How to Use OBS Virtual Camera [Detailed Steps]

Traditional video calls and virtual classroom sessions often lack visual appeal. Presenters, nowadays, are stuck with boring backgrounds and struggle to capture their audience's attention. This is where OBS Studio's virtual camera comes in. When you use a virtual camera, you can take on the role of director, creating a distinctive and engaging video that makes you stand out.

So, are you prepared to let your imagination run wild and elevate your presentations and video calls? In this article, we will talk about all things, how to use an OBS virtual camera, and cover all the requirements for Zoom, Mac, Windows, and Discord.

Part 1: What is an OBS Virtual Camera?

An OBS virtual camera is a virtual cam tool that can be used as a substitute for your webcam stream in apps like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and more. It is a feature of the video recording and editing application OBS Studio. You can use numerous files, including photos and videos, as the camera output in these kinds of programs by using the amazing OBS virtual camera plugin.

For example, you can display your friend's various stuff instead of your standard webcam during a Skype chat if you use the OBS virtual camera. This includes videos and even a live broadcast of your screen. Additionally, it can be used to display your webcam with upgrades and various filters. The OBS virtual camera download has several uses.

Part 2: How to Use an OBS Camera on a Computer

Step 1: Set up or Upgrade the Application

• Start by downloading and installing OBS Studio on your computer.
• If you have already downloaded it and are not sure whether it's the latest version, please go to Help > Check for Updates to update to the most recent version.

Step 2: Adding Sources

• Add new Scenes for the OBS virtual camera.
• Then click the plus symbol in the Sources box located at the bottom of the screen to add new sources. Next, select the sources you wish to add to your virtual camera, such as Display Capture of Media Source.

Step 3: Launch the Virtual Camera

• You will see "Start Virtual Camera" in the right corner, click it, and you can start enjoying its function.
• If not, simply navigate to the Docks and select the Controls, and then you will see it has been added to the right corner.

Part 3: How to Set Up an OBS Virtual Camera for Zoom

Step 1: Update or Download OBS Studio

• You can either upgrade OBS Studio to the most recent version on your device or download it from the official website.

Step 2: Launch and Set Up the Software

• Launch OBS and begin adding the scenes and sources you want to see during your Zoom call.

Step 3: Convene a Zoom Conference

• After you've customized your OBS, launch a Zoom conference and use the virtual camera to set up your webcam feed. Go to Zoom's Settings and select Video to accomplish this. Choose the OBS virtual camera from the drop-down selection for the camera.

Step 4: Activate OBS Virtual Camera

• To activate the virtual camera and sync with Zoom, you will now need to return to OBS and click Start Virtual Camera in the lower right corner.

Part 4: How to Set Up an OBS Virtual Camera for Discord

Step 1: Download and Install OBS Studio

• Download the most recent version of OBS Studio from its official website and follow the installation instructions.

Step 2: Configure the Digital Camera

• Within the box, click the Plus symbol. Choose Display Capture or Video Capture Device from the list of options, then pick your webcam. Lastly, select "Start Virtual Camera."

Step 3: Modify the Discord Configuration

• Get the User Settings open. Tap on the Voice & Video button in the App Settings section. Under the video preview, select Camera List by swiping down to the video settings. Choose OBS virtual camera after that. Your virtual camera feed ought to now be visible in the video preview.

Part 5: OBS Virtual Camera Not Working Solutions

You can try one of the following fixes if your OBS virtual camera is not working properly or isn't showing up at all:

• Restart OBS: Restarting the software or your system is the easiest and most obvious fix. Antivirus software has the ability to block video feeds, so you might also try disabling it.
• Adjust the Video Configuration: You can alter the video format, frame rate, and resolution under the Output tab of the Settings window.
• Reinstall or Update the Camera Driver: Download the most recent webcam driver version from the official website OBS virtual camera.
• Examine the Latest OBS Upgrades: Click "Check for Updates" under the Help tab in the menu bar. Click Update Now to install the update if it is available.

FAQs About OBS Virtual Camera

1. How do I use virtual camera with OBS?

With an OBS virtual camera, you can send the OBS scene to other apps that work with the webcam input. You only have to use the "start virtual camera" features in the OBS controls. It works well on Linux, Windows, and macOS once you are done setting up the scenes and sources. This means you can share multiple video sources and overlays rather than a simple webcam.

2. Is OBS virtual camera good?

Yes, OBS's Virtual Camera is a powerful choice for custom video feeds because it's highly configurable and free with OBS Studio. You can add overlays, multiple sources, effects, and transitions that simple webcams can’t do. However, it may be overkill for casual calls. If you want plug-and-play simplicity, a quality webcam like the Tiny 3 or Tiny 3 Lite might suffice.

3. Is OBS virtual camera free?

Yes, the OBS Virtual Camera feature is included at no cost with the open-source OBS Studio download and doesn't require a paid plan. It's available across platforms like Windows and macOS once you install the latest OBS build. The only cost is any hardware you choose for your setup, such as a webcam or a Tail 2 for all-in-one video capture.

4. How to use OBS virtual camera on Discord?

Start OBS Studio, build your scene, then click Start Virtual Camera. Open Discord’s Settings → Voice & Video → Video Settings and choose “OBS Virtual Camera” as your camera source. This sends your custom OBS outputinstead of a standard webcam feed to Discord calls or streams.

5. How to make Discord detect OBS virtual camera?

Make sure Start Virtual Camera is active in OBS before opening Discord, then select "OBS Virtual Camera" under Discord's Camera settings. If Discord doesn't list it, update OBS and Discord or restart both apps, and check that no other app is holding your webcam. Proper permissions and latest versions help ensure detection.

Wrapping Up

So, the article must have equipped you with the knowledge to unlock the full potential of OBS Studio's Virtual Camera and how to use an OBS virtual camera. By replacing your standard webcam feed with customized content, you can transform your video calls and presentations into engaging experiences.

But you must remember that the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different scenes, sources, and settings to tailor your virtual camera output to your specific needs. From captivating presentations to interactive streams, the OBS virtual camera empowers you to take control and elevate your video communication.