OBS Studio is free software for mixing, recording and live streaming video. Combine OBS with Microsoft Teams and you can show a professional picture in a meeting: your camera with a logo, a screen share next to your face, or a title bar. This guide walks you through the setup step by step. OBS Studio has had a built-in virtual camera for several years, so you no longer need a separate plug-in.
Step 1: install OBS Studio
- Download OBS Studio from the official website obsproject.com. There are versions for Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Install the software. On first launch you can let the wizard pick settings that suit your computer; choose the option for using the virtual camera.
Step 2: build a scene
- Under Scenes, click + and name your scene, for example "Presentation".
- Under Sources, click + and add what you need: a Video Capture Device (your webcam), Display Capture or Window Capture, an Image (logo) or Text.
- Drag and resize the sources in the preview until everything looks right.
- Feel free to create several scenes so you can switch with one click during the meeting.
Step 3: start the virtual camera
At the bottom right, under Controls, click Start Virtual Camera. From then on your OBS output is available as a camera for other apps, including Teams.
On a Mac, macOS asks you to allow a system extension the first time. Follow that prompt in System Settings.
Step 4: choose OBS as your camera in Teams
- Open Teams and go to Settings > Devices, or in a meeting click the arrow next to the camera button.
- Under Camera, choose OBS Virtual Camera.
- Turn on your camera. Participants now see your OBS scene.
Does Teams mirror your picture? Only you see that in your own preview. Read more in mirror your video in Teams.
Step 5: handle audio
The virtual camera only passes on video. You still pick your microphone in Teams. Want to play the sound of a video too? Use the option to share computer sound in Teams.
Tips
- Teams scales down and compresses your camera feed, so use large, easy-to-read text.
- Small text or a full presentation is better shared through the regular Teams screen share.
- OBS uses a lot of processing power. Close other heavy programs and test beforehand.
- Want to send the meeting itself to YouTube or another platform? See RTMP streaming from Teams.
Also see presenter mode in Teams and sharing your screen in Teams.
Read also
Live stream a Teams meeting to YouTube or other platforms with RTMP
Use presenter mode (Standout, Side-by-side, Reporter) in Microsoft Teams
Set a custom background in Microsoft Teams
Nederlandstalige versie: OBS Studio en Microsoft Teams: zo gebruik je de virtuele camera