How to Use Phone as a Webcam in OBS Studio
Recently, I broke my webcam and it was time to buy a new one. Until I get a new one, I decided to use some workarounds, but quickly realized that using my phone as a webcam offered better quality and flexibility than using the webcam itself. After trying multiple apps and methods, two apps stood out for me while using my phone as a webcam in OBS.
1. Droidcam OBS
2. Reincubate Camo
While both are good, each has its own pros and cons that we will discuss below. Here’s everything you need to know about using your phone as a webcam with Droidcam OBS and Camo.
1. Using Phone as Webcam With Droidcam OBS
This app is made especially for OBS. So it has the easiest setup process compared to other apps. It connects wirelessly with your PC, so you have the flexibility to move your phone while recording. Not to mention, the lag is negligible and the connection is stable. You get all of this without needing to install another app on your PC. You just need to add an OBS plugin to and you are good to go. As a result, it is available on all platforms that support OBS like Mac, Windows, and even Linux.
How to Setup Droidcam OBS with OBS Studio
1.Start by installing theDroidcam OBS appfromGoogle Play StoreorApple App Store.
2.Open the app andgrant permissionto access the microphone and camera to record.
3.On your desktop,download the Droidcam OBS pluginof your respective OS.
4.Once downloaded, open the file and install the plugin just like you install any software on Windows and Mac. If you are on Linux, copy the downloaded file to the OBS-Studio plugins folder to install the plugin.
5.After installation, open the OBS Studio (reopen if you have already opened it to load the installed plugins). In the OBS Studio, click on thePlus (+)icon in theSourcestab and select the optionDroidcam OBSin the pop-up menu.
6.Click on theOKin the pop-up window to create a new instance.
7.Now, make sure that you areconnected to the same Wi-Fion both phone and the PC.
8.On the phone, you can find the Wi-Fi IP address in the Droidcam OBS app that you have installed.
9.Enter that IP address in the OBS Studio desktop app in the Wi-Fi IP option and clickOK.
10.It will connect both the devices and display the camera preview in the OBS Studio app on the desktop.
11.The original preview may not cover the full screen and may be rotated. you’re able to correct it yourself. Right-clicking on the preview and selectTransform. Here you can select theFit to screenoption to cover the full display and click onRotate 90 degrees CWoption to rotate the preview in horizontal mode.
12.From here, you’re able to stream it to any service like Twitch, YouTube, Google Meet, Zoom, etc. normally.
2. Using Phone as Webcam With Camo
Camo is the exact opposite of Droidcam. you may control all the camera controls directly from the PC. No need to touch the phone. Camo has its own app and can connect via wire. So it has little to no latency.
How to Setup Camo with OBS Studio
1.Download and install theCamo appon both desktop and phone. It is available on Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS platforms.
2.Once installed, open the app on your desktop and phone and connect both the devices with a USB cable.
3.It will prompt a confirmation notification for the first time. Click onOK. This will start showing the camera preview on the Camo app on your desktop.
4.Now open the OBS Studio app, then click on thePlus (+)icon on the sources tab and selectVideo Capture Device.
5.In the popup window, click onOKto start a new instance.
6.Here click on the dropdown icon beside Device and select theReincubate Camooption and clickOK. This will show OBS Studio app preview inside the Camo app.
7.The original preview may not cover the full screen and may be rotated. you’re able to correct it yourself, by right-clicking on the preview, selectTransform. Here you can select theFit to screenoption to cover the full display and click onRotate the 90 degrees CWoption to rotate the preview for horizontal view.
8.you’re able to use the Camo app on the desktop to focus, zoom, add basic filters and adjust the video. So you don’t have to tussle with your phone to change the settings when you are using the PC.
9.From here, you can stream it to any service like Twitch, YouTube, Google Meet, Zoom, etc. just like normal.
Wrapping Up: Use Phone as a Webcam
Choosing one app or the other depends on your needs. If you want to have the flexibility of moving the phone while streaming, then Droidcam OBS is an obvious choice for you. But if all you need is a webcam style functionality, then Camo has better latency, providing camera controls on desktop, adjustments to the video, etc. making it a good alternative to a webcam that can provide even better results.
Also Read:
Ravi Teja KNTS
Tech writer with over 4 years of experience at TechWiser, where he has authored more than 700 articles on AI, Google apps, Chrome OS, Discord, and Android. His journey started with a passion for discussing technology and helping others in online forums, which naturally grew into a career in tech journalism. Ravi’s writing focuses on simplifying technology, making it accessible and jargon-free for readers. When he’s not breaking down the latest tech, he’s often immersed in a classic film – a true cinephile at heart.
