Overview
VMSC connects to Streamlabs using the Socket API, a real-time WebSocket connection that delivers events as they happen. Unlike the Twitch and YouTube integrations that connect directly to each platform, Streamlabs acts as an aggregator — it forwards events from all platforms linked to your Streamlabs account through a single connection.
Authentication uses a Socket API Token that you copy from your Streamlabs dashboard. No OAuth flow or developer application is needed.
Prerequisites
- A Streamlabs account with at least one platform connected (Twitch, YouTube, etc.)
- Access to your Streamlabs dashboard to retrieve your Socket API Token
- VMSC installed and running on your machine
Getting Your Socket API Token
The Socket API Token is a unique key that allows VMSC to receive events from your Streamlabs account. To find it:
- Log in to your Streamlabs Dashboard at streamlabs.com/dashboard
- Navigate to API Settings from the left sidebar (or go to Settings > API Settings)
- Locate the API Tokens section
- Find the Socket API Token field and click to reveal it
- Copy the token to your clipboard
Your Socket API Token grants read access to all events on your Streamlabs account. Do not share it publicly, paste it in stream chats, or commit it to version control. If your token is compromised, regenerate it from the Streamlabs dashboard.
Step-by-Step Connection
- Open VMSC and navigate to the Sources panel from the sidebar
- Locate the Streamlabs source card and click it to expand the settings
- Paste your Socket API Token into the token input field
- Click Connect
- VMSC establishes a WebSocket connection to the Streamlabs Socket API
- The Streamlabs status card on the dashboard updates to show Connected
The connection is established almost instantly. Once connected, VMSC begins receiving events in real-time.
Auto-Connect on Launch
After your initial setup, VMSC stores your Socket API Token securely and automatically reconnects to Streamlabs every time you launch the application. No manual intervention is needed.
If the token becomes invalid (for example, if you regenerate it in the Streamlabs dashboard), VMSC will show a connection error and prompt you to enter the new token.
Supported Events
Streamlabs aggregates events from all platforms connected to your account. VMSC captures the following event types:
| Event | Description | Source Platform(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Donation | A viewer sends a monetary donation through Streamlabs | All platforms |
| Follow | A user follows your channel | Twitch, YouTube |
| Subscription | A user subscribes or resubscribes | Twitch, YouTube |
| Host | Another channel hosts your stream | Twitch |
| Bits | A viewer cheers with Bits | Twitch |
| Raid | Another broadcaster raids your channel | Twitch |
| Merch | A viewer purchases merchandise through Streamlabs Merch | All platforms |
| YouTube Super Chat | A viewer sends a Super Chat on YouTube | YouTube |
| YouTube Membership Gift | A viewer gifts YouTube channel memberships | YouTube |
| Twitch Charity Donation | A viewer donates to an active Twitch charity campaign | Twitch |
Cross-Platform Aggregation
One of the key advantages of the Streamlabs integration is that it aggregates events from all platforms connected to your Streamlabs account into a single stream. If you have both Twitch and YouTube linked in Streamlabs, you will receive events from both platforms through this one connection.
This can be especially useful for multi-platform streamers who want a unified event pipeline. However, it also means you may receive events that overlap with your direct platform connections.
Streamlabs aggregates events from all your connected platforms. If you also have Twitch or YouTube connected directly in VMSC, you may receive duplicate events (for example, a Twitch subscription appearing from both the direct Twitch EventSub connection and from Streamlabs). Consider using only one source per event type in your rules, or use VMSC's rule conditions to filter out duplicates.
Dashboard Status Card
The Streamlabs connection is displayed as a status card on the VMSC dashboard with the following states:
| Status | Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Disconnected | Gray | No active connection. Enter your token and click Connect. |
| Connected | Green | WebSocket connection is active and receiving events. |
| Reconnecting | Orange (pulsing) | Connection lost. VMSC is attempting to reconnect automatically. |
| Error | Red | Connection failed. Check your token or network connection. |
Troubleshooting
Connection Refused
- Verify that your Socket API Token is correct — copy it fresh from the Streamlabs dashboard
- Check your internet connection and ensure WebSocket connections are not blocked by your firewall
No Events Received
- Confirm that you have at least one platform (Twitch, YouTube, etc.) connected in your Streamlabs account
- Test by sending a test donation from the Streamlabs dashboard to verify the socket connection is working
- Some events only fire when you are live on the respective platform
Token Invalid or Expired
- If you regenerated your token in the Streamlabs dashboard, you need to update it in VMSC as well
- Open Sources > Streamlabs, clear the old token, paste the new one, and click Connect
Next Steps
With Streamlabs connected, you can create rules that respond to donations, follows, and other aggregated events:
- First Setup — Create your first rules and actions
- Rules & Actions — Full event type reference and configuration
- In-App Tutorial — Let V.I.T.R.O. walk you through everything