Live translated subtitles for Cloud OBS
StreamTranslate supports Cloud OBS caption workflows through its OBS audio-filter plugin. Install the filter where OBS actually runs, attach it to the incoming phone or backpack audio, and choose Extension captions or a Browser Source for display.
Open ControlChoose your IRL setupWhat you need
- A Cloud OBS service that permits the StreamTranslate plugin on its server.
- Access to the incoming stream audio source and its Filters menu.
- An active StreamTranslate account and a linked Twitch account for Extension output.
Use the account and URLs for the same environment. A staging caption feed does not appear in the released Twitch Extension unless the test channel is deliberately connected to staging.
Choose your caption output
Twitch Extension: each viewer chooses their language and appearance. Keep your Twitch account linked and the Extension active on your channel.
Browser Source: you choose the language, colors and appearance in Control. The captions are included in your video for everyone.
Do not activate two audio capture routes for the same voice. The Browser Source URL is for display; the RTMP URL or OBS plugin supplies audio.
Setup steps
- Ask your provider to install the plugin
Send your provider the StreamTranslate OBS plugin repository. Installation must happen on the cloud server, not only your laptop. The provider may need a Linux build compatible with its OBS version.
- Copy the account key
In Control, select IRL Mode and copy the full RTMP URL. For the OBS filter, use only the key after /live/. Do not paste the whole RTMP address into the key field.
- Attach the audio filter
In Cloud OBS, right-click the incoming stream audio, select Filters, press + and select StreamTranslate. Paste the account key and confirm the filter’s connection status.
- Choose the caption output
Use your linked Twitch Extension for viewer-selected translations. For subtitles in the video, add the Browser Source URL from Control to your OBS scene.
- Run a real stream check
Speak from the phone, check the audio meter and captions, then switch scenes and interrupt the phone feed briefly. Confirm captions return without starting a browser microphone.
Keep the existing video pipeline
Cloud OBS continues receiving and broadcasting your video normally. The StreamTranslate filter sends a copy of the selected audio to the caption service; it is not a replacement video host.
Home OBS and Cloud OBS use the same audio-filter idea, but a laptop installation does not modify a remote server. If StreamTranslate is missing from the Filters list, check the server-side installation with the provider.
Attach the filter to the voice or ingest audio you want captioned, rather than alerts or a duplicated monitor mix. Keep private keys out of screenshots and public messages.
Frequently asked questions
Does a captions scene prove the plugin is installed?
No. A Browser Source or scene can exist without an audio filter. Verify StreamTranslate appears in the source’s Filters menu and reports connected audio.
Can I use another Cloud OBS provider?
Yes, the workflow is designed for OBS servers with permission to install the plugin. Each provider controls installation and build compatibility.
Do I need to leave the Control microphone running?
No. In IRL Mode, audio comes from your RTMP destination or the OBS audio plugin. Use Control to change settings; do not start a second browser microphone session.
Who chooses the subtitle language?
With the Twitch Extension, each viewer chooses their own language and appearance. With a Browser Source, you choose the language and appearance in Control and viewers see those captions in your video.
How should I adjust caption timing?
For Twitch Extension viewers, internal testing found 3–5 seconds is the sweet spot. Adjust to your actual video delay. This setting does not delay a Browser Source composited into your broadcast.
More IRL setup guides
OBS Studio, Streamlabs, Meld and other supported desktop software remain available through the desktop setup guide. For captions on the move, choose your phone or cloud workflow in the IRL Hub.