Set up your virtual pet overlay in OBS
Use this guide when you already have a character and want it to work in your stream. Configure the Browser Source, map viewer events and fix common playback problems. Still choosing a companion? Start with stream pets.
How do I add a stream pet to my Twitch stream?
StreamRio adds a stream pet to Twitch in 3 steps using 1 Browser Source URL, with no download or OBS plugin: copy your Overlay URL, match the source canvas, and test an event.
- Copy your Overlay URL from Add to Streaming Software in the Dashboard.
- Add an OBS Browser Source, paste the URL, and set a matching 4:5 canvas, such as 720 × 900.
- Run 1 Test Reaction before going live. Connect Twitch and enable the required plan for real viewer events.
Add your virtual pet to OBS, step by step
The Browser Source renders your character. Your StreamRio connection receives events, and a rule selects the Reaction. Check those three parts separately instead of repeatedly reinstalling the source.
- 1.
Choose and test a character
Open your Dashboard and choose a public pet or one of your custom characters. Run a sample Test Reaction first. If the character or animation does not work there, resolve that before adding a source to your broadcasting app.
Still making your own mascot? Start with the custom stream character guide before setting up OBS.
- 2.
Connect a platform and map an event
Connect Twitch or your supported TikTok LIVE account. Choose one event, such as a follow, subscription or gift, and select a Reaction that your character actually has. Missing Reactions need a choice from you rather than silently mapping every event to Idle.
- 3.
Copy the Overlay URL
Open Add to Streaming Software in the Dashboard and copy your own Overlay URL. Keep it private: someone with the URL can load that Overlay. Use the URL, not a character-page address, image file or raw Reaction video.
- 4.
Add an OBS Browser Source
In OBS Sources, add Browser, name the source, and paste the Overlay URL. Start with Width 720 and Height 900, or another 4:5 pair such as 800 × 1000. These dimensions define the source canvas, not the size of the whole broadcast.
- 5.
Place the pet in your scene
Keep the Browser Source above the video layer it should appear over. Resize it using the corner handles to preserve its aspect ratio. Leave space above the pet for its speech bubble, and check that neither covers gameplay, subtitles or your camera.
- 6.
Verify one real event
Run another Dashboard test to confirm playback, then check one supported real platform event with the required membership active. Confirm that the correct rule, character and Reaction are selected. Keep a quiet Idle pose between event animations.
Need exact source controls? See the OBS Browser Source guide or use the source size calculator. A 1920 × 1080 broadcast does not require a full-screen pet source.
Map viewer events to the right Reactions
In Dashboard rules, select the platform and event, then choose an available Reaction. Start with one clear support event before adding amount thresholds or chat keywords. Your saved rules take precedence over suggested pairings.
| Event | Rule to inspect | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Twitch subscription | Subscription event and available thank-you Reaction | Run a sample subscription |
| Twitch Bits | Cheer event and any minimum amount condition | Use a test amount above that threshold |
| TikTok LIVE gift | Gift filter, repeat conditions and selected Reaction | Test the gift pairing, then verify a real event |
| Character change | Rules whose previous Reaction is unavailable | Choose a replacement or delete an unwanted rule |
Free tests demonstrate the animation but do not unlock live events. Pro supports live public characters; Ultra supports live custom characters too. Review plan access if tests work but live responses are unavailable.
Troubleshoot the source before changing your character
- Nothing is visible
- Confirm the correct Overlay URL and source visibility. Check network access and whether a source above it is covering the pet.
- Idle works, events do not
- Verify the account connection, live status, membership access and the event rule. Test Reaction does not verify the platform connection.
- The wrong animation plays
- Inspect the matched event rule and its Reaction. When changing characters, choose replacements for any missing Reactions.
- The bubble is clipped
- Use the recommended 4:5 source canvas and leave headroom. Reset accidental scene cropping before changing character assets.
- The pet is too large
- Scale the Browser Source down in the scene; do not stretch its width and height independently.
- The source looks opaque
- Use the live Overlay URL and transparent source styling rather than a raw video player or a screenshot.
Use Streamlabs, TikTok LIVE Studio or another app
Choose a browser or supported link source, preserve the 4:5 canvas and transparency, and keep the pet above the scene it should sit on. Product names and source menus differ by version. The platform connection and event matching still live in your StreamRio Dashboard.
For platform-specific workflows, see TikTok LIVE Studio setup, Twitch Reactions and TikTok LIVE gift Reactions.
Virtual pet overlay setup FAQ
How do I add a virtual pet overlay to OBS?
Add a Browser Source, paste the Overlay URL from your Dashboard, and start with a 720 × 900 canvas. Keep the source background transparent and place it above your gameplay or camera source.
What size should my pet Browser Source be?
Start with a 4:5 canvas such as 720 × 900 or 800 × 1000. Match the source dimensions first, then scale the source in your scene without changing its aspect ratio.
Why is my stream pet visible but not reacting?
Check the platform connection, live-event plan access and the matching rule. A visible Idle animation proves that the source loaded; it does not prove that an incoming Twitch or TikTok LIVE event matched an enabled rule.
Why does my pet have a black or opaque background?
Check that you added the Overlay URL as a Browser Source rather than loading a downloaded video. Remove any opaque background styling on the source, and test the same URL in a supported browser before changing your scene.
Can I test the overlay before paying for live access?
Yes, use Test Reaction in the Dashboard to test sample events. Public characters require Pro for real live-event responses, and your custom characters require Ultra. A test event is separate from a live viewer event.
Can I use the same setup in Streamlabs or TikTok LIVE Studio?
Use a Browser Source or supported web/link source in your streaming app. The source displays StreamRio while the platform connection and event rules remain configured in your StreamRio Dashboard.
Last updated: November 2026