{"id":134133,"date":"2020-07-01T09:10:11","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T14:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=134133"},"modified":"2020-07-01T09:13:22","modified_gmt":"2020-07-01T14:13:22","slug":"obs-studio-for-streaming-and-videoconferencing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/obs-studio-for-streaming-and-videoconferencing\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use OBS Studio for Streaming and Video Conferencing"},"content":{"rendered":"

With OBS Studio, you can use any digital camera to make video calls and start streaming with just a computer, a camera, and a video capture device.<\/h2>\n

Streaming and video conferencing are becoming more useful every day thanks to social distancing, a fact that makes Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) worth looking into. OBS Studio can cover some of the gaps that video conferencing platforms don\u2019t. Even better, OBS Studio makes it easy and affordable to start streaming, a creative pursuit that many find fulfilling as the days spent indoors continue to limit our interactions with the world.<\/p>\n

While there’s other software similar to OBS Studio \u2014 i.e., XSplit and Stream Labs OBS \u2014 OBS Studio is a free, open-source software. OBS Studio doesn\u2019t cost anything to download<\/a> or use, and while the software\u2019s UI may look complicated, setting up a basic stream is easy. What\u2019s more, OBS Studio can help connect any digital camera with a video output to your video conferencing platform of choice. The software works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it one of the most versatile software of its kind.<\/p>\n

\n

Setting up a Webcam in OBS Studio<\/h3>\n
\"Canon's<\/a>

While it’s possible to use any digital camera with a video output port on OBS, Canon cameras can be used as a webcam, thanks to the EOS Webcam Utility Beta software. In this case, I’m using Canon’s M50 mirrorless camera.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

There are a few ways to set up a camera on OBS Studio, the easiest of which merely involves connecting a webcam to the computer via USB.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Plug the webcam into the computer.<\/li>\n
  2. Head to OBS Studio<\/strong> and click the +<\/strong>\u00a0button at the bottom of the Sources<\/strong> box.<\/li>\n
  3. Once there, select the option called Video Capture Device<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  4. A new dialog box will open, and the webcam should appear as a video source under Device<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    It\u2019s possible to adjust a few settings in the properties menu, but it\u2019s unnecessary \u2014 the camera should work. To open up the Properties<\/strong> menu again on any source, double-click on the video source listed in the Sources<\/strong> box, or highlight your selection and hit the gear icon.<\/p>\n

    The video from the webcam should appear on the Preview<\/strong> window in OBS Studio, and you can change where it’s displayed on the screen, as well as the dimensions of the webcam. Simply highlight<\/strong> the webcam in the Sources<\/strong> box, and click on the red lines<\/strong> on the edge of the webcam to change its position or dimensions.<\/p>\n

    It\u2019s not very complicated, especially once you get used to OBS Studio. Setting up a camera is only the beginning if you\u2019re planning to stream or video conference while simultaneously sharing your screen and camera, but we\u2019ll get to that further below. For those that don\u2019t have a webcam, it\u2019s possible to use a digital camera as a video source, but it may require additional equipment.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Setting up a Digital Camera in OBS Studio<\/h3>\n

    Recently, Canon and other camera manufacturers have released webcam software, making it possible to use a digital camera as a webcam. Canon\u2019s EOS Webcam Utility Beta<\/a> works on Zoom, Google Hangouts, and OBS Studio, and it\u2019s compatible with Windows and macOS computers. The software works with a majority of Canon cameras, and it doesn\u2019t require the use of an HDMI cable. Instead, cameras can connect to the computer via a USB cable, which should come included with the camera.<\/p>\n

    While Canon was one of the first to debut this kind of software, other manufacturers offer comparable software<\/a> for their cameras. However, if you\u2019re out of luck, there’s another way to use a digital camera as a webcam. Granted, it\u2019s not a cheap solution, as you\u2019ll need to purchase some equipment.<\/p>\n

    Video Capture Device<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Before you get started, make sure your camera has a video output port. Most modern cameras have video output ports, even at lower price points. If your camera doesn\u2019t have an HDMI, Micro HDMI, USB-C, or another video output port, you\u2019re really out of luck. You’ll have to look online for an affordable camera with a video output source.<\/p>\n

    The next piece of equipment you\u2019ll need is a video capture device. We\u2019ve covered this before if you want a more in-depth look<\/a>, but video capture devices, essentially, make it possible to transmit the video output of the source to your computer and OBS Studio. Though mostly used by gamers and streamers, video capture devices are useful for streaming video from a camera.<\/p>\n

    I have Elgato\u2019s HD60 PRO<\/a> capture card installed directly on my motherboard, but Elgato makes other video capture devices that are portable, making them perfect for laptop owners. You\u2019ll need at least one HDMI or video cable to make a capture card work. No matter what camera you have, you need a cable that fits your camera’s port on one end and the HDMI input of the video capture device on the other end. For example, if your camera has a Micro HDMI port, purchase a Micro HDMI to HDMI cable<\/a>. You\u2019ll also need to install your video capture devices\u2019 software so that OBS Studio can detect the source.<\/p>\n

    Video Capture Device Setup<\/strong><\/h4>\n
    \"Add<\/a>

    Instead of using Canon’s webcam software, I used the capture device to receive the camera’s video output. The camera outputs whatever is on the viewfinder, such as the 3×3 grid, face tracking, recording time, and battery. You can turn off these settings in the camera menu for a cleaner look.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

    As an example, using Elgato\u2019s HD60 S<\/a>, connect one side of the cable to the camera\u2019s video output port and the other side to the device\u2019s HDMI input port. Also, connect the USB cable from the device to the computer, which is what transmits the video source to the computer\u2019s software. Alternatively, you only need to connect the source to the HDMI input port on a video capture card installed on a motherboard. Below is how to view the camera’s video output in OBS.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Create a new source in OBS Studio by clicking the +<\/strong> in the Sources<\/strong> box.<\/li>\n
    2. Select Video Capture Device<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
    3. The name of the capture device should appear in the device selection dropdown within the properties menu.<\/li>\n
    4. Click Ok<\/strong> to exit out.<\/li>\n
    5. The camera feed should appear on the OBS Studio preview screen.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Admittedly, setting up a digital camera with OBS is not the most affordable solution. Still, a digital camera with the right lens and auto-focusing tech can track your face perfectly while providing that blur effect to the background, making you pop from the screen. Modern webcams are good, but a decent digital camera blows even the best webcams out of the water.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Using OBS Studio for Video Conferencing<\/h3>\n

      While OBS Studio is a software primarily used by streamers, it can double as a video conferencing tool that will let you control what\u2019s on screen. However, you\u2019ll have to download the latest version of OBS Studio<\/strong> and a third-party plug-in known as “VirtualCam” to get things started. If you want to share your screen while a smaller window shows off your camera, it\u2019s possible. And, if you don\u2019t have a webcam, there\u2019s a way to plug in your digital camera to OBS Studio to make it a video input.<\/p>\n

      VirtualCam<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      \"VirtualCam\"<\/a><\/p>\n

      Though OBS Studio doesn\u2019t natively support VirtualCam, installing the software<\/a> is painless. The Virtual Cam plug-in that I used is only for Windows computers, but there’s a macOS version<\/a>. This tutorial is only for VirtualCam on Windows.<\/p>\n

      If you\u2019ve already set up a camera, you can start using VirtualCam right away.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Select the Tools<\/strong> dropdown menu from the top bar and select VirtualCam<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      2. In the menu box, head to the Target Camera<\/strong> setting and select OBS-Camera<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
      3. Click the Start<\/strong> button on the menu box, then exit out.<\/li>\n
      4. Your OBS Studio setup should now be available on video conferencing platforms as a camera input called OBS-Camera<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        This method displays whatever is on OBS Studio\u2019s preview window, but it\u2019s possible to select a single source.<\/p>\n

        \"Start<\/a>

        Once you’ve right-clicked on the source, click “Filters” and select the “+” button under “Effects.” At this point, you can select “VirtualCam,” then click “Start.”<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

        Here’s how to select a single source for VirtualCam instead.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. In the Sources<\/strong> box on OBS Studio, right-click<\/strong> on the source you wish to output to Zoom or similar software.<\/li>\n
        2. Click on Filters<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
        3. Select the +<\/strong> button under Effects<\/strong> on the right side of the menu box.<\/li>\n
        4. Select VirtualCam<\/strong> and click on Start<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Now, only that source will output to the video conferencing software of your choice when selecting OBS-Camera<\/strong> as the video input. This is useful when you only want to share your webcam, for example, and nothing else.<\/p>\n

          \"OBS<\/a>

          When selecting OBS-Camera as the video output, only that source will output to your video conferencing software.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

          \n

          Using OBS Studio on Zoom Calls with VirtualCam<\/h3>\n

          With the camera set up, you should be good to go. Make sure your preview screen is displaying the camera source and other sources you have selected. If VirtualCam is activated from the “Tools” menu, anything displayed on the preview windows will appear on the video conferencing platform.<\/p>\n

          Here’s how to output video from OBS Studio to Zoom:<\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Start<\/strong> or join a call.<\/li>\n
          2. Click on the upward-facing arrow<\/strong> left of the camera input.<\/li>\n
          3. Select OBS-Camera<\/strong> from the menu.<\/li>\n
          4. Whatever is displayed on the OBS Studio preview window should now appear on Zoom.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            \"OBS-Camera<\/a>

            If you’re screen sharing on OBS Studio, you’ll get the <\/em>Inception<\/a> effect in Zoom. On OBS, you can select to share a specific program instead of the whole screen.\u00a0<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

            Using this setup to stream your setup to Zoom is easy, and I had no issues with it. Unfortunately, Google Hangouts would not cooperate, which is disappointing. No matter what I did, \u201cOBS-Camera\u201d never appeared as a video input source. There may be a problem with Hangouts or OBS Studio that’s causing the issue, but the documentation on the OBS Studio forums says that Hangouts should work. Zoom worked fine for me, and OBS Studio with VirtualCam should also work with Skype. Neither Google Hangouts nor Meet worked on my computer, but yours might be different. You should try it on your system to see if it works.<\/p>\n

            \n

            How to Set up a Basic Stream<\/h3>\n

            Streaming from OBS Studio only adds a few more steps to the process above, and you should already have all the necessary components.<\/p>\n

            When streaming, the content takes priority. For example, when streaming a video game, the game takes up a majority of the screen, and a smaller corner of the screen displays your camera feed. Here’s how to achieve this basic setup:<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Click the +<\/strong> in the Sources<\/strong> box.<\/li>\n
            2. Select Game Capture<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
            3. You\u2019ll have several options in regards to input, but I\u2019ve found that it\u2019s best to select Capture Specific Window<\/strong> on the Mode<\/strong> dropdown menu.<\/li>\n
            4. Directly below the Mode<\/strong> dropdown is another dropdown named Window<\/strong>. Click on that and the game or application that you want to display should appear.<\/li>\n
            5. Select what you want to display and click Ok<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              \"Capture<\/a>

              From the “Mode” dropdown menu, select “Capture Specific Window,” then click “Window” and your game will appear, then click “Ok.”<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

              With the game or application selected, it\u2019s time to set up the camera. If you already have the camera set up as a source, it\u2019s only a matter of positioning. Select the camera in the Source<\/strong> box, which will highlight where it\u2019s displayed on the screen. You can click anywhere within the box to move it around the screen, and clicking on the edges adjusts the size.<\/p>\n

              \"Moving<\/a>

              Once your camera is set up, you can move the Overwatch to where you want it on the screen.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

              Twitch streamers have flashy transitions, overlays, and icons that appear on-screen, but the setup is more or less the same. Now, all you have to do is set up an account on a streaming platform.<\/p>\n

              \n

              Twitch Is Your Best Bet<\/h3>\n

              Facebook and YouTube have streaming platforms, but streaming is Twitch\u2019s bread and butter, making it the best platform for streaming. Up until recently, Microsoft\u2019s Mixer<\/a> was seen as a potential threat to the purple streaming giant, but Microsoft has shut down Mixer and partnered with Facebook Gaming. If you\u2019re just starting, it\u2019s worth trying Twitch for two reasons \u2014 audience and variety.<\/p>\n

              Making an account on Twitch is free, and you may make some money streaming if you can attract an audience \u2014 audience tips and ad revenue are how streamers make most of their money. While some of the biggest streamers on Twitch tend to stream video games, there are also musicians, artists, workout instructors, and people who just like to chat with their audience.<\/p>\n

              Don\u2019t think you have to play video games to stream. You\u2019ll be surprised as to what a Twitch audience will watch. If you want to stream tutorials on video or photo editing, animation, or music production, there’s an audience out there \u2014 you just have to find them.<\/p>\n

              Making a Twitch Account<\/strong><\/h4>\n

              Head to Twitch.com<\/a> to create an account, click on the Profile<\/strong> icon on the top right corner, and click on the Creator Dashboard<\/strong> option in the dropdown menu. You\u2019ll be prompted to read some articles detailing hardware recommendations, setting up a stream, community guidelines, and much more \u2014 the information is invaluable, so take your time.<\/p>\n

              Streaming from OBS Studio to Twitch<\/strong><\/h4>\n

              Below the Creator Dashboard homepage, there’s a link that leads to your stream key. Copy the stream key, and head to OBS Studio.<\/p>\n

              \"Stream<\/a>

              After copying your stream key, go to OBS Studio.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

              Open the settings menu on OBS Studio, click on the Stream<\/strong> tab, and then paste<\/strong> your stream key.<\/p>\n

              \"Stream<\/a>

              In the “Settings” menu, paste your stream key.<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

              Now, you can stream directly to Twitch. To start streaming, click Start Streaming<\/strong> on the bottom right corner of the OBS Studio screen, which should stream your OBS Studio preview window to Twitch.<\/p>\n

              A bare bones stream is functional, though it lacks personality and flair. Thankfully, there are a few tricks you can use to spice up your stream.<\/p>\n

              \n

              Setting up Overlays, Transitions, and Alerts<\/h3>\n

              To get the most of your stream, you\u2019ll want to have an overlay, creative transitions, and different scenes. Having two monitors is almost necessary, though. Otherwise, you\u2019ll have to switch back to OBS Studio whenever you need to make a change to your stream. For an optimal streaming setup, the program or game that’s being streamed should be on one screen, while OBS Studio is open on the other screen.<\/p>\n

              Overlays<\/strong><\/h4>\n

              One of the most significant ways to improve a stream\u2019s aesthetic is by implementing an overlay. If you\u2019re a talented graphic designer, this is the time to use your skills, but there are other solutions for those that aren’t artistically gifted. There are overlay templates online<\/a> that are relatively affordable. Overlay templates include waiting screens that display the time until the stream begins, webcam frames, icons that trigger when donations are made, and much more. It\u2019s best to find a graphic designer that can nail your stream\u2019s look and branding for custom overlays.<\/p>\n