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Want to use OBS for a Zoom meeting recording? This article features various tutorials to using OBS with Zoom so that you can take your meetings and webinars to the next level. Read on to learn how to record a Zoom meeting using OBS or use OBS Virtual Camera.
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How to connect the latest version of OBS to Zoom
If you want to broadcast your webcam in your Zoom meeting, you can do so directly on Zoom. However, there are advantages to broadcasting via OBS. The software lets you change your video and audio settings, add filters and capture different sources at the same time.
Follow these steps to learn how to connect OBS to Zoom. Take note that these steps are for the latest version of OBS. Previous versions would require an OBS Zoom plugin.
Step 1. Configure camera settings in OBS
Launch OBS and navigate to the Controls tab in the main window. Activate your camera by clicking the Start Virtual Camera option. This will set your webcam feed on OBS.
Step 2. Configure camera settings in Zoom
Now it’s time to fix your camera settings in Zoom. To do this, launch Zoom and click on the Settings icon on the upper-right of the main window. Go to the Video tab and select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera option.
If there is no such option, make sure to quit and relaunch Zoom for the new OBS camera setting to be reflected.
Step 3. Adjust camera settings in OBS
If you want to improve your webcam feed further, you can do so through OBS. But first, go to Zoom and remove any video enhancement settings like Adjust for low light, Touch up my appearance, Apply video filters, and Use virtual backgrounds.
Next, return to OBS and configure your webcam settings. Click on the + icon in Sources and select Video Capture Device. Click on Create New and pick your webcam.
Go back to your Sources dock and double-click your webcam source. Then, select Configure Video. This will allow you to adjust video settings, like white balance, exposure, gain, and even chroma key.
You’re done! You have successfully connected your camera feed from OBS to Zoom.
How to record Zoom with OBS
Although Zoom provides its own recording feature, knowing how to use OBS to record a Zoom meeting can still be beneficial. OBS gives you more control over your recordings and allows you to post-process them with professional-grade video-editing software.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to use OBS with Zoom.
Step 1. Install OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free, open-source software available for Windows, Mac, and Linux users. You can download it from the official OBS website.
Once downloaded, launch both OBS and Zoom.
Step 2. Set a new source
In OBS, click the + icon in the Sources tab. This will pull up a list of source options. Select Display Capture.
Next, select which monitor you want to display the video. If you are using a second monitor, then move the Zoom window to your second display. If you aren’t, just make sure to position the Zoom window within the capture screen. You will then see a preview of your monitor’s current feed.
Check the Capture Cursor box if needed. Then click OK to set the source.
Step 3. Configure audio capture
If you want to include audio, you need to configure your audio input and audio output.
Click on the + icon in the Sources dock once again and select Audio Input Capture. A list of audio sources will appear, select which one you prefer. Once done, you’ll see your new audio input reflected in the Audio Mixer tab. You can toggle the volume and other audio settings here.
To set up audio output, click the + icon again in the Sources tab and choose Audio Output Capture. Then select the audio output device you want from the list. The new audio output will now appear in your Audio Mixer section.
Remember that the sounds may double in the recording if you use speakers. In this case, it’s best to use headphones.
Step 4. Start recording your Zoom call
Now that you have configured your settings, it’s time to record Zoom with OBS! To start, navigate to the Controls tab and hit Start Recording. If you want to record Zoom in full screen, make sure to maximize the Zoom window to full-screen mode.
When you’re done, simply minimize the Zoom window or return it to window mode. Then select Stop Recording from OBS’ Controls menu. Now you know how to record your Zoom meeting with OBS!
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How to use OBS to stream to Zoom
OBS was made with live-streaming in mind, which means it has many stream key features you can toggle that Zoom lacks. For instance, OBS can add live graphics to your Zoom video feed, such as a lower-third nameplate or a logo.
Here are guidelines on how to configure your OBS stream to Zoom.
Step 1. Prepare your stream graphics in OBS
If you are hosting a Zoom webinar, you can benefit from adding graphics to your stream to look more professional.
To do this, launch OBS and click on the + icon on the Sources tab. If you want to add a logo or image to your stream, choose Image and select the image file from your computer. You can also add text graphics by choosing the Text source. This allows you to type the text you want and change the font style and color.
The new sources will appear in your main feed as well as your Sources tab. To adjust the position of either your Image or Text source, make sure to select it from the Sources dock and then drag its position in the main feed.
Step 2. Add camera source
To add your webcam to your stream window, click on the + icon once again in the Sources dock. Select Video Capture Device, then choose the camera output you intend to use. Now, your camera is showing on your main stream window.
If your Text or Image sources have disappeared after you added your camera source, go to your Sources section and review the order of these sources. They work like layers, where the top source covers all the other sources under it.
Simply drag your camera source to the bottom layer, so that your other graphics may show on the stream.
Step 3. Stream OBS to Zoom
Now that your stream is set up in OBS, hit Start Virtual Camera in the Controls section.
Then go to your Zoom meeting window and click on the arrow icon beside Start Video. Select OBS Virtual Camera. Then click the Start Video button itself to show the stream window on Zoom.
How to record a Zoom meeting with the OBS VirtualCam plugin
Step 1. Download and install the VirtualCam plugin
Use the link below to download the plugin. Launch the downloaded file and install the plugin. When asked how many virtual cameras you want to register, select 1 then hit Install.
Step 2. Start the plugin
Open OBS. Go to Tools > VirtualCam. Select OBS-Camera as your Target Camera and set Buffered Frames to 0. This will remove the delay to the camera feed going to Zoom. Finally, click Start.
Step 3. Add the virtual camera to Zoom
Open Zoom and click the settings gear on the upper right, go to Video, and under the Camera tab select OBS-Camera. Now you know how to use OBS as a Zoom camera.
How to use virtual audio cables in a Zoom meeting
Step 1. Connect the OBS virtual camera to Zoom
Open OBS Studio. Click Start Virtual Camera. Then launch Zoom and click the Settings icon on the upper-right of the main window. Go to the Video tab and select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera option.
Step 2. Set up the virtual audio cables
Download the virtual audio cable drivers at vb-audio.com and install them. Then go to OBS settings and open the Audio tab. Here, select CABLE Input as your Monitoring Device.
On the main screen, right-click Audio Mixer and select Advanced Audio Properties. Set all audio sources to Monitor Only and/or Monitor and Output.
Now you can set the cables up in Zoom. In Audio settings, select Speakers (VB-Audio Virtual Cable) for your speaker and CABLE Output for your microphone.
Summary
Zoom is a popular software that comes with basic features useful for group meetings and webinars. But using OBS with Zoom gives you more video capabilities, like adding graphics, adjusting your camera settings, and choosing which screen area to record. However, this requires configuring settings on both apps. If you are patient enough to learn how to capture Zoom in OBS, you can achieve professional results with your screen recording and streaming.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use an OBS virtual camera in Zoom?
Yes, you can. However, this will require you to configure camera settings on both OBS and Zoom. On OBS, click on the Start Virtual Camera option in the Controls section. Then, on Zoom, set your video to OBS Virtual Camera.
Can you record Zoom with OBS?
Yes, you can record your Zoom meeting with OBS. However, using OBS in general may require a learning curve, since its user interface is geared towards advanced users. If you want to record a Zoom with OBS without the hassle, you’re better off with simple and user-friendly screen recorders. Read our guide to know more.
How do I integrate Zoom with OBS?
Launch OBS and click Start Virtual Camera. Open Zoom, click the gear icon in the upper right corner of the program’s window, open the Video tab, and select OBS Virtual Camera from the Camera list. You can also use virtual audio cables for your microphone, or use the OBS streaming feature to add a logo to a Zoom video feed.
How to enable OBS as a Zoom camera?
Launch OBS and click the Start Virtual Camera button.
Open Zoom and click the Settings icon in the upper-right corner.
Go to the Video tab and select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera option.
Why is the OBS virtual camera backwards?
When you use OBS as a Zoom camera, it only provides video feed. Usually, the application that’s using the camera flips the image for your preview window, so it can act as a mirror. Everyone else in a meeting will see it the correct way.
How do I flip my virtual camera in OBS?
Launch OBS and make sure the camera is correctly displayed. You can add a webcam via the plus icon in the bottom of the Sources tab.
Right-click your webcam window in OBS. In the menu that opens, move the cursor to the Transform option, then select the Flip Horizontal option.
Can OBS stream to Zoom and YouTube at the same time?
The only way to stream to Zoom and YouTube simultaneously is to use a third-party software such as Restream. You need to create a Restream account and connect it to OBS. Then you can choose the desired streaming platforms from your account.
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