The simplest way to show your pet during a livestream is to connect a USB webcam to your streaming computer and add it to your scene as a video-capture source. If your pet is farther from the computer, an existing phone or tablet can work as a second camera through a supported app or browser workflow. Choose based on distance, software compatibility, and the devices you already own.
Choose the setup that fits your room
| Method | Best fit | Trade-off to check |
|---|---|---|
| USB webcam connected to the streaming PC | Your pet’s usual spot is within cable reach. | Position is limited by the cable; confirm the camera works with your operating system and streaming software. |
| Phone, tablet, or laptop as a second camera | You already have a camera-equipped device and want to place it farther away. | It needs a supported workflow, internet access, browser or app permissions, and a suitable connection. |
| Phone connected to OBS by USB or NDI/Wi-Fi | You want to use a phone as a camera in OBS and the chosen app supports your devices. | For Camera for OBS Studio specifically, its documentation describes USB as lower-latency and more reliable, and NDI/Wi-Fi as more mobile but dependent on the local network. This trade-off does not necessarily apply to other apps. |
| Pet or network camera feed | Your camera exposes a feed that your streaming software can ingest. | Features vary by model. Verify that it offers a browser-viewable feed or a supported stream type such as RTSP; do not assume a consumer pet camera does. |
For a direct webcam setup, OBS’s Video Capture Sources documentation explains device and operating-system differences. Its webcam setup guide covers adding and positioning the source. Streamlabs also outlines several pet-camera approaches in its pet cam guide.
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Add a USB webcam in OBS
- Connect the webcam. Plug it into the streaming computer and place it where it can see the pet’s usual resting or play area. A phone tripod can help with positioning, but it is optional.
- Add a capture source. In OBS, select the scene where the pet should appear, click the plus button in the Sources panel, choose Video Capture Device, and select the webcam. Create a new source if prompted.
- Choose a usable picture. If the default image is unsuitable, open the source properties and check the available resolution and frame-rate options. The exact options depend on the camera, operating system, and device behavior.
- Frame the view. Resize and position the camera feed in the preview. Crop it if necessary, and keep it from covering essential stream content. Leave enough space around the pet’s usual position for movement.
- Set source visibility. Use the source’s visibility control to hide or show the pet view. OBS and Streamlabs also support source controls such as hotkeys; configure one if you want to switch the view without opening menus.
Use a phone, tablet, or laptop as a second camera
Browser-based guest or camera workflow
Streamlabs Collab Cam is one documented option. The second device needs a camera, internet connection, and browser access. In Streamlabs, add Collab Cam as a source, copy its join link, open that link on the second device, allow camera access, and join. Then position or crop the resulting feed in your scene.
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#1 Best Overall
- ENDLESS POWER FROM SOLAR ENERGY: Just 45 minutes of direct sunlight powers the camera for a full day of use, while the built-in battery lasts up to 180 days on a single charge during cloudy days. Solar charging requires temperatures above 32°F.△
- EASY WIRE-FREE INSTALLATION: Place the Tapo SolarCam C402 KIT where you need it without relying on nearby outlets. Install the camera and solar panel together or separately using the included 13 ft cable for flexible placement.
- PRIORITIZE WHAT MATTERS: Set activity zones to monitor specific areas for motion or people. Free person and motion detection helps reduce unwanted alerts and notifies you when activity is detected.
- VERSATILE VIDEO STORAGE: Store footage locally via a microSD card (up to 512GB)* or via cloud with a Tapo Care cloud subscription. Tailor your security to suit your needs, whether indoor or outdoor, you have the storage option you need.
- FULL-COLOR 1080P, DAY AND NIGHT: See clearly in low light with a large-aperture lens and built-in spotlights. Capture full-color night vision up to 30 ft away to monitor for possible intruders or motion.
Phone connected to OBS
Camera for OBS Studio documents USB and NDI/Wi-Fi connection options for using a phone with OBS. Follow the app’s current setup instructions on both devices, then add its feed in OBS as directed by that product. USB can be preferable when you prioritize connection reliability and lower latency; wireless NDI can be more convenient when the phone needs to move, but depends on a suitable local network.
The Camera for OBS Studio documentation says Streamlabs Desktop uses only that product’s NDI Wi-Fi path because Streamlabs Desktop does not allow third-party OBS plugins. This is a limitation documented for that product and workflow, not a universal rule for phone-camera apps.
Rank #2
- 【2K High Definition】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 2K high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 512 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides additional benefits such as motion tracking, baby crying detection, and more. [Before purchasing a microSD card, please check the TP-Link website FAQ to ensure compatibility with your device.]
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if its your pet playing around or if someone is actually there.
- 【Works w/ Alexa & Google Assistant】Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, use your simple voice command to view Tapo indoor security camera live stream on Echo Show or Google Chrome Cast with a screen. Easily get your home security footage up on a larger TV display.
Use a dedicated pet or network camera
Some setups use a pet-camera app through a phone emulator or add an online-viewable camera feed as a browser source. Another possibility is an IP camera that exposes an RTSP stream, provided both the camera and the receiving software support it. AVer’s OBS Plugin for PTZ Cameras manual describes RTSP input prerequisites, including a network connection and RTSP support. Check the exact camera’s specifications and setup guide before choosing this route; model capabilities differ.
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- Confirm the pet camera appears in the streaming software’s preview.
- Check focus, exposure, framing, and whether the pet can move out of view.
- Review the audio behavior. If the camera source brings in audio, decide whether it should be heard on stream or muted to avoid unwanted room noise.
- Try the visibility control or hotkey you plan to use so you can hide the view when needed.
- Make sure the pet feed does not obscure alerts, captions, gameplay, or other important content.
Troubleshoot common problems
The USB webcam does not appear
Check that the camera is connected, selected as the capture device, and available to the operating system. In the source properties, try a resolution and frame rate supported by the webcam. OBS notes that capture-source behavior and device options vary by operating system.
Rank #3
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if someone is there.
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 512 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides additional benefits such as motion tracking, baby crying detection, and more. [Before purchasing a microSD card, please check the TP-Link website FAQ to ensure compatibility with your device.]
- 【Night Vision up to 30 Ft.】Never miss a thing that goes on, even at night thanks to the integrated IR system on this indoor camera which provides 30 feet of night vision.
- 【1080P Full HD】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 1080P Full HD video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
The phone feed will not connect
For a browser-based workflow, verify the second device has internet access, the correct join link, browser camera permission, and access to its camera. For a wireless phone-camera setup, check that the local network is suitable and that the app’s connection instructions are followed on both devices.
The image is unstable or delayed
With Camera for OBS Studio, its documentation presents USB as the lower-latency, more reliable option and NDI/Wi-Fi as the mobile option that relies on the network. For other products, check their own connection guidance rather than assuming the same behavior.
Rank #4
- 2K HIGH DEFINITION: Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 2K high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with. 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi required.
- SEE MORE WITH PAN/TILT: This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- NO SUBSCRIPTION STORAGE OPTION - Store recordings on a microSD card at no cost◇ (up to 512GB) or subscribe to Tapo Care's cloud storage.
- DETECTION & INSTANT NOTIFICATIONS: Get instant push notifications when motion, a person, or a baby crying is detected. No additional fee is required for baby monitoring. Smart detection helps distinguish pets from people.
- WORKS W/ ALEXA & GOOGLE ASSISTANT: Use voice commands to view your Tapo camera’s live stream on Echo Show, Chromecast, or Nest displays. Google streaming is limited to Chromecast and Nest devices.
The camera feed is missing from a network camera
Confirm the camera actually exposes the feed type you are trying to use, that the camera and computer are on the required network, and that the streaming software supports that feed. RTSP is not available on every consumer pet camera.
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Or let it run in the cloud
A pet camera is a separate live camera view, so StreamNeo is not a way to bring a camera feed into your scene. It serves a different use: keeping an uploaded video or playlist live on YouTube from the cloud. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. Nothing has to stay running at home; it streams uploaded video rather than going live from a camera. StreamNeo streams the uploaded video as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot. If YouTube drops the stream, StreamNeo automatically recovers. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free first day.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Crystal 2K Resolution & 360° Monitoring: Cinnado indoor security camera provides super clear 2K FHD live stream which allows you to monitor your pets or babies in clear details. With pan and tilt functions, 360° Coverage on your phone to remotely control the indoor camera and monitor every corner of your home in real time. The pet camera is equipped with 4 940nm IR lights, you can clearly see your baby and pets every move even at night. *Wired indoor camera, not cordless/battery camera
- Smart Motion Detection & Push Notifications: This home security camera is equipped with Siren and motion sensor, whether you are at home or not, you can receive an instant alert message on your phone when motion is detected and scare off the uninvited guest by the alarm Siren. The indoor camera will automatically record 10s video clips and save on app when the motion is detected, so you will not miss any essential movements
- Smooth 2-Way Audio & Multiple Users: Cinnado cameras for home security indoor have a built-in microphone and speaker that allows you to talk to your family and pets through the App. Even if you are not at home, you can easily communicate with your children or pets through the camera. Camera for home also supports create multiple family accounts and share the camera with family and friends, with 2K clear image, enjoy the convenience that baby camera brings you
- Optional Cloud & 24/7 continuous Recording: This indoor security camera supports SD card storage and cloud storage. Continuous recording can be realized by installing an SD card(Up to 128GB of storage and SD card not included). You can also choose cloud storage to record important moments for you, which depending on your choices. All videos uploaded to the cloud are encrypted for your peace of mind. And the cameras for home security indoor offer you a 30-day trial of cloud storage
- Work with Alexa & Easy to Set Up: The indoor camera is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Pair the Cinnado wifi camera with Alexa or Google Assistant, then use a simple voice command to ask Alexa or Google Assistant to view your live camera feed. The security camera is also easy to set up, just follow the detailed instructions on the app. Make sure the pet camera is connected to Wifi within a 3 feet range. Please note that the 2K indoor camera only supports 2.4Ghz WiFi, not 5Ghz WiFi
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