Slot-Streamers Tutorials

How to Set Up and Use a Virtual Camera

A guide to integrating branding and custom content in virtual video feeds

Introduction

Virtual cameras enable you to transmit video feeds to other applications while streaming or recording. Additionally, they allow for the incorporation of custom scenes, including branding and creative content. This guide presumes the installation of OBS Studio or Streamlabs and focuses on setting up a virtual camera with the physical camera as a source, as well as customizing scenes for an enhanced virtual video presence.

Setting Up a Virtual Camera

OBS Studio: Add Your Camera as a Source

Open OBS Studio.
In the "Sources" section, click the plus (+) icon and select "Video Capture Device."
Name the source (e.g., "Webcam") and click "OK."
Select your physical camera from the device dropdown menu and adjust its settings accordingly.
Click the Cog icon next to "Start Virtual Camera".
- Set the Output Type to Source.
- Set the Output Selection to "Webcam" (or the designated name of the source), then click OK.
On the main interface of OBS Studio, click "Start Virtual Camera."
Your camera will now output as the virtual webcam feed.

Streamlabs: Add Your Camera as a Source

Open Streamlabs.
In the "Sources" section, click the plus (+) icon and select "Video Capture Device."
Name the source (e.g., "Webcam") and click "Add Source."
Choose your physical camera from the device dropdown menu and adjust its settings as required.
In Streamlabs, navigate to the settings menu (gear icon) located in the bottom left corner.
Click on Virtual Webcam.
Change the Output Type to "Source".
Change the Output Source to "Webcam" (or the designated name of the source).
Enable the Virtual Camera option.
- If you have not previously utilized the Virtual Camera, it may prompt you to install the plugin. Once installed, it is recommended to restart Streamlabs and repeat steps from step 5.
The configured source will now output as the virtual webcam feed.

Setting up a Custom Scene

Custom scenes offer greater control over broadcast content, allowing the removal of greenscreens, addition of backgrounds, logos, text, and alerts/animations to personalize the video. This can be configured separately from the primary stream setup, enabling simultaneous broadcasting of a custom scene as your webcam source for platforms such as Discord or "Twitch Stream Together."

OBS Studio: Use a Scene as your Virtual Camera

In the "Scenes" list, click the plus (+) icon to create a new scene (e.g., "Virtual Camera").
Incorporate additional content into your scene, such as:
1. Logos, overlays, or graphics using the "Image" source.
2. Webcam.
3. Text for titles, captions, or messages using the "Text" source.
4. Background visuals such as videos or images using the "Media Source."
Arrange and resize these elements within your scene to achieve the desired design.
Click the Cog icon next to "Start Virtual Camera".
Set the Output Type to Scene.
1. Set the Output Selection to "Virtual Camera" (or the designated name of the scene), then click OK.
2. On the main interface of OBS Studio, click "Start Virtual Camera."
Your scene will now output as the virtual webcam feed.

Streamlabs: Use a Scene as your Virtual Camera

In the "Scenes" list, click the plus (+) icon to create a new scene (e.g., "Virtual Camera").
Integrate elements into your scene, including:
1. Logos, overlays, or graphics using the "Image" source.
2. Webcam.
3. Text for titles, captions, or messages using the "Text" source.
4. Background visuals such as videos or images using the "Media Source."
Organize these elements to create a polished layout.
In Streamlabs, access the settings menu (gear icon) situated in the bottom left corner.
1. Click on Virtual Webcam.
2. Change the Output Type to "Scene".
3. Change the Output Source to "Virtual Camera" (or the designated name of the source).
4. Enable the Virtual Camera option.
5. If you have not previously used the Virtual Camera, it may prompt you to install the plugin. Upon installation, it is advisable to restart Streamlabs and repeat steps from step 5.
The configured scene will now output as the virtual webcam feed.

Benefits of Using a Custom Scene Over a Direct Camera Source

Using custom scenes offers several advantages over directly using a camera source. It allows for seamless integration of text, captions, videos, and images into your layout, creating a polished and professional appearance. By configuring scenes to output as a virtual webcam feed, users gain flexibility to personalize their broadcast with visually appealing elements, enhancing engagement and creativity. Additionally, the ability to control and organize elements within the scene ensures a cohesive presentation that stands out compared to a plain camera feed.

Setting up a Virtual Camera