Create CountTo (Date-based)
Date-based countdowns, called CountTo timers, count down to a specific moment in time. Instead of setting a duration, you choose an exact date and time when the countdown should reach zero.
Information
CountTo timers count down to a specific date/time (e.g., December 31,
2024 at 11:59 PM) rather than a duration. Everyone sees the same countdown
regardless of when they view it.
Warning
CountTo timers are stateless - they run continuously and cannot
be paused or started. Unlike Countdown timers, they always count down to the
target date. Only the target date/time itself can be changed (Premium
feature).
Common Use Cases
| Use Case | Example | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Product Launches | New product release on specific date | Building anticipation for exact release times |
| Event Start Times | Stream event, webinar, tournament start | Showing viewers exactly when to return |
| Sales End Dates | Flash sale ends Friday at midnight | Creating urgency with visible deadline |
| Seasonal Events | New Year's Eve, special anniversaries | Countdown to holidays or milestones |
Tip
Use CountTo timers when you have a fixed deadline or event time. Use
Countdown timers when the duration matters more than the end time.
Creating a CountTo Timer
Follow these steps to create a date-based countdown:
- Navigate to the Editor on gettickr.app
- Select "CountTo" from the timer type options at the top
- In the General tab, click the date and time picker
- Select your target date and exact time when the countdown should reach zero
- Watch the live preview update with the remaining time
- Optionally add a title to help identify this timer
Information
The time is displayed in your local timezone in the editor. Viewers
see a countdown to the exact same moment regardless of their timezone - no
conversion needed!
Target Date Considerations
Choosing your target date:
- Consider your primary audience's timezone for event timing
- For global events, align with UTC or a major timezone
- The timer automatically adjusts display units based on distance from target
- Countdowns months away show months/days; countdowns hours away show hours/minutes/seconds
Tip
The timer title is visible in both the editor preview and the countdown
display. You can also hide the title using the "Show title" toggle if you only
want to display the countdown numbers.
Timer Behavior at Zero
When the countdown reaches the target date/time:
- Displays all zeros and stops counting
- No negative numbers or counting past zero
- Shows completed status until you update the target date
Premium Feature
Premium accounts can update the target date while the timer is
live. Changes sync automatically across all displays (OBS, websites) without
refreshing! Note: Unlike Countdown timers, CountTo timers cannot be paused or
started - they run continuously until the target date is reached.
Saving and Managing CountTo Timers
Premium Feature
Save your CountTo timers for recurring events! Saved timers
remember the target date, design, and all customizations.
When you load a saved CountTo timer:
- Automatically recalculates remaining time from current moment
- If target date has passed, shows as completed
- Easy to update target date for next occurrence
- Same design and layout preserved
Perfect for recurring events:
- Weekly streams (update target date each week)
- Monthly sales (change target date each month)
- Annual events (update year, keep month/day)
Timezone Handling
| Scenario | How it Works |
|---|---|
| Setting target time | Uses your local timezone in the editor |
| Viewer in different timezone | Sees countdown to same absolute moment |
| International events | Everyone counts down together to the same instant |
| Daylight Saving Time | Automatically handled by browser |
Warning
Choose your target time carefully for international audiences. A
midnight release in New York is 5 AM in London and 2 PM in Tokyo. Consider
stating the timezone in your event promotion.
CountTo vs. Countdown: Key Differences
| Feature | CountTo (Date-based) | Countdown (Duration-based) |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Target date/time | Duration (hours, minutes, seconds) |
| Control | Cannot pause/start | Can pause, start, reset |
| Behavior | Runs continuously | Controlled manually |
| Use Case | Fixed events, deadlines | Breaks, challenges, timed events |
| Premium Remote Control | Update target date/time | Start, pause, reset, adjust time |
| State Persistence | Always stateless | Can persist state (Premium) |
Tip
Choose CountTo for events with fixed dates (product launches, sales
deadlines). Choose Countdown when you need manual control over start/pause
(stream breaks, timed challenges).
Next Steps
- Create Countdown (Duration-based) - Compare duration vs. date-based
- Remote Control Your Timer - Understand control differences between timer types
- Customize Design - Make it match your brand
- Save & Manage Timers - Organize multiple timers