Context lines for reading, not just the current word
Use multi-line when viewers should follow the verse, not only the line being sung. Showing one or two lines above and below the current line helps a singalong audience keep their place.
Landscape 1920×1080 scenes and uncluttered vertical frames both work, as long as there is height for more than one row after the camera and platform UI.
3 compact vs 5 standard, and the Free clamp
3 compact lines keep a phone-first vertical scene readable. 5 standard lines need more height and suit a landscape scene with room below the camera.
Free clamps context to the compact three-line option (FREE_TIER_OVERRIDES.contextLines), so promise five lines only for Trial or Pro. The layout still loads on Free; it just shows fewer context lines.
| Field | player-multi | Free limit |
|---|---|---|
| Context | 3 compact or 5 standard | 3 compact |
| Best canvas | 1920×1080 or a tall safe area | Same canvases, fewer lines |
| Karaoke | Eligible on Trial/Pro | Disabled |
Landscape and vertical safe areas
In landscape, place the block in the space that remains after the webcam, alerts, and chat. Five standard lines only fit when that space is genuinely tall.
In a narrow vertical frame, start with three compact lines. If comments and the performer already fill the phone frame, switch to player-single rather than forcing rows in.
Karaoke still needs word-level timing
Multi-line and Karaoke are independent. Adding context lines does not add word-by-word fill; Karaoke requires compatible word-level timing and Trial or Pro access.
Line timestamps alone move the current line but cannot produce reliable word progression, and plain-text lyrics stay static. StreamLyric does not fabricate missing timing.
Step-by-step setup
- 01Choose compact or standard lines
Start with 3 lines in vertical scenes and 5 only when the safe area is tall enough.
- 02Reserve camera and UI
Place the block in remaining clear space after alerts and comments.
- 03Decide on Karaoke honestly
Enable word-level fill only on Trial or Pro with compatible timing; otherwise leave the current line highlighted.
- 04Preview the longest line
Check wrapping, contrast, and motion at viewer size before broadcasting.
Frequently asked questions
How many lines can Free show?
Free is limited to the compact three-line context used by the Overlay tier clamp.
Should I use multi-line in a tiny vertical scene?
If comments and the performer already fill the phone frame, switch to player-single.
Does adding context lines enable Karaoke?
No. Karaoke needs compatible word-level timing and Trial or Pro access; line count does not change that.