Scorebug Setup
Getting a scorebug on your stream
This walks through setting up a live scorebug overlay on your stream. There's nothing to install -- you add a browser source URL and open the control panel on your phone.
Before you start
- A ScoreLM account on the Pro plan (scorebugs are a Pro feature)
- Streaming software with browser source support -- OBS, Streamlabs, vMix, Wirecast, XSplit, Ecamm Live, etc.
- At least one game created in your league schedule
- A phone, tablet, or second device for the control panel
Create a score bug in the admin panel
Go to the Scorebugs section in the admin dashboard. Pick a template -- each one looks different but they all support live scores, player highlights, and sponsor pop-ups. Choose the one that fits your league's style.
Copy the overlay URL
After picking a template, you'll see a unique overlay URL that already has your league's colors and logos baked in. Copy it. There's also a separate control panel URL -- grab that too.
Add a browser source to your stream
In your streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs, vMix, Wirecast, XSplit, Ecamm Live, or anything else with browser source support), add a new Browser Source to your scene. Paste the overlay URL, set it to 1920x1080, and uncheck 'Shutdown source when not visible' so the WebSocket stays connected. Position it where you want on screen.
Link to a live game
In the admin panel, go to the game you want to broadcast and click 'Link Scorebug'. Pick the scorebug you just created. It pulls in the right team names, logos, and colors for that matchup. Between games, you can switch to a different matchup without touching your streaming software.
Go live and take control
Open the control panel URL on your phone, tablet, or another laptop. You'll see buttons for scores, clock, player highlights, and sponsor pop-ups. When you tap to update a score, the overlay on stream changes in under 200 milliseconds.
Pro Tips
Tips from running live broadcasts
Things we learned the hard way so you don't have to.
Use 1920x1080 for the browser source
The scorebug overlays are designed for 1080p. Using a different resolution may cause scaling issues or blurry text. If your stream is 720p, still use 1080 for the browser source and let your streaming software handle the downscale.
Keep your control device on the same WiFi
The control panel and overlay communicate via WebSocket through the ScoreLM server. A stable internet connection on your control device ensures sub-second updates. If you're in a gym with spotty WiFi, consider using your phone's cellular data instead.
Assign a dedicated scorebug operator
One person can handle the whole broadcast, but it's easier if someone else runs the scorebug while the camera person focuses on the game. The control panel works fine on a phone held courtside.
Test before game day
Run through the setup once before your first live broadcast. Create a test game, link the scorebug, and make sure the overlay appears correctly on stream. It takes five minutes and saves you from troubleshooting during tip-off.
Uncheck 'Shutdown source when not visible'
In your streaming software, make sure this setting is off for your scorebug browser source. If it's enabled, it will disconnect the WebSocket whenever you switch scenes, causing a brief reconnection delay when you switch back.
Use sponsor pop-ups during timeouts
Timeouts are dead air on a stream. Trigger sponsor pop-ups during them so sponsors actually get screen time. It's a concrete thing you can show them when asking for sponsorship money.
How the real-time connection works
The control panel and overlay communicate through a WebSocket server. When you tap a button, the update reaches the overlay on stream in under 200 milliseconds.
That's the whole setup
It takes about five minutes the first time. After that, linking a scorebug to a new game is a couple clicks.