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All overlays aren’t created equal – at least, not when it comes to live streaming. In this blog, we’ll give an overview of real time overlays vs video overlays, and why real time graphics are better for streaming.
The term “overlays” refers to anything that you add over the top of the existing subject, whether that’s a home page, a video game, a pre-recorded video, or a live stream feed.
A video overlay is any static or dynamic text, visuals, or other graphics that appear over the top of pre-recorded video footage. Examples include weather effects, motion graphics, VFX stock footage, and picture-in-picture overlays (where you can show another smaller video screen over your main content).
Video overlays are similar to streaming overlays in that they increase viewer engagement and help build a visual narrative. Meanwhile, the main difference between adding overlays to live streaming vs pre-recorded video is that video overlays are edited in after the content is recorded, whereas live stream overlays are added to a layout before you start broadcasting.
Video editing works better with downloaded fils that can be clipped, edited, and moved around in software like Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Post production editing sometimes requires less from overlays, because you can devote time and energy to building that perfect final cut. For example, if an overlay doesn’t have an alpha channel, you can adjust the overlay’s transparency with blending modes.
However, when you’re live streaming, you can’t spend lots of time meticulously editing while you’re busy chatting to your viewers or trying to clear a difficult level of a game. A live stream also usually runs for much longer than a pre-recorded and edited video. Streamers rely in overlays that can be easily edited and controlled with just a few keystrokes. You also need graphics that can be seamlessly integrated with streaming software, which work very differently from After Effects.
Pre-made overlays have limited applications, like adding a custom-made banner or commissioned artwork or VTube avatars – but a real time overlay can transform the way you live stream.
From updating your wins and kills during a gaming stream, to live-editing onscreen messages during an action-packed sports match, there’s so much more that you can with a real time overlay. Plus, why clutter your computer with ZIP files when you can just edit and control an overlay online?
Here at overlays.uno, you can choose from a wide variety of free animated overlays that are designed by the same team of professionals that creates graphics for world-leading television broadcasters. Sign up today and try out our overlays for yourself, and join our Discord to connect to our community of streamers to get more tips and tricks.
