You can use a spare phone as a second camera in Streamlabs Desktop by adding a Collab Cam source, opening its invite link on the phone, allowing camera access, and choosing when to show the feed on stream. The phone joins through a browser; it does not need a special camera app. Before you go live, check the camera framing and confirm whether the phone’s audio reaches your audience.
Set up a second camera in Streamlabs Desktop
- Check your main setup. Open Streamlabs Desktop and make sure your streaming account or platform is connected. Confirm that your primary camera and microphone work before adding another feed.
- Add Collab Cam. In Sources, select the plus button and add Collab Cam. Select or open the source, then start Collab Cam to create its invite link.
- Open the invite on the spare device. Send the link to your phone or tablet, or open it there. On an iPhone or iPad, Streamlabs’ tutorial describes opening the link in a browser and choosing the camera to share. The workflow may also work on other mobile devices with a camera, internet access, and a browser.
- Allow camera access. When the browser asks for permission, allow it. Check that the phone’s picture appears in Streamlabs Desktop.
- Show the feed when you are ready. Use Show on Stream once you have checked the picture and are ready for viewers to see it.
- Frame the shot. Resize and position the feed in your scene. For a gaming stream, you might use it for a face cam, controller or keyboard view, or another angle that adds useful context. Keep the intended subject in frame and make sure the overlay does not cover important game information.
Check the phone camera’s audio separately
Do not assume that viewers can hear the phone just because you can hear it in the host setup. Streamlabs’ Desktop guide notes that a host may hear a guest while the audience does not. Check the audience mix with a private recording or another safe pre-live test. If the phone audio is missing, Streamlabs suggests adding an extra microphone source; its guide does not give one universal routing fix, so verify the resulting mix in your own scene before going live.
Protect the Collab Cam invite link
Treat the invite as access to your collaboration session and share it only with someone you trust. If you think the link has been exposed, use Generate a new link; Streamlabs says this invalidates the previous link. Avoid sharing your screen while setting up Collab Cam during an active stream, since the invite and setup details could be exposed to viewers.
Desktop and Mobile use different workflows
In Streamlabs Desktop, you add Collab Cam from the Sources panel and use a remote browser link to bring in the phone feed. In Streamlabs Mobile, the documented workflow uses a camera or guest as a scene layer: add the layer, adjust its size and position, then copy or generate the guest invite link in that layer’s settings. Follow the workflow for the app hosting your stream rather than expecting the same controls in both.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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Guest limits and free use
Streamlabs’ Collab Cam product page describes one free guest and says Streamlabs Ultra supports up to 11 additional guests or camera angles. However, Streamlabs Support’s Desktop guide, last updated June 12, 2026, gives a conflicting Ultra limit of up to four guests. These are vendor plan claims, not independent capacity measurements. If you need more than one feed, check the current plan details in Streamlabs and the live app before relying on a specific Ultra limit.
Position the spare phone reliably
A phone tripod mount can help keep an overhead or side view steady, but it is optional: the documented requirements are a camera, internet access, and a browser. For a long session, consider how you will keep the phone powered and the subject well lit; those are general production considerations, not Collab Cam requirements. Streamlabs does not endorse a particular phone, mount, or tripod in the cited setup guidance.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Troubleshooting
- The invite opens, but no picture appears: Check that the phone has internet access, that camera permission was allowed in the browser, and that the camera was selected on the phone. Recheck that the Collab Cam source is open in Streamlabs Desktop.
- The picture appears in Desktop but viewers cannot see it: Choose Show on Stream when ready, then check the active scene and confirm that the feed is visible in the stream output.
- You can hear the phone, but the audience cannot: Test the audience mix with a private recording. If needed, add an extra microphone source and test again; do not assume that the host’s monitoring audio is routed to viewers.
- The link may have reached the wrong person: Generate a new invite link to invalidate the previous one, then send the replacement only to the intended participant.
- You cannot find a Mobile control in Desktop, or vice versa: The workflows differ. Desktop uses a Sources-panel source; Mobile uses scene layers and the guest link in layer settings.
- You need more simultaneous feeds than expected: Streamlabs’ published Ultra limits conflict: the product page says up to 11 additional guests or angles, while its Desktop help guide says up to four guests. Confirm the current limit in the app or plan page before building a setup around it.
Or let it run in the cloud
StreamNeo is a separate option for keeping a YouTube channel live with uploaded videos; it is not a second-camera feed and does not stream from a camera. Upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so no computer or home connection has to stay on. It supports any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps at one flat price per slot, automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream, and includes a first day free with no card. The monthly option is $9.99 per month. See StreamNeo or its plans. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
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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