One line, not a context reader
player-single shows only the current lyric line. It is the layout to pick when viewers need to know the line being sung right now, not the surrounding verse.
If viewers should follow the previous and next lines, this is the wrong layout—use player-multi instead. Keeping a single line is what lets player-single stay shallow enough for a lower third or a corner card.
Marquee, artwork, and progress are controls
Font size 12–96px, 9 anchors, left/center/right alignment, outline, and shadow all apply. Marquee motion scrolls a line that is wider than its container instead of wrapping it.
The player card can show album artwork and a progress bar, or hide either one. Those are presentation controls of the same layout, not a separate overlay product.
| Field | player-single | Free limit |
|---|---|---|
| Visible lines | 1 current line | Same |
| Player card | Optional artwork and progress | Available |
| Karaoke | Word-level fill when eligible | Disabled |
| Delivery | WebSocket on Trial/Pro | Watermark + 8s poll |
When to use it
Choose this layout when the scene is narrow, the camera already fills most of the frame, or you only need the current line plus artwork and progress.
It is the safest vertical option when comments, gifts, and platform controls leave little safe area, and it doubles as a lower third or a now-playing corner card.
What Free changes
The player-single layout itself is available on Free. Free still applies the watermark, 8-second polling instead of WebSocket updates, and keeps Karaoke off.
Karaoke word-level fill needs compatible word timing and Trial or Pro access; Free keeps karaokeEnabled off. Line-timed or plain-text lyrics can still show the current line, just without word-by-word progression.
Step-by-step setup
- 01Open Overlay settings
From YouTube Music, choose the single-line player layout.
- 02Place it as a lower third or now-playing card
Anchor bottom-center or a corner that does not cover the performer.
- 03Set artwork and progress
Keep the album artwork and progress bar for a full card, or hide either for a leaner badge.
- 04Test long lines
Confirm marquee motion, contrast, and the current line at viewer size before broadcasting.
Frequently asked questions
Does single-line show context lines?
No. Only the current line is shown. Use player-multi if viewers need the previous and next lines.
Is this layout limited on Free?
The layout itself is available. Free still applies the watermark, 8-second polling, and disabled Karaoke.
Can I hide the album artwork?
Yes. Artwork and the progress bar are optional controls of the player card; hiding them keeps the layout as player-single.