How to make a New Year countdown video (free)

That "10, 9, 8…" countdown is what makes the New Year moment. A countdown video works great on a party screen, a live stream, or a display at a venue or store. This guide shows how to make one for free — no sign-up, no watermark.

1. Make the countdown video

Open Countdown Studio and set it up:

1. Mode: "Countdown".
2. Enter the seconds (10 is the classic; use 60 for a longer build-up).
3. Aspect ratio: "Wide 16:9" for a TV, projector or stream; "Vertical 9:16" for social posts.
4. Try the "Gold" or "Neon" theme. Set the ending effect to "Fireworks" and the end sound to "Fanfare".
5. In the "Title" field, type "HAPPY NEW YEAR" or "2027" — it shows above the numbers.
6. Add an end message like "HAPPY NEW YEAR!" to appear after zero.
7. Press "Export video" to download the MP4.

2. How to use it on the night

• Party / home: connect to a TV or projector and play just before midnight.
• Live stream: add it as a "Media Source" in OBS and play it at the New Year moment.
• Social: export vertical 9:16 and post straight to TikTok or Reels.
• Store / event: show it on a venue monitor or screen.

3. Want only the numbers over a video?

To layer just the numbers over fireworks footage, export with "Overlay → Black" and set the blend mode to "Screen" in your editor. Full steps are in how to overlay a countdown in CapCut.

Summary

Set the seconds, add fireworks, fanfare and a "HAPPY NEW YEAR" title — that's it. Free and watermark-free, your New Year countdown video is ready in minutes. Make it early so it's ready for the night.