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To use OBS Studio as a virtual webcam, prepare the scene you want to show, start Virtual Camera from OBS’s Controls dock, and select OBS Virtual Camera in your meeting app or browser. On macOS, the steps to approve the virtual camera depend on your OBS and macOS versions.
Set up OBS Virtual Camera
- Build the scene. In OBS Studio, add and arrange the sources you want the receiving app to see. Sources can include a webcam, screen capture, windows, or apps, depending on what you add to the scene.
- Choose the output. In the Controls dock, open Virtual Camera settings and select Program, Preview, Scene, or Source. The choice determines exactly what OBS sends; see the next section before starting.
- Start the camera. Click Start Virtual Camera in the Controls dock.
- Select it in the receiving app. Open the meeting app or browser’s camera settings and choose OBS Virtual Camera. The app must support webcam feeds.
- Stop when finished. In OBS, click the control again, now labelled Stop Virtual Camera.
OBS Project documentation describes Virtual Camera as a way to share an OBS scene with applications that can use a webcam. A physical webcam is optional: it can be a source inside OBS, but it is not required to send an OBS scene through Virtual Camera.
Choose what OBS sends
| Output | What the receiving app gets | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Program | OBS’s normal output. | Choose this for the scene currently intended for viewers. |
| Preview | The Preview in Studio Mode. | Use it only if you want to send the preview. Scene changes and edits made there can be visible to the receiving app. |
| Scene | One selected scene, regardless of the current Program output. | Choose this to keep the virtual camera on a particular scene. |
| Source | One selected source. | Choose this when the app should receive a single source rather than a full scene. |
If you use Studio Mode and do not want viewers to see in-progress changes, avoid Preview; Program reflects the normal OBS output.
Windows: start or restore the virtual camera
On Windows, start Virtual Camera from the Controls dock as described above, then select it in the receiving app. If the Start Virtual Camera control is missing, OBS’s troubleshooting guide documents a manual installation method:
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#1 Best Overall
Sale
Logitech C270 720p Webcam Plug-and-Play Wide Screen Video Calling - Black
- 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.
- Locate the OBS installation folder. If you are unsure where it is, use the OBS shortcut to find the installation location. For a portable installation, use that installation’s folder.
- Open
dataobs-pluginswin-dshowinside the OBS installation folder. - Run
virtualcam-install.batas administrator. - Reopen OBS and check whether the Virtual Camera control is available.
macOS: check versions and approve the component
Compatibility depends on both OBS Studio and macOS. OBS’s troubleshooting page documents the following version-specific behavior; consult the current OBS guidance if you are using later releases, since these statements describe the versions covered on that page.
- OBS Studio 30.0 or later on macOS 13 (Ventura) or later: OBS says these versions include the newer virtual camera component compatible with all Mac applications.
- OBS 29.1 or earlier on macOS 14 (Sonoma): OBS says the older virtual camera component is not compatible with macOS 14.
- Older component on macOS 12 or earlier: OBS notes it may be incompatible with some applications and recommends Chromium-based browsers such as Chrome or Edge for best compatibility, particularly with online services such as Discord.
Approve a blocked virtual camera component
On macOS 13 and later, macOS may block the OBS virtual camera component the first time OBS launches. OBS documents these approval paths:
Rank #2
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
- macOS 13 or 14: Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Security, allow the blocked OBS system software, authenticate if asked, and restart OBS.
- macOS 15 or later: Open System Settings → General → Login Items & Extensions → Camera Extensions, allow the blocked OBS system software, authenticate if asked, and restart OBS.
- macOS 11 or 12: OBS says the virtual camera is installed when you first click Start Virtual Camera.
Understand OBS’s macOS capture permissions
macOS permissions for sources OBS captures are separate from approval of the virtual camera component. OBS’s permissions guide says Camera permission lets OBS capture a webcam or capture card, while Screen Recording permission lets OBS capture the desktop, windows, and apps. Grant the relevant capture permission if an OBS source is unavailable; use the separate extension approval steps above if the virtual camera itself is blocked.
Troubleshoot when OBS Virtual Camera does not appear
- The Start Virtual Camera control is absent on Windows: Follow OBS’s documented manual installation steps and run
virtualcam-install.batas administrator fromdataobs-pluginswin-dshowin the OBS installation folder. - The camera is missing on macOS: Check the OBS and macOS versions against the compatibility notes above. If macOS blocked the component, approve it in the appropriate System Settings location and restart OBS.
- OBS Virtual Camera starts but a source is blank: Check that the chosen Program, Preview, Scene, or Source contains the material you intend to send. On macOS, also check the specific Camera or Screen Recording permission needed by that source.
- An online service does not work with the older macOS component: OBS recommends trying a Chromium-based browser such as Chrome or Edge for best compatibility with the older component.
- The receiving app shows the wrong content: Return to Virtual Camera settings and confirm the selected output mode. Preview, in particular, can expose Studio Mode changes in progress.
Or let it run in the cloud
OBS Virtual Camera sends an OBS scene to an app that accepts a webcam feed. If what you need instead is a YouTube channel that keeps looping uploaded videos live, StreamNeo is a different kind of tool: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. It runs in the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home; it plays uploaded video rather than going live from a camera.
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Rank #3
Xweiryn Webcam for PC, HD 1080P USB Plug-and-Play Computer Web Camera, High Definition Webcam for Desktop Laptop, Ideal for Online Class, Video Conference, Live Streaming & Gaming
- 1080P HD Webcam: This HD webcam delivers crisp 1080p video quality, ideal for PCs, desktops, and laptops. Perfect for video calls, online classes, meetings, live streaming, gaming, and everyday recording. It provides clear, sharp images and smooth video at up to 30 frames per second. This live streaming webcam works with platforms such as Zoom, Teams, FaceTime, Google Meet, and YouTube.
- 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.
- Your computer and home connection do not have to stay on.
- One flat price per slot covers any uploaded quality up to 4K 60fps, streamed as made with no re-encode or quality tiers.
- StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account. Monthly is $9.99 per month.
StreamNeo streams to YouTube only. Learn more at StreamNeo, or start your free day.
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Best Value
Rank #4
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)
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