and select your scene
In the Scenes panel, select the scene where you want to add the overlay (e.g., your main "Gameplay" scene). If you need separate overlays for Starting Soon, BRB, and Ending, create dedicated scenes for each.
- Add an Image source (for PNG overlays)
In the Sources panel, click + → select Image → name it (e.g., "Webcam Frame") → click OK → browse to the PNG file → click OK. The overlay will appear on your canvas.
- Add a Browser source (for URL-based overlays)
Click + → select Browser → name it (e.g., "Stream Overlay") → paste the overlay URL → set Width to 1920 and Height to 1080 → check "Shutdown source when not visible" → click OK.
- Position and resize the overlay
Click the overlay source in the preview to select it. Drag it to the correct position. For precise placement, right-click the source → Transform → Edit Transform and enter exact X/Y coordinates and size values. Do not resize by dragging corners — this can distort the overlay.
- Set the layer order and test
Make sure the overlay source is above your game capture but below your webcam (if the webcam should appear on top). In the Sources list, higher items render on top. Click Start Recording briefly to test that everything looks right on playback.
Tip: Lock Your Sources
After positioning all overlay elements, click the lock icon next to each source in the Sources panel. This prevents you from accidentally moving or resizing overlays during your stream.
Overlay Customization Tips
A downloaded overlay is a starting point. Here are six tips to make it truly yours and avoid common mistakes.
1. Match Your Brand Colors
Pick 2–3 primary colors and use them consistently across your overlay, panels, alerts, and offline screen. Color consistency is the single fastest way to look professional. If your overlay pack includes editable files (PSD, Figma), swap the default colors for your brand palette before exporting.
2. Don't Over-Clutter the Screen
Less is more. Viewers came to watch your content, not your overlay. Keep the center of the screen clear for gameplay. Place webcam frames, event lists, and chat widgets along the edges. If an overlay element doesn't serve a clear purpose, remove it.
3. Ensure Text Readability
Any text on your overlay — labels, event list names, goal bars — must be readable at a glance. Use bold, sans-serif fonts, high contrast against the background, and avoid font sizes below 16px. Test by watching your stream on a phone to see if text is still legible.
4. Test at Your Streaming Resolution
If you stream at 1080p, design and test overlays at 1920x1080. If you stream at 720p, test at 1280x720. Overlays designed for one resolution can look blurry or misaligned at another. Set your OBS canvas to your streaming resolution before positioning elements.
5. Consider Alert Placement
Plan where donation and follow alerts will appear before finalizing your overlay layout. Alerts typically display at top center of the screen. Make sure your overlay doesn't cover that area, and that alerts don't overlap with your webcam or important UI elements.
6. Optimize for Mobile Viewers
Over 40% of Twitch viewers watch on mobile. Small text, thin borders, and subtle details disappear on a phone screen. Pull up your stream on your phone before going live. If you can't read your recent followers list or event ticker on mobile, increase the size or simplify the design.
Free vs Paid Overlays: When to Upgrade
Free overlays are excellent for new streamers, but there comes a point where investing in premium or custom overlays makes sense. Here's a side-by-side comparison.
| Feature | Free Overlays | Paid / Custom Overlays |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 | $5–$300+ |
| Uniqueness | Shared with many streamers | Unique to you (custom) or smaller pool (premium) |
| Quality | Good to very good | Excellent to professional-grade |
| Animated overlays | Limited selection | Full animations, stingers, transitions |
| Customization | Color swaps (if source files provided) | Fully custom to your brand |
| Support | Community forums / self-service | Direct designer support and revisions |
| Editable source files | Sometimes included | Always included |
When Should You Upgrade?
- Stay free if you're under 50 average viewers and still finding your niche
- Consider paid ($15–$50) when you have a consistent audience and want to stand out
- Go custom ($100–$300) when streaming is a serious revenue source and branding matters
- Always invest in alerts first — donation and follow alerts drive more engagement than static overlays
Frequently Asked Questions
Are free stream overlays really free to use commercially?
Yes, most free overlays from the sources listed above are free for commercial use on Twitch and YouTube. However, always check the license terms before using them. Some require attribution (a link or credit in your panels), and a few restrict redistribution or resale. Sources like StreamElements, Nerd or Die, and OWN3D explicitly allow commercial streaming use for their free packs.
What file format do stream overlays use?
The most common formats are PNG (static images with transparent backgrounds), WEBM (animated overlays with transparency), and browser source URLs (live web-based overlays). You'll also see GIF files for animated elements and PSD/Figma files for editable source files. OBS supports all of these natively — PNG and WEBM via Image/Media sources, and URLs via Browser sources.
Can I customize free overlays?
It depends on what files are included. If the overlay pack provides editable source files (PSD, AI, Figma, or XD), you can fully customize colors, fonts, text, and layout using the appropriate design software. If only PNG files are provided, your customization options are limited to positioning and scaling in OBS. Tools like Canva and Photopea (a free browser-based Photoshop alternative) can also edit overlay files.
Do overlays affect stream performance?
Static PNG overlays have virtually zero impact on performance. Browser source overlays use a small amount of CPU (typically 1–3%) because OBS runs a mini browser to render them. Animated WEBM overlays can use slightly more resources depending on complexity. If you notice performance issues, enable "Shutdown source when not visible" in your Browser Source settings, and limit the number of animated elements on screen at once.
Should I use animated or static overlays?
For most streamers, a combination works best. Use static overlays for always-visible elements like webcam frames and panels (low resource usage, clean look), and animated overlays for intermission screens (Starting Soon, BRB, Ending) where movement keeps viewers engaged while they wait. Animated alerts are strongly recommended since they draw attention to donations and follows. Avoid animating everything — too much motion is distracting and increases CPU usage.
Complete Your Professional Stream Setup
Free overlays handle the visual side — but your stream also needs donation alerts to monetize effectively. Stream Alert automatically detects CashApp, Venmo, and PayPal donations and triggers on-screen alerts in real time. Pair your new overlays with Stream Alert for a fully professional streaming experience.
No credit card required