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To set up OBS Virtual Camera, prepare the scene you want to show, click Start Virtual Camera in OBS’s Controls dock, then select OBS Virtual Camera in the meeting app or other webcam-compatible application. You do not need a physical webcam: the virtual camera sends OBS’s output to the other app.
What OBS Virtual Camera does
OBS Virtual Camera makes an OBS scene available to another application as a camera feed. That lets you send a composed scene—with items such as images, text, video, a webcam, or a capture card—to an app that accepts a webcam input. OBS names Zoom, Skype, and Discord as examples of intended uses. The camera is an output from OBS; a physical camera is optional. OBS Virtual Camera Guide · OBS Video Capture Sources
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Set up and start the virtual camera
- Prepare your scene. In OBS, select an existing scene or create one and add the sources you want the destination app to show. Check that the scene looks right in OBS before sharing it.
- Start the feed. In the OBS Controls dock, click Start Virtual Camera.
- Select it in the receiving app. Open that app’s camera or video settings and choose OBS Virtual Camera. If the app was already open and the camera is not listed, close and reopen the app, then check its camera selector again.
- Stop when finished. Return to OBS and click Stop Virtual Camera. The same control changes label when the camera is running.
The menu names in the receiving app vary. The key step is selecting OBS Virtual Camera as its camera source, rather than assuming the app will switch automatically. The start-and-select workflow is documented in the OBS guide.
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Click the gear icon beside the Virtual Camera control in the Controls dock to choose an output mode. OBS documents four modes:
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
| Mode | What it sends | When it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Program | The output OBS normally shows. | Use this for the finished scene you intend to present. |
| Preview | The Preview pane when Studio Mode is in use. | Use only if you intend the receiving app to show the preview. In Studio Mode, scene changes and edits visible in Preview can be exposed to viewers. |
| Scene | One selected scene. | Use this when the virtual feed should remain on a particular scene rather than follow the normal OBS output. |
| Source | One selected source. | Use this when the destination should receive a single source instead of a composed scene. |
These modes are described in the OBS Virtual Camera Guide. Before a call or presentation, verify the selected mode and preview the feed; Preview is especially worth checking if you use Studio Mode.
Troubleshoot by operating system
If the virtual camera control is missing or the destination app cannot see it, the fix depends on the operating system and OBS installation. The steps below reflect OBS’s troubleshooting guide, published in 2022; system settings and compatibility can change across later releases. OBS Virtual Camera Troubleshooting
Rank #2
- Compatible with Nintendo Switch 2’s new GameChat mode
- Auto-Light Balance: RightLight boosts brightness by up to 50%, reducing shadows so you look your best—compared to previous-generation Logitech webcams (1)
- 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
Windows: Start Virtual Camera is missing
OBS’s guide says to find virtualcam-install.bat in the OBS installation folder and run it as administrator. For a portable or nonstandard installation, use the shortcut-based method in the OBS troubleshooting instructions to locate the correct installation.
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OBS says its newer Virtual Camera component is included with OBS Studio 30.0 and higher on macOS 13 Ventura and later. If macOS blocks the OBS system extension, allow it in System Settings and restart OBS. OBS’s guide places this under Privacy & Security on macOS 13 and 14, and under Login Items & Extensions → Camera Extensions on macOS 15 and later.
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- USB Plug and Play Webcam: Designed for PCs, this webcam is easy to use. No drivers or software are required; simply connect the webcam to your computer and start using it immediately. Operation is smooth and convenient. XWEIRYN webcams are compatible with multiple operating systems, including Mac/Windows XP/7/8/10/11/PC/Laptops.
- Widely Compatible Webcam: This versatile webcam is compatible with most operating systems and major video platforms. As a reliable computer webcam, it supports video conferencing, remote learning, live streaming, and gaming, meeting your various needs for daily work and entertainment.
- Smooth and Stable Performance: This webcam uses a stable transmission chip to ensure smooth, lag-free video streaming, synchronized audio and video, and no dropped frames. Even after prolonged use, this durable webcam maintains stable performance. It performs excellently even in low-light environments. It automatically adjusts to adapt to low-light conditions, reducing noise and restoring vibrant colors, ensuring clear and sharp images even without additional studio lighting.
- Compact and Adjustable Design: This lightweight and portable webcam saves space and comes with an adjustable clip. Our USB webcam uses a reliable USB 2.0/3.0 connection and comes with an upgraded 1.5-meter (5-foot) braided cable. It is compatible with Desktop most monitors and Laptop. Its portable design makes it easy to place and carry, ideal for home, office, or travel use.
macOS 11 or 12: start it from OBS
According to OBS, installation occurs the first time you click Start Virtual Camera on macOS 11 or 12.
macOS compatibility depends on OBS version
OBS’s guide says the newer component in OBS 30.0 and higher on macOS 13 and later is compatible with all Mac applications. It also says the component in OBS 29.1 and earlier is not compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma. For macOS 12 and earlier, OBS notes that the component may not work with some applications and recommends Chromium-based browsers such as Chrome or Edge for best compatibility, especially for services such as Discord. These are version-specific statements in OBS’s 2022 documentation, not a guarantee for every later OBS, macOS, or app release. Consult the current troubleshooting guide if your setup differs.
Rank #4
- 1080P Webcam with Cover for Video Calls - EMEET computer webcam provides design and Optimization for professional video streaming. Realistic 1920 x 1080p video, 5-layer anti-glare lens, providing smooth video. C960 computer camera delivers 1920x1080 video with fixed focus (11.8–118.1 inches), so as to provide a clearer image. C960 USB webcam has a cover and can be removed automatically to meet your needs for privacy. For optimal image performance, use the webcam in a well-lit environment.
- Built-in 2 Omnidirectional Mics - EMEET webcam with microphone for desktop features 2 built-in omnidirectional microphones, picking up your voice to create clear audio for communication. When installing the webcam, select EMEET C960 as the default microphone input device in your computer and video applications and select C960 as the default device in Zoom/Teams and ensure microphone permissions are enabled for proper use. Please note that C960 does not include built-in speakers.
- 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.
- Plug-and-Play & Upgraded USB Connectivity - New C960 webcam features both USB Type-A & A-to-C adapter connections for wider compatibility. For stable performance, connect the webcam directly to the computer's main USB port and ensure the device is recognized correctly. If a hub or docking station is used, please ensure it provides sufficient power and stable data transmission, as limited ports may affect performance. 90° wide-angle lens captures more participants without frequent adjustments.
- High Compatibility & Multi Application - C960 webcam for laptop is compatible with Windows 10/11, macOS 10.14+, and Android TV 7.0+. Not supported: Windows Hello, TVs, tablets, or game consoles. It works with Zoom, Teams, Facetime, Google Meet, YouTube and more. Please select C960 webcam as the default camera and microphone device in your application and ensure camera/microphone permissions are enabled, especially on macOS. (Tips: Incompatible with Windows Hello)
Linux: check v4l2loopback
OBS Virtual Camera on Linux is powered by v4l2loopback. OBS instructs users to ensure it is installed; installation steps depend on the Linux distribution and are linked from the OBS troubleshooting guide.
The receiving app still does not show OBS Virtual Camera
- Confirm the virtual camera is started in OBS and that the receiving app’s camera selector is set to OBS Virtual Camera.
- Close and reopen the receiving app after starting the OBS feed, then check its camera settings again.
- On Windows, follow OBS’s installation-folder instructions if the Start control is absent; on macOS, check the relevant extension instructions; on Linux, verify
v4l2loopback. - Check the OS and OBS version together against OBS’s documented compatibility notes. Do not assume an older component or a different app combination behaves the same as the configurations OBS specifically describes.
Do you need a webcam or capture card?
No. You can start Virtual Camera without a physical webcam because it shares an OBS scene, and a scene can contain sources other than a camera. Add a webcam or capture card only if you want that device’s video in the scene; OBS documents video devices as sources, with support varying by operating system. See OBS Video Capture Sources.
Best Value
Or let it run in the cloud
OBS Virtual Camera is for sending an OBS scene to a webcam-compatible app. If your goal instead is to keep uploaded, prerecorded videos looping as a 24/7 YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud service—not a virtual camera and not a way to go live from a camera.
- Upload a recording or build a playlist.
- Add your YouTube stream key once.
- Go live; StreamNeo loops the videos from the cloud.
Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on. Each slot streams your upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot, with no re-encode or quality tiers; StreamNeo also automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly pricing is $9.99 per month. For prerecorded YouTube streaming, start your free StreamNeo day.
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