How to Create and Import OBS Stinger Transitions

This guide provides a straightforward, step-by-step walkthrough on how to design a custom Stinger transition with transparency and successfully import it into OBS Studio. You will learn the correct video formats to use for alpha-channel transparency, how to configure the transition point in OBS, and how to ensure your scene cuts look seamless and professional.

Step 1: Create the Transition Video with Transparency

To create a Stinger transition, you need video editing or animation software (such as Adobe After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, or Premiere Pro) that supports alpha-channel (transparent) exports.

  1. Design the Animation: Create a short animation (typically 1 to 3 seconds long). At some point in the middle of the animation, there must be a brief moment (even just a few frames) where the screen is 100% covered by your graphic. This is the “cut point.”
  2. Export with Transparency: You must export the video with an alpha channel so that your stream remains visible behind the animation.
    • Recommended Format: WebM (using the VP8 or VP9 codec with “Include Alpha Channel” checked). WebM files are lightweight, consume very little CPU in OBS, and support transparency.
    • Alternative Format: QuickTime (GoPro CineForm or Apple ProRes 4444) with “RGB + Alpha” enabled. Note that these files are much larger and can cause performance lag on lower-end PCs.

Step 2: Import the Stinger into OBS Studio

Once your WebM or QuickTime file is ready, you can import it directly into OBS Studio.

  1. Open OBS Studio.
  2. Locate the Scene Transitions dock (usually at the bottom of the screen). If you cannot see it, click Docs in the top menu and ensure Scene Transitions is checked.
  3. Click the dropdown menu in the Scene Transitions dock (which usually defaults to “Cut” or “Fade”) and select Add: Stinger.
  4. Give your transition a custom name (e.g., “Custom Logo Stinger”) and click OK.

Step 3: Configure the Stinger Properties

In the properties window that automatically opens, configure the following settings:

  1. Video File: Click Browse and select your exported transparent video file.
  2. Transition Point Type: Choose either Time (milliseconds) or Frame. Time (milliseconds) is generally the easiest to calculate.
  3. Transition Point: This is the most crucial step. Input the exact millisecond or frame number when your animation completely covers the screen.
    • Example: If your video is 30 frames per second, and the screen is fully covered at exactly 1 second, set the Transition Point to 1000 milliseconds (or frame 30).
  4. Audio Monitoring: If your transition has sound, set this to Monitor and Output if you want both you and your stream audience to hear it, or Monitor Only / Monitor Off depending on your audio setup.
  5. Video Loop: Leave this unchecked. If enabled, the transition will loop continuously on your screen.

Step 4: Test and Adjust the Transition

  1. Scroll to the bottom of the Properties window and click the Preview Transition button.
  2. Observe the cut. If you see the background scene switch before the animation fully covers the screen, your Transition Point is set too early. If you see the old scene lingering after the animation covers the screen, your Transition Point is set too late.
  3. Adjust the millisecond value up or down until the switch between your scenes is completely hidden behind the animation.
  4. Click OK to save your settings.