A hugely popular live streaming platform for gamers, Twitch also carries content from "in real life" streams. To use it, you need to have overlays that are composed of graphic design that appear alongside your game footage. Twitch overlays are crucial as they make you stand out while boosting viewer engagement. Luckily for us, there are free Twitch overlays we can download and use.
Benefits of Using Twitch Overlays
The most significant benefit you'll get from a Twitch overlay is differentiation. This is what branding looks like when sharing content on this platform. An overlay separates you from the rest, primarily when two channels with the same level of talent and personality compete. In addition, an overlay tells the world who you are and what your channel is about. It shows your commitment and professionalism while giving information about your brand. An overlay is also a part of your branding that makes viewers remember you. If you're still not using one, it's about time to get them.
12 Examples of Free Twitch Overlays
Now that you have a good idea of what a Twitch overlay is and why you need one let's talk about how to get them for free. As they say, the best things in life are free, and so, here are 12 of the best you can find anywhere online:
1. No Man's Sky Overlay – Nerd or Die
Starting as a tutorial channel, Nerd or Die evolved from a YouTube channel into its current platform, Twitch. They offer free overlays, but there are also paid versions if you decide that you want more. The good thing about their overlays is they're not exclusive to Twitch and would also look good on Facebook, Mixer, and many others.
2. Free Own3D.tv Twitch Overlay – Own3D
Whatever you may need when sharing content on Twitch, Own3D can help you with it. From talking screens to animated Twitch webcam overlays, they have them. While their free overlays are limited, the premium versions will get you noticed more.
3. Overwatch Stream Overlay – Zwerger
A designer specializing in game templates, Dominick Zwerger offers around 26 of them on his website. While he focuses on YouTube, most of his work is usable on a variety of streaming platforms. You'll find game-specific templates, including BF1, Watch Dogs 2, Counter-Strike Go, and League of Legends, among many others.
4. Raptor – WDFLAT
An online platform for streamers, WDFLAT has more than a hundred free overlays for use on both Twitch and YouTube Gaming. You'll find that most of their overlays are Fortnite-inspired, as this is their game of choice for 2018. If you're a Fortnite fan, this is the website to get your free Twitch overlays.
5. Bitter Jungle – Stream Play
If you need custom or premade graphics, Stream Play Graphics is the website to go to. They have some of the most creative and visually appealing designs specifically for gamers. Their Free Twitch Graphics Collection is proof of their commitment to giving gamers excellent yet free overlays.
6. Animated Twitch Overlays, WebM, OBS Studio – D H Designs
For free Twitch overlays, D H Designs is a great option. Their $5 designs are also some of the best. Their WebM animated overlay files are designed for your optimized streaming pleasure. D H Designs crafts and markets a wide range of streaming graphics on Gumroad, so there's many to choose from.
7. Rogue Overlay – Image Retouching Lab
The Rogue overlay from Image Retouching Lab is one of the company's custom Twitch overlays that you can get for free. They let you personalize one of three overlays, alerts, panels, alerts, facecam, and intermission screens with instructions on how to do it. They also offer other Photoshop services in case you need them.
8. Blue Neon Twitch Overlay – Adobe Spark
Not to be outdone is Adobe Spark with its Blue Neon Twitch Overlay. This integrated web and mobile solution lets you create content that's sure to make an impact. You can have customized Twitch overlays for free with only a bit of imagination and graphic designing skills, and you just have to get rid of the Adobe Spark logo at the bottom.
9. Fully Customizable Themes – Player.me
As its name suggests, Player.me offers more than free Twitch overlays. It is an all-in-one streaming and recording app that you can use in-game or out. They also have premium and custom designs if you want to level up your Twitch channels. It has a comprehensive collection of themes with the most fitting graphics, colors, and fonts to match your games.
10. Triassic – StreamLabs
A free desktop streaming app, StreamLabs is the favorite of many professional streamers. It has hundreds of free Twitch overlays that you can customize in just a few clicks. Inspired by dinosaurs, Triassic is unique and can be used on your Live, Be Right Back, and Stream Starting screens. You can install these design elements directly onto your editor and create static and animated themes instantly.
11. Free Stuff – Twitch Designs
From Twitch overlays to panels and alerts, Twitch Designs is a solid option for your streaming activities. It offers more than 300 products which include stream bundles, panels, facecam, and many more. Their templates feature individual games that give you a choice of animated overlays that you can use on breaks, giving your stream a busy feel to it.
12. Rage 2 FREE Twitch Animated Overlay Pack – Gael Level
Another graphic designer of videos and photos, Gael Level has some good free stuff to share. But his paid overlays are so inexpensive; you'd also want to get them. For as little as $0.99 to $5 per piece, you can have excellent Twitch overlays for a fraction of the cost. The overlays are inspired by various games, one of which is Rage 2.
Conclusion
With so many advantages of having overlays on your Twitch channel, plus getting them for free, there really is no excuse to have one. There may be more aside from those on this list. The key to finding the most appropriate is a matter of personal preference—experiment with what will look best and give your Twitch channel your unique look.
