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How to Use Streamlabs Desktop Virtual Camera

Install and start Streamlabs Desktop Virtual Webcam, then choose Streamlabs Desktop as the camera in your meeting app. Includes resolution and troubleshooting tips.
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To use Streamlabs Desktop as a webcam, install and start its Virtual Webcam, then select Streamlabs Desktop as the camera in your video-call app. In Zoom, Streamlabs says the scene should appear automatically; if it does not, choose it from Zoom’s camera menu.

Set up Streamlabs Desktop Virtual Webcam

  1. Open Streamlabs Desktop and go to Settings > Virtual Webcam.

  2. Select Install Virtual Webcam. Wait for the installation to finish.

  3. Return to the main Streamlabs Desktop window and select Start Virtual Webcam. This makes your current Streamlabs scene available as a camera output.

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    • Privacy with a Slide: The integrated webcam cover makes it easy to get total, reliable privacy when you're not on a video call
    • Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
    • Easy Plug-And-Play: The Brio 101 works with most video calling platforms, including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Google Meet—no hassle; it just works
  4. Open your conferencing app and check its camera input. In Zoom, the scene may appear automatically. If not, open the camera/device menu beside the video control and select Streamlabs Desktop.

  5. If you need to adjust the output resolution, go to Settings > Video > Base Canvas Resolution. Streamlabs recommends choosing the highest available resolution, ideally one that matches your computer’s native resolution.

Streamlabs describes Virtual Webcam as working in most video conferencing applications, but does not provide an exhaustive current compatibility list. The Zoom workflow is its documented example; availability and menu labels can vary by app and version. Streamlabs’ Virtual Camera guide was originally published August 10, 2020 and last updated April 25, 2025.

What appears in the call

The virtual camera sends the Streamlabs scene, not just an untouched webcam feed. You can use a scene with a logo, custom images, a green-screen composite, or an intermission layout. These are creative options, not requirements for turning on Virtual Webcam.

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Logitech C270 720p Webcam Plug-and-Play Wide Screen Video Calling - Black
  • Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
  • Crisp HD 720p/30 fps video calls with diagonal 55° field of view and auto light correction. Compatible with popular platforms including Skype and Zoom.
  • The built-in noise-reducing mic makes sure your voice comes across clearly up to 1.5 meters away, even if you’re in busy surroundings.
  • C270’s RightLight 2 feature adjusts to lighting conditions, producing brighter, contrasted images to help you look good in all your conference calls.
  • The adjustable universal clip lets you attach the camera securely to your screen or laptop, or fold the clip and set the webcam on a shelf. You’re always ready for your next video call.

Add a physical webcam to your scene

If you want your actual camera feed in the Streamlabs scene, add it as a source: open Sources, choose Video Capture Device, and select the webcam from the device list. On first launch, allow Streamlabs Desktop to access the camera and microphone if your operating system prompts you. A webcam is optional; the virtual output can transmit other scene content too. Streamlabs’ onboarding guide, dated July 22, 2026, documents the video-source and permission steps.

Fix a missing camera or virtual input

First identify which device is missing: a physical webcam inside Streamlabs Desktop, or Streamlabs Desktop’s virtual camera inside the meeting app. They have different checks.

The physical webcam is missing from Streamlabs

  • Check whether another app is using it. Close other camera apps and look for a duplicate webcam source already added to the scene.

  • Check the device software and drivers. Confirm the webcam works in its own software or another camera app, and update its driver or manufacturer software if needed.

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    NexiGo N60 1080P Webcam with Microphone, Software Control & Privacy Cover, USB HD Computer Web Camera, Plug and Play, for Zoom/Skype/Teams, Conferencing and Video Calling
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  • Reset unsupported custom settings. If you set a custom resolution for the source, try a resolution supported by the camera.

  • Review camera privacy permissions. Make sure your operating system allows desktop apps to access the camera. Menu names and paths differ across operating-system versions.

  • Check security software. Antivirus or other privacy controls can block camera access; review their current camera permissions.

These checks come from Streamlabs’ webcam troubleshooting article, last updated December 17, 2021. Its Windows 10 menu path and named security-software example may be outdated, so follow the labels in your current system rather than relying on an old path. Read Streamlabs’ webcam troubleshooting guide.

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  • Automatic Light Adjustment - Automatic exposure adjustment is applied in EMEET HD webcam 1080p so that the streaming webcam can deliver stable image performance. EMEET C960 camera for computer also features color adjustment and exposure optimization to help you look your best. For optimal video quality, it is recommended to use the webcam in normal or well-lit environments and select suitable video settings in your application. Proper lighting helps achieve a clearer and more balanced image.
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Streamlabs Desktop is missing from the meeting app’s camera list

  1. Return to Streamlabs Desktop and confirm that Virtual Webcam is installed and Start Virtual Webcam is active.

  2. Reopen the meeting app’s camera/device menu and select Streamlabs Desktop directly if it has not selected it automatically.

  3. If it remains unavailable, close and reopen the meeting app after starting Virtual Webcam, then check its camera list again. App compatibility and the specific causes of a missing virtual input are not exhaustively documented in Streamlabs’ cited guidance, so this is a basic retry rather than a guaranteed fix.

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Or let it run in the cloud

Streamlabs Virtual Webcam is for sending a composed scene to a video-call app. If your goal is instead to keep uploaded videos playing as a 24/7 YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not send a live camera feed.

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Logitech C920x HD Pro PC Webcam Full 1080p/30fps Video - Black
  • Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
  • HD lighting adjustment and autofocus: The Logitech webcam automatically fine-tunes the lighting, producing bright, razor-sharp images even in low-light settings. This makes it a great webcam for streaming and an ideal web camera for laptop use
  • Advanced capture software: Easily create and share video content with this Logitech camera that is suitable for use as a desktop computer camera or a monitor webcam
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Monthly: $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo for details, or start your free day.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
Logitech Brio 101 Full HD 1080p Webcam for Streaming and Meetings - Black
Logitech Brio 101 Full HD 1080p Webcam for Streaming and Meetings - Black
Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode; Built-In Mic: The built-in microphone lets others hear you clearly during video calls
$35.80
SaleBestseller No. 2
Logitech C270 720p Webcam Plug-and-Play Wide Screen Video Calling - Black
Logitech C270 720p Webcam Plug-and-Play Wide Screen Video Calling - Black
Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
$16.89
Bestseller No. 5
Logitech C920x HD Pro PC Webcam Full 1080p/30fps Video - Black
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Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode; Fully compatible with Windows 11
$69.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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