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How to Use OBS with Zoom?
Apr
OBS, or Open Broadcaster Software, is a free livestreaming and video recording software that can also connect to Zoom and other similar apps. Connecting OBS to Zoom is a straightforward process and a great way to make Zoom meetings more accessible. In this guide, we’ll look at how to use OBS with Zoom.
Step-By-Step Instructions on How to Download and Install OBS
OBS is free and open source, which means that you can use it:
- On Windows
- On a Mac
- On a Linux machine
There are also many ways to download the software:
- Right from the OBS website
- Via BitTorrent
- From the Microsoft Store (Windows only)
- Via Steam
- From Flathub (Linux only)
Installation for Mac and Windows is easy.
- For Windows: Run the installer
- For Mac: Mount the disk image and drag it to the Applications folder
Installing OBS on Linux is a bit more complicated. We recommend checking the install Wiki on the OBS website for more detailed and technical installation instructions.
How to Use OBS with Zoom: Configure OBS Settings
Once you have OBS downloaded and installed, you can start configuring the settings for your PTZ conference room camera in OBS.
- First, launch OBS.
- Next, head to the Controls tab.
- Click Start Virtual Camera to activate your camera.
Next, we’ll configure Zoom’s settings to work with OBS.
- Open up Zoom and head over to Settings (the icon at the upper-right side of the main window).
- Navigate to the Video tab.
- Find the Camera drop-down menu, and select OBS Virtual Camera.
If you don’t see the option for OBS Virtual Camera, close out your Zoom app and relaunch it. The option should now be there.
While you’re still in the Zoom app, you may want to remove the app’s video enhancement settings, like Apply video filters, Use virtual backgrounds and Touch up my appearance.
Now, let’s head back over to OBS to refine your settings.
- In OBS, locate the Sources tab and click the “+” icon.
- Choose Create New.
- Choose your camera.
- Head back to the Sources tab and double-click your camera.
- Under Configure Video, you can adjust a variety of settings, including gain, exposure, white balance and more.
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Test and Troubleshoot OBS and Zoom
Now that you’ve configured your settings in OBS and Zoom, it’s time to start testing and troubleshooting your setup. The key is to do this well before your meeting, so everything goes as smoothly as possible on the big day.
To test out your video before a meeting:
- Launch and sign into the Zoom client
- Click your profile photo and choose Settings
- Click on the Video tab
Here, you’ll see a live preview of your camera. You can switch to other cameras if you have them configured.
You can also create a test meeting to make sure OBS is working properly with Zoom.
- First, join or start a meeting.
- Find the Stop Video button on the meeting controls tab, and click on the up arrow.
- Choose Video Settings. Your settings and chosen video camera will be displayed here.
- If you don’t see your camera, click the dropdown menu to choose another one.
If you’re happy with your video settings, you can get started with your Zoom meeting.
How to Record a Zoom Meeting Using OBS?
You’ve successfully connected OBS and Zoom, but what if you want to record your meetings? Recording meetings is easy, and you can do it via Zoom or OBS.
Zoom has its own recording feature, but you can also use OBS if you want. With OBS, you have more control over the recording, and you’ll also have the option to do some post-processing work to make the footage more professional.
To record meetings with OBS, you’ll need to configure your Display Capture settings and your audio.
- First, head to the Sources tab and choose Display Capture.
- Choose the monitor you want to capture with your recording (the monitor with your Zoom window).
- You can check the Capture Cursor box if you want.
- Choose OK.
You should see a preview of your monitor.
To configure the audio:
- Head back to the Sources tab, and choose Audio Input Capture.
- Select your preferred option.
There should now be an Audio Mixer tab on your screen.
Now, you’re ready to start your Zoom call and record the meeting.
Conclusions
Now that you know how to use OBS with Zoom, it’s time to grab the best camera for Zoom streaming and start recording or streaming your meetings. The best PTZ cameras for live-streaming will ensure that you deliver the highest quality video to your audience.
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