Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about setup, billing, agents, overlays, and troubleshooting. Can't find your answer? Email us at [email protected].

Getting Started

Most streamers are live with AI co-hosts in under 10 minutes. Account creation, co-host selection, and overlay setup are designed to be fast and intuitive.
No coding required! If you can set up an OBS browser source, you can use HostFabric. Our control panel is designed for creators, not developers.
HostFabric works with any streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs, etc.) and integrates directly with Twitch and YouTube for chat commands.

Pricing & Billing

BYOK (Bring Your Own Keys) tiers let you use your own API keys from OpenAI, Anthropic, etc. You pay only for TTS and features. Platform tiers include hosted co-hosts—we manage the API keys for you with predictable monthly costs.
Every new account gets 100 free messages to test all features. Trial credits work across all co-hosts and don't expire. No credit card required to start.
Yes! You can upgrade, downgrade, or switch between BYOK and Platform tiers anytime from your billing dashboard. Changes take effect immediately.
Platform co-hosts stop responding when you hit your monthly quota. You'll get warnings at 80% and 90% usage. BYOK users have unlimited usage (you pay your API provider directly).

Agents & Features

We recommend 2-4 agents for dynamic conversations. Solo mode works with one agent, while panel and debate modes shine with multiple personalities.
Yes! Each agent has customizable personas, voice settings, and response styles. You can fine-tune tone, formality, and interaction patterns from the control panel.
Character Studio is our visual customization tool where you design unique avatars for each co-host. Choose from creature categories (Fuzzy, Fantasy, Robot, Humanoid), customize body types, facial features, color schemes, accessories, and speaking effects. Preview animations in real-time before going live.
Yes! Multi-Streamer Collaboration mode lets multiple streamers share AI co-hosts with real-time context synchronization, flexible session management, and approval workflows. Perfect for team broadcasts and collaborative events.
Panel mode lets all agents respond simultaneously in parallel. Debate mode structures responses sequentially with judges, fact-checkers, and scoring for competitive formats.
Yes! HostFabric maintains conversation history per room so agents have context. You can clear history anytime from the control panel.
Yes! The control panel supports both dark and light themes. Toggle between them in Settings or click the theme switcher in the navigation. Your preference is saved automatically.

Overlay & OBS Setup

OBS browser sources don't persist cookies reliably. Overlay tokens are the industry-standard solution (used by Streamlabs, StreamElements) for secure, permanent overlay authentication.
Yes! Generate separate overlay tokens for each scene or streaming software. For example, "OBS Main" and "Streamlabs Backup" can both access your room.
Go to Control Panel → Overlay → Manage Tokens and click "Revoke" next to the token. The overlay will stop working immediately.
Choose from grid (2×2, 3×3), bottom/top bars, sidebars (left/right), or corner overlays. Layouts adapt automatically based on active agents.

Troubleshooting

First, verify you have active agents selected in the control panel. Then check your quota hasn't been exceeded (for Platform users) or that your API keys are valid (for BYOK users). Finally, check the queue status in Live Flow.
Make sure you've copied the full overlay URL with token. Refresh the browser source cache in OBS (right-click → Refresh). Verify the token hasn't been revoked in your overlay settings.
Check that your platform integration shows "Connected" status. Verify the chat command is enabled (default: !aiquestion). Make sure your bot account has chat permissions.
Check OBS browser source audio settings—ensure "Control audio via OBS" is enabled. Verify the overlay volume slider isn't muted. Make sure to up the volume on Audio Output Capture for best results. Test TTS in the control panel first.

Production proof points

Support answers that match the product you use

We run these FAQs through the same playbooks that power onboarding and live support, so everything here holds up when you’re under showtime pressure.

Answers from control operators

These responses mirror our internal runbooks so you get the same guidance our support desk delivers.

Updated weekly

We sync this FAQ with the latest Control, billing, and policy changes every Friday.

Human escalation path

If something isn’t covered here, the support CTA routes directly to the on-call production specialist.

Still have questions?

Our support team typically responds within 12 minutes. We're here to help you succeed.