How to add OBS as a Webcam Source in Zoom

Zoom can be used directly with your webcam without OBS. However, you will have to deal with poor image quality. Zoom doesn't allow you to access your webcam settings like exposure and white balance. You cannot also add filters such as LUTs to your Zoom webcam. This guide will show you how to add OBS and a webcam in Zoom with OBS Virtual Camera.

Method 1 (new 2021 technique)

You don't need to download OBS VirtualCam plugin anymore. It works right out of the box. This technique works well with any streaming software that allows webcams as a source, such as Skype.

These are the things you will need

-Open Broadcaster Software Studio, (OBS).
-Zoom

Step 1: Upgrade to the most recent version of OBS Studio.

To update, click Help > Check For Updates in the upper left corner of OBS.

Step 2: Click on Start Virtual Camera at the bottom right.

Step 3: Go to Zoom > Settings > Camera > OBS Virtual Camera

If Zoom is already open, close it and reopen it. Important - Clicking the "X" at the top right of Zoom does not close it completely. Click the Zoom button at the bottom. Then click "Quit Zoom". After Zoom is opened, click on the settings gear in the upper right. Next, select OBS Virtual Camera under "Camera". Done!

Optional step 4: Manually adjust webcam settings in OBS

To mirror my video, first remove all auto settings from Zoom, such as low light adjustment and touch up appearance. You can now adjust your webcam settings in OBS ( my webcam settings guide), and add filters ( my LUTs guides), as well as a chromakey.

Summary

Here's how you can add OBS to Zoom as a webcam source:

Step 1: Upgrade to the most recent version of OBS Studio.
Step 2: Click on Start Virtual Camera at the bottom right.
Step 3: Go to Zoom > Settings > Camera > OBS Virtual Camera
Step 4: (Optional). Adjust webcam settings manually using OBS.

Method 2 (older method)

These are the things you will need

- Open Broadcaster Software Studio, (OBS).
Zoom
- OBS VirtualCam Plugin

Step 1: Download the OBS VirtualCam plugin and install it.

The OBS Project website has a download link. It can be downloaded to any location you wish. Double-click the downloaded file. This file will be installed in your OBS Studio folder by default. Select 1, then Install depending on how many virtual cameras you want to register.

Step 2: Start Virtualcam plugin within OBS

If OBS is currently open, close it and reopen it. Tools > VirtualCam. OBS-Camera should be the target camera. Buffered frames should be set at zero. This can cause delay in the feed going to Zoom, but shouldn't be necessary for most cases. Click Start.

Step 3: Add OBS camera to Zoom

If Zoom is already open, close it and reopen it. After Zoom is opened, click on the settings gear in the upper right. Next, select video under "Camera", and then choose OBS-Camera.