Captions · Setup · Guide

How to Set Up Stream Captions

Set up professional real-time captions for any live stream in under 2 minutes. Works on Twitch, YouTube Live, Kick, X, TikTok Live, and more.

Set Up Stream Captions →

Last updated: March 2026

Quick Answer

To set up stream captions, go to streamtranslate.live/control, create a room with your language settings, copy the overlay URL, and add it as a Browser Source in OBS at 1920x1080. Captions will display in real time as you speak — no downloads or plugins needed.

Why Stream Captions Matter

Live stream captions are one of the highest-impact accessibility improvements a streamer can make. According to Verizon Media research, 80% of people are more likely to watch an entire video when captions are available. For live streams, the effect is even more pronounced — deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers make up a significant portion of every streaming platform's audience.

Beyond accessibility, captions boost engagement for viewers watching on muted devices, in noisy environments, or those who are non-native English speakers. Platforms like X (Twitter) and TikTok are especially popular for muted autoplay, making captions critical for those audiences.

  • Accessibility compliance — reach deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers
  • Muted viewing — many viewers watch without sound on X and TikTok
  • Retention — captions increase watch time across all platforms
  • Translation — captions can be translated into 10+ languages simultaneously

Step-by-Step Caption Setup

Step 1: Go to streamtranslate.live/control and log in or create a free account.

Step 2: Click "New Room." Select your speaking language. For same-language captions (English captions for an English stream), set both source and display to the same language.

Step 3: Copy the overlay URL from your room dashboard.

Step 4: In OBS, add a Browser Source. Set URL to your overlay link, width to 1920, height to 1080. Check "Refresh when scene becomes active."

Step 5: Start streaming. Captions appear automatically when you speak. No additional configuration required.

Caption Platforms Supported

  • Twitch — full support via OBS browser source
  • YouTube Live — captions baked into video output
  • Kick — no native caption support; StreamTranslate fills the gap
  • X (Twitter) Live — muted by default; captions critical
  • TikTok Live — growing live audience, especially on mobile
  • Facebook Gaming — large international audience benefits from captions
  • Rumble — expanding streaming platform with global reach

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add captions to my live stream?

Use StreamTranslate: create a room at streamtranslate.live/control, get a browser source URL, add it to OBS as a Browser Source at 1920x1080. Captions appear live when you speak.

Do stream captions require special hardware?

No. StreamTranslate runs in the cloud. You only need a microphone and an internet connection. There is no extra hardware or GPU required.

Can stream captions be translated into other languages?

Yes. StreamTranslate supports both same-language captions and real-time translation into 10+ languages. You can switch language any time from the control panel.

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