If you’re a performing artist or music teacher, knowing how to add lyrics or chord overlays to your live music stream can take your content to the next level. It improves viewer engagement, helps your audience follow along, and adds a professional touch to your live performances.
🎤 What Are Lyrics and Chord Overlays?
Lyrics and chord overlays are text or visual elements added to your livestream video that display the words of the song or the musical chords you’re playing. These overlays appear in real-time during your performance and can be styled, animated, and positioned anywhere on the screen using broadcasting tools like OBS or Streamlabs.
🎯 Why Add Lyrics or Chords to Your Stream?
- 🎶 Helps viewers sing or play along
- 📈 Boosts engagement and watch time
- 💻 Adds a polished, professional look
- 🎓 Great for teaching and tutorials
- 🧠 Improves audience retention and accessibility
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
Tool | Purpose | Recommended Option(s) |
---|---|---|
Broadcasting Software | To stream and add overlays | OBS Studio, Streamlabs |
Text Overlay Source | To add lyrics/chords as text | Built-in text sources in OBS/Streamlabs |
Lyrics/Chord Files | For reference or display | TXT files, PDF, or ChordPro format |
Automation Tools (optional) | Auto-sync lyrics | Lyric Video Creator, Open Stage Control |
MIDI Input (optional) | Trigger lyric/chord changes | With MIDI overlays or hotkeys |
🧑💻 How to Add Lyrics or Chord Overlays in OBS (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare Your Lyrics or Chords
- Use a plain
.txt
file or ChordPro format for easy formatting - Separate verses, chorus, and chord lines clearly
- Save different songs in separate files for fast access
Step 2: Add a Text Source in OBS
- Open OBS and go to your scene
- Click the + button under “Sources” and choose Text (GDI+)
- Name it (e.g., “Lyrics – Song Title”)
- Enter the lyrics or chords in the text box, or load from a file
- Adjust font, color, background, and position
Step 3: Style and Animate
- Use outline or shadow for better readability
- Use filters for transitions (fade in/out or scroll)
- Position overlays at the bottom or side, depending on your layout
Step 4: Change Lyrics/Chords During the Stream
Option A: Manually switch text sources or scenes between verses
Option B: Use hotkeys to hide/show layers
Option C: Use automation with:
- OBS WebSocket + MIDI controller
- Open Stage Control (for advanced live control)
- Touch Portal (tablet-based scene switching)
✨ Tips for a Professional Look
- Use consistent fonts and background transparency
- Keep the text minimal and readable
- Don’t overcrowd the screen—space out lyrics or use scene transitions
- Consider syncing lyric scroll with tempo or verses
- Test visibility across devices (especially mobile)
🧰 Advanced: Using Video or Graphic Overlays
You can also prepare lyrics or chords in video format (MP4 with transparent background) or create overlays in tools like Canva, After Effects, or VideoScribe, then add them to OBS as media sources.
For dynamic chord display:
- Try plugins like MIDIVisualizer or ChordieApp to create chord graphics based on your MIDI input.
🎓 Use Case Examples
Use Case | Approach |
---|---|
Solo live performance | Add scrolling lyrics synced with your setlist |
Guitar tutorial stream | Show chord names and finger diagrams |
Worship/choir stream | Project lyrics in large, readable text |
Karaoke night stream | Highlight current line/word as it’s sung |
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I automate lyrics to scroll during my stream?
A: Yes! You can pre-program scrolling lyrics or use MIDI controllers or stream deck tools to switch scenes/lyrics live.
Q: Is there a way to show chords above the lyrics?
A: Absolutely. Use ChordPro formatting or simply insert the chords in a line above each lyric phrase.
Q: Will OBS work on Mac or just Windows?
A: OBS is free and works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
📦 Top Picks (for Gear & Tools)
🎹 Stream Deck by Elgato
- Pros: Easily control lyrics, chords, and OBS scenes with one tap
- Cons: A bit pricey if you’re on a budget
📖 Open Stage Control (Free Tool)
- Pros: Powerful for syncing lyrics with MIDI and tempo
- Cons: Requires setup and scripting knowledge
💡 Canva (for overlay graphics)
- Pros: User-friendly drag-and-drop for making lyric visuals
- Cons: Requires export to image/video format
🔚 Final Thoughts
Adding real-time lyrics or chord overlays makes your livestreams more interactive and valuable—especially for music fans, students, and collaborators. Once you learn how to add lyrics or chord overlays to your live music stream, your content will look and feel far more engaging.
With tools like OBS, text sources, and a little planning, you can deliver pro-quality streams that connect with your audience in new ways.