Stream a translated version from OBS Beta

Last updated October 1, 2026 For: Livestream volunteers who want a Spanish (or other language) stream next to the main one

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Besides your main stream, OBS can send one extra livestream per language. Each one has the same video as your main stream, with the translated voice over the original sound and optional closed captions. Viewers simply watch the stream for their language.

Who it's for#

Churches that livestream and want, for example, a Spanish broadcast next to the English one.

Before you start#

  • The language is added under Languages in the dock. See Record a translated copy in OBS, Step 1.
  • A separate stream key for each language. A translated stream cannot use your main stream's key. On YouTube, create one in YouTube Studio → Create → Go live → Stream → Stream key (select or create a new key, for example "Spanish"). On Facebook, create a separate live video or use a different page or group.
  • Enough upload bandwidth. Every translated stream uploads your video again (see below).

Step 1 — Turn on the stream#

  1. In the language's panel under Languages, tick Stream … (for example Stream Español).
  2. Pick the Platform:
    • YouTube (automatic) — see Stream to YouTube automatically.
    • YouTube (RTMPS) — recommended for YouTube with a key.
    • YouTube (RTMPS, backup server)
    • YouTube (RTMP)
    • Facebook Live
    • Custom — enter any Server starting with rtmp:// or rtmps://.
  3. Paste the Stream key. Click Show to check it, Hide to hide it again. The key is kept on this computer only and is never sent to SermonWave.
  4. Leave Captions on stream ticked to include closed captions of the translated sentences in this stream.
SermonWave dock language panel with "Stream Español" ticked, Platform "YouTube (RTMPS)", Stream key field and "Captions on stream"

Step 2 — Go live#

The translated stream starts and stops with your main stream. Click Start Streaming in OBS as usual; the panel shows "Live · 2500 kbps · 0 dropped frames" or similar.

To start or stop just the translated stream, use Start now / Stop now in the panel. That overrides the automatic behavior until the next time your main stream starts or stops ("Stopped by hand (starts again with the next main stream).").

With plugin version 1.1.1 and later, Start now also works when the main stream is not running: the translated stream then encodes its own video using your OBS streaming settings, and keeps going if you start the main stream later.

The same-key refusal#

If you enter the same server and stream key as your main stream, the plugin refuses to start and shows:

"this is the main stream's own server and stream key — the two streams would fight over one broadcast. Use a separate stream key for this language"

A YouTube or Facebook broadcast can only take one audio language, so each language needs its own key. (If your main stream is connected to YouTube by account in OBS, the plugin can't see that key and can't check it — make sure you used a different key.)

Bandwidth, bitrate and encoder notes#

  • No extra video encoding. While the main stream runs, translated streams share its video encoder, so they don't add CPU or GPU load for video. Each has its own audio (AAC, at your main stream's audio bitrate, 160 kbps by default).
  • Upload adds up. Each translated stream uploads roughly as much as your main stream. The dock shows an estimate, for example "2 translated stream(s) send the main video again: about 5320 kbps more upload (2660 kbps each)." Make sure your connection has room; run a speed test during a quiet time.
  • Keyframe interval. A translated stream starts at the main stream's next keyframe. Set Keyframe Interval to 2 s in Settings → Output (Advanced output mode) so it starts within seconds.
  • OBS's own reconnect settings apply to translated streams too. While reconnecting, the panel shows "reconnecting…".
  • Sync to video is on by default for YouTube and Facebook and delays only that stream so the translation lines up with the picture. See Keep translation in sync with video.

Troubleshooting#

Errors show in the panel as "Error: …":

"paste your stream key" — the Stream key field is empty.

"enter the server URL" / "the server must start with rtmp:// or rtmps://" — fix the Server for a Custom platform.

"the server refused the stream key" — the key is wrong, expired, or for a different service. Copy it again from YouTube Studio or Facebook.

"could not connect to the server" / "disconnected from the server" — check the internet connection and the server address.

"could not create a video encoder for this stream — start your main stream first (this stream then uses its video)" — start your main stream; the translated stream then shares its video.

Your stream stutters after adding a translated stream. You're probably out of upload bandwidth. Remove a language, lower the main stream's video bitrate, or turn off the stream for one language.

FAQ#

Do viewers of my main stream hear the translation?#

No. Your main stream is unchanged. The translation is only in the translated stream for that language.

Can I stream Spanish to YouTube and French to Facebook?#

Yes. Each language has its own platform and key.

Can the translated stream go somewhere else than my main stream?#

Yes. Any RTMP or RTMPS destination works with Custom.