Copy the Overlay URL from the account, not from a screenshot
This guide is the account-side path: sign in, generate the Overlay, and copy the private URL once. Why OBS uses a Browser Source instead of a plugin is covered in the Overlay-to-OBS article.
Each plan allows 1 active unrevoked link. Creating a second public page is not a product feature. Rotate the credential if a screenshot or VOD may have stored the key.
Paste into a transparent Browser Source
Create a Browser Source whose only job is the Overlay page. Enable a transparent background so lyrics sit on the scene instead of a black rectangle.
Do not Window Capture the YouTube Music tab. That path shows browser chrome and often the Overlay URL.
Match width and height to the canvas
Use 1920×1080 for a typical landscape stream or 1080×1920 for a phone-first scene. Stretching one Overlay between 16:9 and 9:16 makes anchors lie.
Use the size calculator when you need a custom margin. Placement recipes live on the scene pages; this article stops at getting the URL into OBS.
Hide the key and prove the source follows Chrome
Close source properties before going live. Anyone who can read the full URL can request the current playback state.
Prove pause, seek, and a song change in YouTube Music. If OBS is frozen while Chrome moves, refresh the Browser Source and confirm the URL is the current unrevoked link.
Step-by-step setup
- 01Sign in and copy the Overlay URL once
Generate the link in the account. Do not paste it into chat, a ticket, or a tutorial screenshot.
- 02Add a dedicated OBS Browser Source
Paste the URL, enable transparency, and keep Shutdown source when not visible unchecked for the first test.
- 03Set the source to 1920×1080 or 1080×1920
Match the canvas exactly so player-single, player-multi, and lyrics-3d anchors stay put.
- 04Close properties and prove pause in Chrome
Hide the key, then confirm OBS follows YouTube Music rather than a frozen page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Streamlabs?
If that app offers a transparent Browser Source, the same URL can work. OBS is the documented path. StreamLyric does not ship a Streamlabs plugin.
Why is the Overlay stale?
Refresh the Browser Source and confirm you are using the current unrevoked URL. Free access polls every 8s; Trial and Pro prefer WebSocket.
Does copying a new URL reset player-multi?
No. Layout lives on the account Overlay. OBS still needs the new URL pasted in after a revoke.