Stream Captions — How to Add Live Captions to Any Stream
Stream captions make your content accessible to deaf/hard-of-hearing viewers and international audiences. Here's how to add live captions to any stream in minutes.
Start Translating Your Stream →Last updated: March 23, 2026
Quick Answer
Stream captions are real-time text overlays that display what you're saying during a live stream. StreamTranslate adds both captions AND translations to your stream via an OBS Browser Source — setup takes 2 minutes, no plugins required.
Why Stream Captions Matter
Stream captions (also called live CC or closed captions) make your stream accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, watching on mute, or don't speak your language. Twitch, YouTube, X, and TikTok, and Kick don't offer built-in real-time captioning — so you need a third-party tool.
Beyond accessibility, captions boost engagement. Viewers who can read along stay longer and engage more with your content.
How to Add Stream Captions
Open StreamTranslate
Go to streamtranslate.live/control and select your speaking language.
Copy the Overlay URL
StreamTranslate gives you a unique overlay URL. Copy it.
Add as OBS Browser Source
In OBS, add a Browser Source and paste the URL. Position the captions where you want them.
Go Live
Start streaming. Captions appear automatically as you speak — in your language and any translation language you choose.
Best Stream Caption Tools
- StreamTranslate — Real-time captions + translation in 28+ languages. OBS Browser Source. Free tier.
- Stream CC — Basic captioning, limited features.
- Pixel Closed Captioning — OBS plugin for captions, no translation.
- WebCaptioner — Browser-based captioning (discontinued).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add captions to my stream?
Use StreamTranslate — go to streamtranslate.live/control, copy the overlay URL, and add it as a Browser Source in OBS. Captions appear as you speak.
Are stream captions the same as closed captions?
Yes — stream captions and closed captions (CC) refer to the same thing: real-time text that displays your spoken words on screen.
StreamTranslate Team
Published by the StreamTranslate team. We build real-time live stream translation tools for Twitch, Kick, and YouTube, X, and TikTok streamers.
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