How to Set Up OBS Virtual Camera
OBS Virtual Camera makes an OBS picture available to an app that accepts it as a webcam. It can let you send a composed scene instead of selecting a physical camera directly in that app.
The receiving app or platform must support and permit virtual cameras. OBS offering the feature does not guarantee that every webcam site accepts it.
Prepare the intended picture
Open the scene you want to send and check its camera, framing, and overlays. Keep private windows or test images out of the chosen output.
Choose your output deliberately if you use Studio Mode. Its editing Preview is not the same as the normal Program picture.
Start the virtual camera
- 1.In OBS's Controls panel, click Start Virtual Camera.
- 2.Open the receiving app's camera settings.
- 3.Select OBS Virtual Camera where it is offered.
- 4.Check that app's preview or a suitable test connection.
Starting the virtual camera does not automatically start an OBS stream or recording. The receiving app has its own connection and publishing controls.
Choose what Virtual Camera sends
Use the gear control beside the virtual-camera controls to review its output choice:
| Option | Picture sent |
|---|---|
| Program | The normal OBS output picture |
| Preview | The Studio Mode editing preview, including edits visible there |
| Scene | One selected scene |
| Source | One selected source |
For most normal composed-output workflows, check that Program is selected. Use a fixed Scene or Source only if you intentionally want it to remain independent of other output changes.
Do not assume Preview is private when you have selected it as a virtual-camera output.
Set audio in the receiving app
The built-in virtual camera sends video, not the OBS audio mix. Select your microphone separately in the receiving app.
If you need that app to receive a full OBS mix, use a supported audio-routing setup and test it. A moving microphone meter in OBS does not prove the other app can hear it.
Stop and test reliably
Click Stop Virtual Camera when you no longer need the feed, and use the receiving app's own controls to end its call or broadcast.
Before a full session, check picture and sound at the receiving end. If the camera is missing from its device list, troubleshoot virtual-camera installation, operating-system permissions, and app compatibility rather than changing the scene layout.