Facebook Live

How to Add Captions to Facebook Live

Facebook Live's built-in accessibility is minimal for live content. Here is how to add real-time captions via StreamTranslate and OBS — the reliable solution for deaf viewers.

Set Up Captions →
Minimal
Facebook Live real-time captions
466M
People with hearing loss (WHO)
<500ms
StreamTranslate caption latency
50+
Languages supported

Facebook Live's Caption Limitations

Facebook offers automated captioning for video replays after broadcast ends. During the live broadcast itself, real-time captioning is minimal — deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers watching the live stream receive no reliable platform-level caption support. Product launches, educational webinars, charity fundraisers, gaming streams, and any live content on Facebook Live faces this same accessibility gap.

StreamTranslate: Real-Time Captions for Facebook Live

StreamTranslate provides real-time captions via OBS Browser Source overlay. The captions are burned into the video feed before it reaches Facebook, working identically on Facebook Live as on any other platform. Setup at streamtranslate.live/setup, add to OBS, configure OBS for Facebook Live, and go live with captions.

Step-by-Step: Facebook Live Captions

1

Create StreamTranslate Account

Visit streamtranslate.live/setup for a free trial.

2

Add to OBS as Browser Source

In OBS: Sources → + → Browser. Paste your browser source URL. Width: 1920, Height: 160px. Position in lower third.

3

Configure OBS for Facebook Live

OBS Settings → Stream → Facebook Live. Log in to authorize, or use Custom with Facebook's RTMP URL: rtmps://live-api-s.facebook.com:443/rtmp/ and your stream key from Facebook Live Producer.

4

Test and Go Live

Preview with OBS Virtual Camera. Confirm captions appear within one second. Click Start Streaming to launch your captioned Facebook Live broadcast.

Facebook Live vs Other Platforms for Accessibility

Facebook Live's post-broadcast caption automation means replay viewers have some caption access. But for live accessibility — the actual live event where real-time interaction happens — StreamTranslate is the only reliable solution. Combined with visual overlays for event alerts and clear verbal narration, StreamTranslate brings Facebook Live accessibility to the same level as a properly captioned Twitch or YouTube stream.

The Twitch Extension at streamtranslate.live/twitch is Twitch-specific. For Facebook Live, YouTube, and Kick, the OBS Browser Source overlay is the universal caption solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Facebook Live have built-in captions?

Facebook Live has very limited real-time captioning. Automated captions primarily apply to replay videos after broadcast, not to the live experience. Deaf viewers watching live need third-party solutions.

How do I add captions to Facebook Live?

Use StreamTranslate with OBS. Set up at streamtranslate.live/setup, add the browser source overlay to OBS, and stream to Facebook Live via RTMP. Captions appear in the video feed with sub-500ms latency.

What is Facebook Live's RTMP URL for OBS?

Facebook Live RTMP ingest: rtmps://live-api-s.facebook.com:443/rtmp/. Your stream key is available in the Facebook Live Producer dashboard.

Is StreamTranslate compatible with Facebook Live?

Yes. StreamTranslate works via OBS Browser Source overlay — platform-agnostic and compatible with any platform OBS can stream to, including Facebook Live.

What accessibility features does Facebook Live have?

Facebook Live applies automated captioning to video replays after broadcast. Real-time live captioning is minimal. StreamTranslate provides the real-time solution via OBS overlay.