Use a phone camera in OBS Studio with VCam

VCam supplies a DirectShow virtual camera that OBS Studio on Windows can use as a Video Capture Device. Your phone sends video from Safari or Chrome to the Windows receiver. There is no phone app, VCam watermark or paid quality setting. Audio needs a separate microphone.

First connect the phone

Install VCam for Windows, open the receiver and click Show QR code. Connect the phone and computer to the same local Wi-Fi network without client isolation. Open the QR link in Safari on iPhone or Chrome on Android and allow the camera. You can also enter the one-time code at Connect phone.

Do not proceed until you have a live picture in the VCam receiver. If this step fails, follow the iPhone guide, Android guide or network checks. Keep the phone screen unlocked and the page visible throughout capture.

Add the camera in OBS

1. Open OBS Studio on Windows and choose the scene where you want the phone picture.
2. In Sources, click +, choose Video Capture Device, and create a source named VCam or Phone camera.
3. In the source properties, choose VCam from the Device list. Start with the default resolution and frame rate.
4. Confirm that the picture is moving. Resize or position the source in your scene.
5. Make a short local recording before using the scene in a stream or call.

If OBS was open during installation, close and reopen it so it can discover the virtual camera. VCam's installer includes components for compatible 32-bit and 64-bit camera applications. OBS on macOS or Linux cannot use the current Windows receiver.

Set resolution, rotation and framing

Select a supported camera mode in VCam first. Then, if needed, set a matching custom resolution and frame rate in the OBS source properties. Start with 1080p30 or 720p30 when available. Higher modes increase the work done by the phone, network and computer; up to 4K and 60 FPS are conditional, and 4K60 is not guaranteed.

Use VCam for rotation or mirroring, or apply a transform to the source in OBS. Avoid mirroring twice. For a vertical phone, rotate the image deliberately and check how it fits the scene rather than stretching it. Keep the phone on a stable stand and aim a soft light at the subject.

Add sound separately

VCam currently sends video only. Choose a computer microphone or another audio device in OBS. Check that the OBS audio meter responds to speech and avoid adding the same microphone twice. Record a short clip with a hand clap to check picture and sound alignment before adding any sync offset; the useful offset depends on your actual setup.

Diagnose a black or frozen picture

If the VCam receiver is black, fix the phone connection first. If the receiver is live but OBS is black, check the Device selection and source properties, try the default mode, or close and reopen the source or OBS. Ensure the phone is still unlocked and displaying the camera page. Reduce the mode and test the Wi-Fi link if frames freeze.

The video connection runs directly between your devices, while the server helps pair them. See product and privacy details. These instructions describe VCam's Windows beta, rather than a claim of universal device compatibility. The source type and controls follow the official OBS Video Capture Device documentation.