OBS audio translation plugin for IRL streams
The StreamTranslate OBS plugin is an audio filter for a microphone or received stream source. It sends audio for live translated captions while OBS keeps handling your video. Use it for desktop, home OBS and Cloud OBS IRL setups.
Open ControlChoose your IRL setupWhat you need
- OBS Studio on your computer, or a provider-controlled OBS server with permission to install the plugin.
- The current plugin build for your operating system from the official repository.
- Your StreamTranslate account key and a caption output: Twitch Extension or Browser Source.
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
- Install on the machine running OBS
Use the official repository and its current platform instructions. Restart OBS after installation. Cloud OBS installation belongs on the server and may require provider assistance.
- Select your audio source
Choose the mic or incoming phone feed you want captioned. Open Filters, press + and select StreamTranslate. Avoid attaching multiple filters to the same audio mix.
- Paste the key, not the URL
Open Control, select IRL Mode and copy your full RTMP URL. Paste only the key after /live/ into the plugin. The plugin sends audio over its own authenticated connection; it does not publish RTMP.
- Choose how captions are shown
Use the linked Twitch Extension, or add the Browser Source URL as a normal OBS Browser Source. The filter captures audio; the Browser Source displays captions.
- Check capture and reconnects
Speak, confirm the filter reports audio, and inspect captions. Test the filter’s Stop and Reconnect controls. End the source feed and check that the caption session ends correctly.
Audio capture and display are different
A Browser Source alone cannot hear your phone. The audio filter supplies speech to StreamTranslate. You can manage languages and subtitle appearance in Control without enabling that tab’s microphone.
The plugin sends audio rather than your broadcast video. It still needs internet access and an eligible account with streaming time; it is not offline captioning.
For multiple scenes, make sure only the intended live audio is captured. Test scene switching and mute behavior using the current plugin build instead of assuming every OBS source behaves identically.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as the RTMP phone destination?
No. The OBS filter uses the authenticated audio connection. A phone RTMP destination is a separate ingest route even when both belong to the same StreamTranslate account.
Does the plugin change my broadcast audio?
It captures a copy for caption processing. Your normal OBS audio and video output remain part of your existing broadcast workflow.
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.