Add the Streamlabs Chat Box as a source in your streaming software, then configure its appearance and behavior in Streamlabs. You can use the integrated widget in Streamlabs Desktop, add it through the Streamlabs Plugin for OBS, or copy its Widget URL into a browser source. The right route depends on your software and whether you need a theme that is not currently active.
Choose how to add the Chat Box
| Route | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Streamlabs Desktop widget source | You already build scenes in Streamlabs Desktop. | Add Chat Box from Widgets. Direct widget sources use the active Streamlabs widget theme. Streamlabs’ setup guide and widget theme guide explain the workflow. |
| Streamlabs Plugin for OBS | You use OBS and want the integrated Streamlabs widget workflow. | Install and sign in to the plugin, then add Chat Box from its Widgets tab. Direct sources use the active theme. See Streamlabs’ Chat Box guide. |
| Browser source with Widget URL | You use OBS or compatible software, or need a theme other than the active one. | Copy the Chat Box Widget URL from the Streamlabs Dashboard and paste it into a browser source. Set the source dimensions to fit the scene. See Streamlabs’ Widget URL instructions. |
Configure the widget in Streamlabs; your streaming software displays it as a scene source. Streamlabs’ official instructions were published or updated between 2023 and July 2026, and interface labels may change.
Add the Chat Box in Streamlabs Desktop
- Open the scene you want to edit in Streamlabs Desktop.
- Click the control to add a source, open Widgets, choose Chat Box, and add it.
- Position and resize the source in the scene preview so messages do not cover important game UI or other overlays.
- Open the Chat Box settings to adjust the widget’s appearance and behavior.
- If Streamlabs asks whether to add a new source or use an existing one, choose the existing Chat Box source when you want to reuse the same widget rather than create duplicates.
If the style differs from what you expected, check which Widget Theme is active and whether the scene collection has a theme override. Streamlabs says direct Desktop and Plugin widget sources use the active theme.
Add it with the Streamlabs Plugin for OBS
- Install the Streamlabs Plugin for OBS and sign in.
- Open the plugin’s Widgets tab.
- Click Add beside Chat Box, then open that widget’s settings to configure it.
- Place and size the source in your OBS scene.
The plugin route is an integrated option for OBS. If you need a theme that is not active, use the browser-source route instead.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Add a Widget URL as an OBS browser source
- In the Streamlabs Dashboard, open Chat Box and copy its Widget URL.
- In OBS, add a Browser source to the scene.
- Paste the Widget URL into the source’s URL field and confirm.
- Adjust the browser source’s width and height to fit the overlay area. Change FPS if needed for the preview or desired fit.
- Preview the scene and adjust the source bounds and placement.
The Widget URL represents your widget configuration; treat it as private and do not publish your own URL. Browser sources are also the documented way to use a non-active widget theme. Do not assume direct Desktop or Plugin sources will use an inactive theme.
Keep the Chat Box working across scene changes
In the Chat Box browser properties, Streamlabs recommends unchecking Shutdown source when not visible. Streamlabs says this helps preserve timed settings and prevents chat from being cleared as you switch scenes. The exact property applies to the browser-source workflow.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
If you use Chat Notifications and want their sounds in multiple scenes, include the Chat Box source in every scene where those notifications should be available. You can place it beneath a full-screen visual layer if you want notification sounds without showing the chat overlay. See Streamlabs’ guide to Chat Box setup and scene behavior.
Adjust message behavior
Streamlabs documents these controls in its Chat Box settings. Dashboard labels can change, but the controls address these behaviors:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
- Hide Message After: Set how long a message remains visible before it fades or disappears.
- Always Show Messages: Keep messages from fading out automatically.
- Chat Delay: Delay when incoming messages appear in the overlay.
- Hide Chatters: Suppress common bots or commands from the displayed chat.
- Custom Bad Words: Filter words you add to the widget’s list.
These settings affect the overlay, not the underlying chat on the platform. For Streamlabs’ documented controls, see its Chat Box guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common problems
The Chat Box does not appear
- Confirm the source was added to the scene you are previewing.
- Check that the source is enabled and positioned within the visible canvas; resize it if its bounds are too small.
- For a browser source, confirm the Widget URL was copied from the Chat Box page and pasted into the source’s URL field.
The widget has the wrong theme or style
- For a Desktop or Plugin widget source, check the active Widget Theme and any scene-collection theme override.
- If you need a different, inactive theme, copy that widget’s URL and add it as a browser source.
Chat clears or timed behavior resets after switching scenes
For the browser source, open its properties and uncheck Shutdown source when not visible, as Streamlabs recommends.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Notification sounds stop in some scenes
Include the Chat Box source in each scene where the sounds should play. If you do not want the chat visible, put the source beneath a full-screen visual layer.
The overlay is cropped or too large
Adjust the browser source width and height, or resize and reposition the source in your scene. Check the preview after each change so the widget fits the intended area.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Or let it run in the cloud
Streamlabs Chat Box is an overlay widget; it does not keep a YouTube broadcast running. If your separate goal is to keep a YouTube channel live with uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a cloud service for that: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
Quick Recap
- One flat price per slot for any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- Automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, once per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
