Church Livestream with Subtitles from a phone

Written By Marek Halmo

If you already stream from your phone to Facebook or YouTube from a Phone and everything works reliably, the next step is upgrading your stream with Bible subtitles and song lyrics using VerseCAST.

This setup keeps your existing phone workflow but adds professional live captions directly into your video.

Note: If you use a computer - here is a tutorial on how to add stream subtitles in OBS or vMIX

What You Will Build

You will upgrade from:

to:

  • Phone streaming to Facebook/YouTube using Prism Live with church stream subtitles.

  • Second phone running VerseCAST as a Bible presenter providing stream subtitle screen to your stream

Step 1: Switch from Facebook/YouTube App to Prism Live

If you are currently streaming directly from Facebook or YouTube apps:

  • Install Prism Live on your streaming phone.

  • Log in with your Facebook Page or YouTube account.

  • Select your platform inside Prism Live (not the native app anymore).

  • This replaces the built-in live feature.

Why this change is necessary:

  • Facebook/YouTube apps do NOT support subtitle overlays.

  • Prism Live allows to add a web browser layer with subtitles provided by VerseCAST

Step 2: Prepare VerseCAST (Bible Presenter)

On your second phone:

  • Install and Open VerseCAST.

  • Prepare your service set (Bible verses, songs, announcements).

  • In VerseCAST - go to Menu / Displays / Stream subtitles and copy the URL (http://[IP]:8080/c)

Step 3: Test VerseCAST Subtitle URL

Before connecting it to the stream:

  • Open a browser on the device running stream.

  • Paste the VerseCAST stream URL.

  • Change slides in VerseCAST.

You should see:

  • Bible verse text updating live

  • Song lyrics switching instantly

If this does not work, Prism Live will also not show subtitles.

Step 4: Add VerseCAST to Prism Live (Browser Layer)

On your streaming phone:

  • Open Prism Live

  • Start or create a live stream (Facebook or YouTube)

  • Go to Scene / My Studio

  • Tap + Add Source

  • Select Web (Browser)

  • Paste the VerseCAST Stream URL

  • Tap Save

Now the Bible presenter output is connected to your stream.

Step 5: Position the Subtitles Correctly

After adding the browser layer:

  • Resize the web layer

  • Move it to bottom third of the screen (recommended)

  • Avoid covering:

    • preacher face

    • important camera framing

  • If needed, adjust zoom level inside Prism Live web source settings

Tip: Keep subtitle area consistent across all services for viewer familiarity

Step 6: Lock the Overlay (Prevents Mistakes)

In Prism Live:

  • Open layer management

  • Lock the VerseCAST web layer

  • This prevents accidental movement during service

Step 7: Run the Full Setup During Service

Order of operation:

  • Start VerseCAST on second phone

  • Verify subtitle URL is active

  • Open Prism Live on streaming phone

  • Confirm browser overlay is visible

  • Start Facebook/YouTube stream

  • Control verses and lyrics from VerseCAST only

Result:

  • Video from Prism Live camera

  • Audio from your mic

  • Subtitles from Bible presenter (VerseCAST)

Common Issues (Quick Fixes)

Subtitles not showing

  • Check VerseCAST URL is correct

  • Reload browser layer in Prism Live

Lag between slides and stream

  • Ensure both phones are on same Wi-Fi

  • Avoid mobile hotspot if possible

Text too large or small

  • Adjust zoom inside Prism Live browser layer

Marek Halmo
Next

How to Stream a Church Service to Facebook or YouTube Using Only Your Phone