Two graphics every produced stream should have — the sponsor bug and the up-next teaser. What they do, when to show them, and how to run them live over OBS or vMix.
Beyond the lower third, two graphics do a disproportionate amount of work on a produced stream: the sponsor bug and the up-next teaser. One pays for the show; the other keeps people watching. Both are simple to run as URL-based overlays, and both reward a little thought about timing. This guide covers what they're for and how to run them; for the mechanics of getting overlays into your software, see the OBS and vMix walkthroughs.
The sponsor bug
A sponsor bug is a small, persistent logo — usually a top corner — that acknowledges a partner while the show runs.
- Keep it small and out of the way. It should read as "presented by", not dominate the frame.
- Decide persistent vs. rotating. A single sponsor can sit there the whole show; multiple sponsors are better rotated on a timer so each gets clean, uncluttered exposure.
- Respect title-safe. Keep it in from the edge so it isn't clipped on some displays.
- Match the show's look. A consistent position and style makes it feel produced, not bolted on.
Because it's a URL-based overlay, you can bring the bug on at the top of the show and take it off for full-screen moments (a VT, a wide crowd shot) without touching your main mix.
The up-next graphic
An "up next" or "coming up" graphic teases what's ahead. It's one of the cheapest ways to hold an audience through a transition.
- Show it at the seams. Between segments, before a break, or over a holding shot — moments where attention would otherwise drift.
- Keep it short and specific. "Up next: the final" beats a vague "stay tuned".
- Give it a clear in and out. Bring it on for a few seconds, then take it off — it's a punctuation mark, not a permanent fixture.
Running them live
Both graphics benefit from the same URL-based, operator-driven approach as any overlay:
- Build each graphic as an overlay with its own URL.
- Add it once to OBS or vMix as a browser source / web browser input.
- During the show, an operator takes it on and off on cue, and edits its content (the next sponsor, the next segment) live.
The streaming software just renders the URLs; the operator drives the content and timing. That's what lets a produced stream feel slick without a big crew.
Checklist
- Sponsor bug sized small and kept title-safe
- A plan for single vs. rotating sponsors
- Up-next graphic shown at transitions, not left on screen
- Both built as URL overlays, added to OBS/vMix once
- An operator driving on/off timing live
How Show Runner handles it
Show Runner includes sponsor and up-next overlays out of the box, alongside lower thirds, fixtures/results, standings, quizzes and polls. You build each in the browser, drop its transparent URL into OBS or vMix, and an operator drives it live — take it on, update the content, take it off — with everything organised into channels for the whole show. See broadcast graphics and overlays for the full picture.
FAQ
Where should a sponsor bug go?
Usually a top corner, small and kept within the title-safe area so it isn't clipped. It should acknowledge the partner without dominating the frame. If you have several sponsors, rotate them on a timer so each gets clean exposure rather than crowding the corner.
How long should an up-next graphic stay on screen?
Treat it as punctuation, not a fixture — a few seconds at a transition (between segments, before a break, over a holding shot) is enough to tell people what's coming, then take it off. Leaving it up permanently defeats the purpose.
Can I rotate multiple sponsors automatically?
Yes — with URL-based overlays you can run a rotating sponsor graphic that cycles logos on a timer, or an operator can switch the sponsor content live. Either way the streaming software just renders the overlay URL while the content changes.
Get the mechanics down first with the OBS or vMix guide, or start for free.