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How to Use Streamlabs Desktop Virtual Camera

Install and start Streamlabs Desktop Virtual Webcam, then select Streamlabs Desktop as the camera in your video-call app.

By DocumentaryTube Team 3 min read
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To use Streamlabs Desktop as a camera in a video call, install and start its Virtual Webcam, then choose Streamlabs Desktop in the conferencing app’s camera menu. The call receives your Streamlabs scene—not just an unmodified webcam feed—so you can show a layout with images, a logo, a green-screen composite, or an intermission scene.

Install and start Streamlabs Virtual Webcam

  1. Open Streamlabs Desktop and go to Settings > Virtual Webcam.

  2. Select Install Virtual Webcam. If you do not see this option, the virtual webcam component may not be installed.

  3. Return to the main Streamlabs Desktop window and select Start Virtual Webcam. Keep Streamlabs Desktop running while you use the virtual camera.

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Select Streamlabs Desktop in your video-call app

Open the call app’s camera or video-device settings and look for Streamlabs Desktop. Streamlabs’ feature instructions use Zoom as the example: the scene may appear automatically, or you can open the device menu beside the video icon and choose Streamlabs Desktop. App labels and behavior can differ; Streamlabs describes support for most video-conferencing applications but does not publish an exhaustive current compatibility list.

Adjust the scene and output resolution

Build the scene you want callers to see

The virtual camera transmits the composed Streamlabs scene. Add or arrange scene elements before starting a call; for example, you can include a camera image, a logo, custom artwork, or a green-screen composite. An intermission scene can also be useful when you need to step away. These are optional creative choices, not requirements for enabling Virtual Webcam.

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Add a physical webcam as a scene source

If you want your real camera in the scene, add Video Capture Device from Sources, then choose your webcam from the device list. On first launch, allow Streamlabs Desktop to access the camera and microphone if your operating system prompts you. A physical webcam is optional: Virtual Webcam can transmit a scene without making a webcam a setup prerequisite.

Set the canvas resolution

In Streamlabs Desktop, open Settings > Video > Base Canvas Resolution. Streamlabs recommends choosing the highest available resolution, ideally one that matches your computer’s native resolution. The conferencing app and computer may also affect the image callers receive; the cited Streamlabs instructions do not specify a guaranteed call resolution or frame rate.

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Troubleshoot a missing camera

Streamlabs Desktop is missing from the call app’s camera list

  • Confirm you installed the component under Settings > Virtual Webcam and selected Start Virtual Webcam.

  • In the conferencing app, open its camera-device menu and explicitly select Streamlabs Desktop rather than relying on automatic selection.

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  • If it still does not appear, close and reopen the call app after starting Virtual Webcam, then check its device list again. Compatibility and menu behavior can vary by app and version; the available official instructions do not provide a complete current compatibility matrix.

Your physical webcam is missing inside Streamlabs

This is a different problem from Streamlabs Desktop being absent in the conferencing app. For a missing camera source inside Streamlabs, check whether its drivers or manufacturer software need attention, whether another app or a duplicate scene source is already using the device, and whether the selected custom resolution is supported by the camera. Also check your operating system’s camera privacy permissions and whether security software is blocking camera access. Streamlabs’ published webcam troubleshooting guidance was last updated December 17, 2021, so Windows menu paths and security-software examples may be dated; verify the current labels on your system.

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Or let it run in the cloud

Streamlabs Virtual Webcam is for sending a Streamlabs scene into a video-call app. StreamNeo is a separate service for keeping an uploaded video or playlist live on a YouTube channel; it does not act as a virtual camera or transmit a live camera feed. You upload a recording, add your YouTube stream key once, and go live. StreamNeo loops the uploaded video from the cloud, so nothing has to stay on at home. Each slot streams the upload as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot; automatic recovery is included if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card. Monthly: $9.99 per month. Learn about StreamNeo, or start your free day.

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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