Common overlay problems (and quick fixes)
Start here (60-second check)
Most overlay problems come down to a few basics: the overlay link, the layer order, the size (1080p vs 720p), or a browser source setting. Run this quick checklist first.
- Copy the overlay link again from your overlay screen (don’t reuse an old bookmark if you recently changed settings).
- Paste it into a normal browser tab on the same device to confirm it loads.
- If you see a login page or blank page, the streaming app won’t be able to show it either—fix that first.
- In your streaming software, make sure the overlay source is higher than the camera/video source in the source list.
- If you have multiple scenes, confirm you’re editing the scene you’re actually streaming.
- Decide what you’re streaming: 1080p (1920×1080) or 720p (1280×720).
- Set your overlay (browser source) width/height to match that exactly.
- If you change your stream resolution later, re-check the overlay size again.
Overlay not showing at all
What you’ll see: Your stream looks normal, but there’s no scoreboard/graphics.
Fix:
- Move the overlay source above the camera/video source.
- If your software has a “lock” icon, unlock sources before you reorder, then lock again afterward.
- Make sure you’re in the correct scene (for example: “Live” vs “Starting Soon”).
What you’ll see: The source exists, but nothing appears on the canvas.
Fix:
- Right-click the overlay source and choose a fit option (often called Fit to screen).
- Reset its transform/position (many apps have Reset transform).
- Temporarily set the overlay’s opacity/visibility to 100% (if your software supports it).
What you’ll see: A blank overlay, spinning loader, or an error page.
Fix:
- Open the overlay link in a normal browser tab first. If it doesn’t load there, it won’t load in your stream.
- Double-check you copied the full link (no missing characters).
- Turn off any strict content blockers for that browser (ad blockers/privacy shields can block overlays).
Overlay is the wrong size or looks cropped
This usually happens when the overlay size doesn’t match your stream canvas, or the source is being stretched instead of fitted.
- For 1080p: set the overlay/browser source to
1920×1080. - For 720p: set the overlay/browser source to
1280×720.
- Use Fit to screen (or equivalent) so the overlay keeps its proportions.
- Avoid “Stretch to screen” if it makes the scoreboard look squished or cuts off text.
- Some browser sources have a “zoom” or “page scale” option. Set it back to 100% if things look cut off.
- If your streaming app has a DPI/scaling option for browser sources, use the default first.
Overlay is covering the video (in the wrong place)
Overlays are meant to sit on top of the video, but they shouldn’t block the action.
- Reposition: Drag the overlay to a corner where it won’t hide the play (often bottom-left or bottom-right).
- Use safe margins: Keep important text a little away from the very edge so it doesn’t get cut off on some TVs/phones.
- Make it smaller (carefully): Resize while holding your software’s “keep aspect ratio” behavior (many keep it automatically). Then verify it’s still readable on a phone.
Overlay flickering, flashing, or turning black
Flicker is usually caused by the browser source struggling (hardware acceleration, refresh settings, or the device/network dipping).
- Refresh the overlay source (most apps have a “Refresh” option for browser sources).
- Lower the load: if you’re streaming 1080p and the device is struggling, switch to 720p and match the overlay size.
- Turn off extra animations in your overlay (if you enabled animated elements like rotating sponsor panels, try a simpler layout during troubleshooting).
- Restart the streaming software (quickest way to clear a stuck browser source).
- Restart the device if the overlay keeps blacking out after a few minutes.
Likely cause: CPU/network load increases when streaming starts.
- Close other apps and browser tabs.
- Use a stronger connection (move closer to Wi‑Fi / use a hotspot / avoid congested public networks).
- Reduce stream resolution or frame rate if your setup offers it.
Overlay updates are delayed (score changes show up late)
A small delay is normal, but big delays usually mean the overlay page isn’t refreshing quickly or your connection is struggling.
If you have multiple games or sessions, make sure the controller/scoreboard you’re updating is the one connected to the stream you’re watching.
Use your streaming software’s Refresh option for the overlay/browser source. This often fixes a “stuck” overlay.
- Move to a more stable network (or closer to the Wi‑Fi access point).
- If you’re hot-spotting, keep the phones close together and avoid putting them in a pocket (heat + weak signal can cause lag).
Browser-source audio issues (no sound, echo, or out of sync)
Some overlays include audio (for example: a stinger, sponsor bumper, or alert). Browser-source audio can also accidentally create echoes if you’re capturing audio twice.
- In your streaming software, open the overlay/browser source settings and ensure audio is enabled for that source.
- Check your mixer: make sure the browser source isn’t muted and its volume is up.
- Refresh the overlay source once after enabling audio.
Common cause: You’re capturing the same audio twice (for example, mic + system audio + browser source audio).
- Mute the browser source audio first and test again.
- If the echo goes away, leave browser audio muted and rely on your main microphone/camera audio.
- If you need the overlay audio, make sure only one source is capturing it (not both system audio and the browser source).
- Refresh the browser source (a stuck buffer can cause drift).
- Reduce load: close other apps and consider 720p streaming.
- If your streaming app allows it, apply a small audio sync adjustment to the browser source (only if you consistently hear the same delay).
When nothing works (quick reset)
Delete the overlay/browser source from the scene, then add it again using a freshly copied overlay link.
Enter the correct width/height (1080p or 720p), then use Fit/Reset options, then drag it into place.
Use your preview and confirm: (1) visible, (2) readable, (3) not covering play, (4) updates quickly when you change the score.