To set up an Automation in Streamlabs Desktop, open the Automations icon in the Sources panel, choose a game template or select Add Automation > Create custom, configure a supported gameplay trigger and its action or actions, then select Create Automation and enable it before going live. Streamlabs’ guide, published August 20, 2026, says all users can enable up to five Automations at once; Streamlabs Ultra subscribers can enable up to ten.
What Streamlabs Desktop Automations do
Automations let gameplay events trigger actions in Streamlabs Desktop. For example, an Automation might switch scenes after a victory, show or hide a source when player health gets low, or save a replay after a major moment. One event can also trigger multiple actions. Which games, conditions, and actions are available depends on the options shown in your current application; Streamlabs’ guide does not publish a complete compatibility list.
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Set up an Automation
- Update Streamlabs Desktop. Streamlabs recommends using the latest version before configuring Automations.
- Open Automations. In the Sources panel, click the Automations icon to open its settings window.
- Choose how to start. Select a template for a supported game, or choose Add Automation > Create custom to build one yourself. Templates are a convenient starting point; custom setup lets you choose from the supported options available in the app.
- Name it clearly. Enter a recognizable description so you can identify it in the Automations list. For example, Streamlabs suggests “Victory Royale reaction.”
- Configure the trigger and action or actions. Choose a supported game trigger and specify what Streamlabs Desktop should do when it occurs. Check the choices presented in your installed version rather than assuming a particular game event or action is supported.
- Create and enable it. Select Create Automation, then confirm it is enabled before going live. The settings window also has controls to test, edit, and delete Automations.
Choose the right Automation limit
Streamlabs’ August 20, 2026 guide states the following simultaneous enabled-Automation limits:
| Account | Maximum enabled at once |
|---|---|
| All users | Up to 5 |
| Streamlabs Ultra subscribers | Up to 10 |
This comparison is limited to the enabled-Automation allowance stated in that guide; it does not establish other differences between subscription plans. If you need more than five active Automations, check the current in-app or subscription details before upgrading.
#1 Best Overall
- 15 Customizable LCD Keys: instantly control your apps, tools and platforms.
- One-Touch Operation: trigger single or multiple actions, launch social posts, adjust audio, mute mic, turn on lights, and much more.
- Visual Feedback: know that your command has been executed.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato 4KCU, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more.
- Hotkey Actions: streamline your film editing, music production, photography workflow, etc.
Understand Automations, Sidekick, and Cloudbot Timers
Streamlabs says existing Automations migrate from Sidekick to their new home in Streamlabs Desktop without needing to be rebuilt. The documented setup takes place in Desktop; Sidekick remains a separate app with its own features.
Cloudbot Timers are a different feature: they send recurring chat messages rather than reacting to gameplay events. To configure one, enable Cloudbot, add a timer, then set its name, response, interval, and line minimum. A timer runs when both the interval and the minimum chat-line conditions are met. Cloudbot commands, moderation, loyalty features, and interactive modules are also separate from the gameplay-triggered Automations described here.
Rank #2
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
Test and troubleshoot before going live
- An Automation does not appear to trigger: confirm it is enabled, then check that the selected game and trigger match an option supported in your current Streamlabs Desktop version.
- The wrong action happens: reopen the Automation settings, review its trigger and configured actions, and edit the Automation as needed.
- A Sidekick Automation seems missing: Streamlabs says existing Automations migrate into Streamlabs Desktop. Open the Desktop Automations settings and check the list before attempting to recreate it.
- The selected Sidekick voice does not play during a test: Streamlabs notes that this voice may not play while testing, although the preferred voice should play on stream. Treat this as a testing caveat, not proof that every other behavior has been verified.
Streamlabs describes test, edit, and delete controls in the settings window. Use them to check the configured behavior before relying on it during a live broadcast.
Or let it run in the cloud
Streamlabs Desktop Automations are for reacting to gameplay. If what you need instead is a YouTube channel that keeps uploaded videos playing live around the clock, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service: upload your video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay running at home; uploads stream as made up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, with automatic recovery if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Rank #4
- Tactile Control, Visual Feedback: LCD keys, touch strip, and dials for audio, video, lighting, and more. Know that your command has been executed.
- Fully Customizable: Use as an audio mixer, studio controller, production console, etc.
- Multi Actions, Smart Profiles: trigger multiple actions at once or sequentially, automatically switch between interface configurations for different apps.
- Powerful Plugins: Elgato Wave Link, Camera Hub, Control Center, OBS, Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Spotify, Philips Hue, and many more
- Stream Deck App and Store: drag and drop setup, download plugins, icons, thousands of royalty-free tracks, SFX, and more. Regular updates and new plugins frequently added.
Rank #3
- 18 Programmable Keys Macro Keypad: This stream controller deck comes with 18 customizable macro keys (15 LCD visual keys + 3 physical buttons). Users may program single actions or multi-step sequences for daily operation. The keys support in-game combos, app launch and media playback control for multiple usage scenarios. Each LCD key accepts JPG, PNG and GIF images and animations to mark separate functions
- Single Tap Control: This USB macro keyboard pad supports single tap commands for quick operation. Users can trigger pre-set macros, input text, open files and web pages, adjust media playback, or switch OBS scenes with one tap. The straightforward layout fits gaming, live streaming and professional office task setup
- One Tap Multi-Shortcut: This macro controller pad streaming deck supports multi-shortcut macro programming for gamers and content creators. Custom shortcuts simplify game combo inputs, video editing, music production and photography workflows. The Operation Follow function runs multiple macro steps in custom order or simultaneous execution for adjustable task control
- Adjustable RGB Surround Light Ring - VSD M18 gaming streaming deck features an outer RGB light ring with auto color cycle mode. Custom RGB tones are available via device firmware upgrade. The light ring offers adjustable visual lighting for dim gaming, streaming and night work setups.
- Wide System Compatibility: This VSDinside macro control board works with Windows 11 and newer, macOS 11.0 and newer systems. Connect via USB-C cable for immediate use. It is compatible with mainstream software including OBS, Streamlabs, YouTube, Twitter, Discord, Excel, Word and Photoshop for daily production work. Native Linux system plug-and-play support is not available, while SDK development documents are provided for custom secondary development
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