How to add lower thirds and a ticker to a live stream

What they are

A lower third is the band in the bottom third of the screen that names who’s speaking or what’s happening. A ticker scrolls headlines; a breaking band flags urgent news.

Step by step

1. 1
   Design one template

   Two lines: the name in bold, the role or topic below. Use your brand fonts and colours, and keep clear of the bottom edge where players put their controls.

2. 2
   Fill it in before the show

   Prepare one for every guest and segment, spelled correctly. Ask guests how they want their name and title shown.

3. 3
   Stage it in preview

   Check it over the shot before it goes out, so it doesn’t cover a face or a logo.

4. 4
   Take it live, then take it off

   Show it when the person starts speaking and remove it after five to eight seconds. Bring it back after a cut or a long gap.

5. 5
   Use tickers sparingly

   A ticker is for headlines that change. Keep each item short and readable at a glance.

Make it readable

• Large enough to read on a phone.
• High contrast: light text on a dark band, or the reverse.
• Nothing within 5% of the edges of the frame.