What Is an OBS Browser Source?
A browser source lets you add web pages — overlays, alerts, subtitles — directly into your OBS stream scene. Here's everything you need to know.
Try It Free — Works in Your BrowserLast updated: March 20, 2026
Quick Answer
An OBS browser source is a source type that renders a web URL inside your stream scene. It's how streamers add alerts, overlays, donation tickers, and subtitle tools like StreamTranslate — without any plugin installation. OBS uses a built-in Chromium engine to display the web content.
What Is a Browser Source?
OBS Studio is used by 30+ million streamers worldwide (OBS Project, 2024). The Browser Source renders any web URL as a transparent layer in your scene. This is how StreamElements alerts, donation tickers, and StreamTranslate subtitles appear on stream.
- No plugin installation needed
- Loads any public URL or local HTML file
- Transparent background for overlays
- Hardware-accelerated rendering via Chromium
How to Add a Browser Source
Step 1: Click "+" under Sources. Select "Browser."
Step 2: Name it and click OK.
Step 3: Enter the URL. Set width 1920, height 1080.
Step 4: Click OK. Position in your scene.
For subtitles, the URL comes from StreamTranslate's control panel.
Key Properties
- URL: Any public web address or file:/// local path
- Width/Height: 1920×1080 for full HD
- FPS: 30 is standard, 60 for smooth animations
- Shutdown when not visible: Uncheck for always-on overlays
- Refresh on scene active: Useful for dynamic overlays
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a browser source slow down OBS?
Minimal impact. Modern OBS browser sources use hardware acceleration — typically minimal CPU overhead on modern systems with hardware acceleration enabled.
Can I use a browser source without a URL?
Yes. Browser sources can load local HTML files using file:/// paths.
Do browser sources work in Streamlabs?
Yes. Streamlabs OBS supports browser sources the same way as OBS Studio.
StreamTranslate Team
Published by the StreamTranslate team. We build real-time live stream translation tools for Twitch, Kick, and YouTube, X, and TikTok streamers.
Add a StreamTranslate browser source to OBS
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