How often have you watched a stream simply because it had a clean, unique, or interesting background? Also, think about the time you opened a YouTube video because it had a captivating thumbnail.

Most people can attest to the almost overpowering allure of a well-designed background or video thumbnail in the case of YouTube. Unfortunately, this trick is mostly used as clickbait with some YouTube videos, but the point remains the same, it works.

Humans are more visual creatures, but the preference is skewed towards interesting visuals. You’re likely to respond faster and more positively toward a visually stimulating graphic than you would with a block of text.

It’s also easier to glean information from a graphic than from monotonous text. Quick recap here. Graphics rule over text, but there’s a catch. They have to be interesting or visually stimulating.

This presents a problem. What may interest you may not be the same for everyone. So how do you determine the best background image?

We’ve done the hard work for you, so sit tight and find out the ten best ideas for your live stream’s background image or video.

Why Care About Your Stream Background Image?

It affects your live stream’s performance. Unless you’re doing it to pass the time, your stream’s performance should be of critical importance, and the right background image is vital if you’re to stand out from the masses.

Remember, everyone is trying to be the best streamer; consequently, competition is stiff and about to be even more fierce.

Also, consider that viewers interact with numerous eye-catching visuals on a streaming platform. Just because you create the best content doesn’t guarantee that it’ll attract viewers.

You need to be proactive and somehow get people to notice your amazing streams. A bland-default background or one designed without much thought won’t cut it.

This is why you need a stream background image that makes people stop scrolling and think here is some amazing content. Get this right, and the views and subscriptions will come rolling.

But it’s not just about beating the competition. The right stream background image or video can lend your stream an air of professionalism or whatever it is you’re trying to imply to your viewers. Maybe you want to come off as easy-going, loving, or competent.

Whatever it is, a proper background can be a significant boost to help you achieve your objectives.

Best Live Stream Background Image and Video Ideas

Before you go off looking for these backgrounds on the internet, consider using the extensive library on Wave.video.

All the backgrounds listed below can be found on Wave.video. They’re free to use and high-quality, meaning you only have to pick one and set it as your stream background image or video.

Abstract Geometric Patterns

Use this template

Abstract geometric shapes have been a popular choice for live streaming backgrounds because they’re simple and easy to work with, but also because they can be used in so many different ways that give you lots of options.

They can be easy to look at and even appear intriguing for the complex patterns.

Retrowave

Use this template

Characterized by extreme neon-aesthetic with massive undertones of the 80’s era style, Retrowave is a unique art that’s growing steadily thanks to its simple yet classy effect.

Creating one is simple, and you can do it on Wave.video. Find a neon graphic or an image of a vintage item. Overlay it with retro-style font, and you have a custom Retrowave design.

The best thing about it is that you can customize your brand style or message into it but still appear classy and fun.

Fireplace

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This is the best background image if you’re looking for a warm and inviting atmosphere for your live stream.

For a classic look, consider setting a traditional log fire as your background. Alternatively, you can go for a modern twist with an electric fireplace.

Scenes from Cartoons

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Cartoons are fun to watch and have a lot of sentimental value for many people. Leverage this and use them in your live stream backgrounds to give your stream an easy-going, whimsical, and eye-catching look.

You can further animate the cartoons, but it’s not completely necessary.

Natural Sceneries

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There is something special about having a calming image of nature as the backdrop for your live stream. It can be a great way to create a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere that can help your audience focus on what you have to say.

Again, consider what you’re streaming and your audience before picking a background. For instance, a long winding road with overhanging dark clouds would befit a streaming channel with sad poems.

Plain Color

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Easy to set up, professional, and, depending on the color you use, less distracting. That’s the good thing about a plain-colored background.

It makes for a subtle background but also opens up opportunities for you to get creative if you choose to add more effects or elements to your background. Pick a color that matches your brand’s aesthetic, or choose one that goes with the subject matter of your live stream.

Whatever color you choose, make sure it won’t be too distracting or hard to look at.

Photos with People in Them

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Adding images containing people in your live stream background can add a layer of personality to your streams. Such backgrounds can help add a human element to your live streams, making them feel more inviting and engaging for viewers.

You can use free stock images, have your own photo taken by a professional photographer, or do it yourself. Any will do, but be aware of what you want to communicate to your audience and how it would make them feel.

Holiday-Inspired Scenes and Patterns

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The holidays are a great time to add festive cheer to your live stream background. Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other holiday, there are plenty of ways to add a bit of the season to your streaming space.

A few ideas include snowflakes, gingerbread men, candy canes, and stars. If you’re feeling creative, you can make your own pattern using an image editing software like Wave.video.

However, remember to be mindful of your audience demographics and adjust as necessary. Similarly, ensure the whole thing is relevant at the time.

Cute animals

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A cute animal background can add a playful, cheerful vibe to your live stream, drawing in more viewers. If you have an animal-themed channel, an animal background can also help tie in your theme.

There are plenty of ways to incorporate animals into your live stream background. It can be a collage, painting, or even scenes featuring animals.

Stereotypes aside, cute animals can be quite endearing, even to the most unlikely of audiences. Bunnies or cats can evoke nostalgic thoughts of Pikachu, a fictional character most gamers know.

So, try it out on your predominantly hardcore gaming stream. You never know how your audience will react but probably for the best.

Anime

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Anime has a huge following, and you can use it to create a unique background for your live stream. Anime-themed backgrounds can be incredibly eye-catching and sure to draw in a lot of attention.

Whether you choose characters from a particular show or go for something more abstract, anime can make for an unforgettable backdrop. Consider using stills from classic shows like Neon Genesis Evangelion or Dragon Ball Z for something low-key.

Alternatively, try a unique look by creating something abstract with pieces from multiple series.

How to Set a Background Image for Your Live Stream with Wave.video

Here’s how to set a background image using Wave.video:

• Login to your Wave.video account and navigate to the live-streaming studio.
• Look for the media to your right on the streaming studio, then click it. Follow this up by clicking the plus sign to upload a background image to the streaming studio.
• Click once on the image once the upload is complete to set it as your new stream background.

With Wave.video, you can use the numerous free templates provided in the streaming studio or upload one you’ve created yourself, as described above.

FAQs:

What are the most popular backgrounds to use on Twitch?

It depends on your niche. Gaming stream audiences prefer backgrounds with computer collectibles depictions, electronic parts, game collections, and similar stuff. Generally, anime art and game covers top the chart.

How to add a background image to a YouTube stream?

The best way is to create and launch the YouTube stream from a tool that’s compatible with YouTube.

Wave.video supports streaming to YouTube, Vimeo, and many other video-sharing platforms.

When using Wave.video, you’ll have to create a new project, and once you’re in the streaming studio, you can add the image you want as the background for your YouTube stream.

Can I change the background image during the stream?

Yes. On Wave.video, simply click on the media button in the streaming studio and pick another background image, as shown above.

Final Thoughts

The best live-streaming background image or video can make all the difference for your streaming channel.

They’re aesthetically pleasing and help you convey qualities like professionalism or easy-going nature. Remember to keep it simple, experiment as much as possible and ensure the background is as relevant as possible to your stream and audience.