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To use OBS as a webcam in a meeting app or browser, build the scene you want to show, click Start Virtual Camera in OBS’s Controls dock, then select OBS Virtual Camera in the destination app’s camera settings. A physical webcam is optional: the virtual camera sends an OBS scene to apps that accept a webcam.
Set up OBS Virtual Camera
- Prepare a scene. In OBS Studio, select an existing scene or create one, then add the sources you want the other app to receive. A scene can use a webcam, capture card, images, text, video, or other sources; a webcam or capture card is not required. See the OBS guide to video capture sources for device-source details.
- Start the virtual camera. In the OBS Controls dock, click Start Virtual Camera.
- Select it in the destination app. Open that app’s camera or video settings and choose OBS Virtual Camera. The app must support webcam input.
- Stop when finished. Return to OBS and click Stop Virtual Camera.
These are the core steps in the OBS Virtual Camera Guide. OBS does not need a camera connected just to send a scene: the virtual camera is the output, while a webcam or capture card is only one possible scene input.
Choose what the virtual camera shows
Click the gear icon beside the Virtual Camera control in the Controls dock to open its settings. OBS documents four output modes:
| Mode | What the destination app receives | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Program | The normal OBS output. | Use it for the finished scene you intend to show. |
| Preview | The Preview in Studio Mode. | Use it only when you intentionally want the preview feed. It can reveal scene changes and edits before you take them live. |
| Scene | One selected scene. | Use it when the virtual camera should remain on a particular scene rather than follow the normal output. |
| Source | One selected source. | Use it when the destination should receive a single source rather than a composed scene. |
Program follows the normal OBS output; Scene and Source let you pin the feed to a chosen item. Preview is the mode to treat carefully if you use Studio Mode, because the other app may show your working changes.
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Logitech Brio 101 Full HD 1080p Webcam for Streaming and Meetings - Black
- 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
Troubleshoot by operating system
If the control is missing or the destination app cannot see OBS Virtual Camera, check the setup for your operating system and OBS version. OBS’s Virtual Camera Troubleshooting page was published in 2022, so operating-system settings and compatibility can change; its version-specific notes should not be treated as guarantees for later releases.
Windows: Start Virtual Camera is missing
OBS’s troubleshooting guide says to locate virtualcam-install.bat in the OBS installation folder and run it as administrator. For a portable installation or a nonstandard install location, use the guide’s shortcut-based method to find and run the installer script.
Rank #2
Pro HD 1080p/30fps Webcam with Tripod, External USB Camera for PC/Laptop
- The usb webcam is powered by a high-performance CMOS image sensor, ensuring you always see crisp and clear image. | 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second delivers smooth and lag-free video output—perfect for professional-grade video calls.
- Dual integrated microphones capture pristine sound up to 10 feet away, enhancing your voice to make it loud and clear. | Dual noise-cancelling microphones pick up your voice clearly while filtering out background noise for uninterrupted conversations.
- Fast auto-focus keeps your face in focus and center stage, even during dynamic moments. | Low-light correction automatically brightens the image, even in dimmer rooms. | A wide-angle lens captures a broader field of view to display your full workspace.
- The web camera features 360° rotation, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle. | A privacy shutter provides peace of mind by covering the lens, no accidental video recording. | Easily use the mounting clip to attach the camera directly to your PC monitor or laptop.
- Place the web cam on the included tripod on your desk to adjust the height precisely to your preference. | The aluminum tripod is sturdy and stable, featuring a universal 1/4-inch screw. | The telescopic design allows the tripod to fit easily into your backpack for traveling.
macOS: installation or permission issues
- macOS 11 or 12: OBS says installation happens the first time you click Start Virtual Camera.
- macOS 13 Ventura and later with OBS Studio 30.0 or higher: OBS says the newer Virtual Camera component is included. If macOS blocks its system extension, allow it in System Settings and restart OBS. The guide gives Privacy & Security for macOS 13 and 14, and Login Items & Extensions → Camera Extensions for macOS 15 and later.
- Compatibility caveat: OBS says the component in OBS 29.1 and earlier is not compatible with macOS 14 Sonoma. For macOS 12 and earlier, OBS warns that the component may not work with some apps and recommends Chromium-based browsers such as Chrome or Edge for best compatibility, especially for services such as Discord. These are the guide’s documented version-specific statements, not a guarantee for every current app or later release.
Linux: virtual camera dependency
OBS says Virtual Camera is powered by v4l2loopback; make sure it is installed. Installation instructions depend on your Linux distribution, and OBS links distribution-specific guidance from its troubleshooting page.
The destination app does not show the camera
- Confirm Virtual Camera is running in OBS and that the destination app has OBS Virtual Camera selected as its camera.
- If the source control is absent, follow the Windows, macOS, or Linux setup above rather than assuming the scene needs a physical webcam.
- If the app receives the wrong image, check the selected output mode and the scene or source assigned to it.
- If using Preview with Studio Mode, switch to the intended output mode before sharing to avoid exposing edits or scene changes.
Or let it run in the cloud
OBS Virtual Camera is for sending an OBS scene to an app that accepts webcam input. If what you need instead is a prerecorded video playing as a continuous YouTube live stream, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a video or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It loops uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not broadcast a camera feed.
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Rank #3
Sale
EMEET C960 1080P Webcam with Microphone, 2 Mics, 90° FOV, Computer Camera
- 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)
- Nothing has to stay on at home: the stream runs from the cloud, so your computer and home connection can be off.
- Each slot streams uploaded content as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one flat price per slot with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free, with no card required.
Monthly: $9.99 per month. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Sale
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
- 【Full HD 1080P Webcam】Powered by a 1080p FHD two-MP CMOS, the NexiGo N60 Webcam produces exceptionally sharp and clear videos at resolutions up to 1920 x 1080 with 30fps. The 3.6mm glass lens provides a crisp image at fixed distances and is optimized between 19.6 inches to 13 feet, making it ideal for almost any indoor use.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 8, 10 & 11 / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
- 【Built-in Noise-Cancelling Microphone】The built-in noise-canceling microphone reduces ambient noise to enhance the sound quality of your video. Great for Zoom / Facetime / Video Calling / OBS / Twitch / Facebook / YouTube / Conferencing / Gaming / Streaming / Recording / Online School.
- 【USB Webcam with Privacy Protection Cover】The privacy cover blocks the lens when the webcam is not in use. It's perfect to help provide security and peace of mind to anyone, from individuals to large companies. 【Note:】Please contact our support for firmware update if you have noticed any audio delays.
- 【Wide Compatibility】Works with USB 2.0/3.0, no additional drivers required. Ready to use in approximately one minute or less on any compatible device. Compatible with Mac OS X 10.7 and higher / Windows 7, 10 & 11, Pro / Android 4.0 or higher / Linux 2.6.24 / Chrome OS 29.0.1547 / Ubuntu Version 10.04 or above. Not compatible with XBOX/PS4/PS5.
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