Streamlabs works as a webcam by creating a virtual camera that replaces your physical one in video calls and streaming software

Streamlabs is streaming software that includes a built-in virtual camera feature. When you enable it, Streamlabs creates a fake camera input that your computer recognizes as a real webcam. Any program that uses your camera — Zoom, Google Meet, OBS, Discord, or others — can select this virtual camera instead of your physical one. Everything you see in the Streamlabs window (your scene, overlays, alerts, chat) gets sent to that program instead of raw video from your camera.

The main reason to do this is control. Your physical webcam shows only what the camera sees. Streamlabs lets you layer in overlays, switch between multiple camera angles or screen shares, add text, display alerts, and adjust lighting and color — all without leaving the software. For streamers, this is standard. For people on video calls, it means you can add a branded background, hide your messy room, or display your screen alongside your face.

Key Takeaways

  • Streamlabs' virtual camera feature creates a fake webcam input that video call and streaming software can use instead of your physical camera.
  • You must enable the virtual camera in Streamlabs settings, then select it in each program that needs it — Zoom, Discord, OBS, or others do not automatically find it.
  • The virtual camera only works when Streamlabs is running and your scene is active, so the software must stay open during your call or stream.
  • Performance depends on your computer's processor; heavy overlays, alerts, or scene transitions can cause lag or dropped frames on older machines.

Enable the virtual camera in Streamlabs

Open Streamlabs on your computer. In the bottom-right corner of the main window, you will see a button labeled "Start Virtual Camera" or a camera icon. Click it. The button will change color (usually to green or blue) and display "Virtual Camera Active" or similar text. This means Streamlabs is now broadcasting a fake camera feed to your system.

If you do not see this button, your version of Streamlabs may be outdated. read the latest version from streamlabs.com. The virtual camera feature is included in the free desktop version for Windows and Mac.

Select the Streamlabs virtual camera in your video call or streaming software

Open the program where you want to use the virtual camera — Zoom, Google Meet, Discord, OBS, or another process. Look for camera settings. In Zoom, this is in Settings under Video. In Google Meet, click your profile picture, then Settings, then Camera. In Discord, go to User Settings, then Voice & Video, then Camera.

You will see a dropdown menu showing available cameras. Your physical camera is usually listed as "Built-in Camera" or your camera's brand name. Find and select "Streamlabs Virtual Camera" or "Streamlabs" from the list. Once selected, the program will display the Streamlabs scene instead of your physical camera feed. If Streamlabs Virtual Camera does not appear in the list, make sure Streamlabs is running and the virtual camera is active.

Repeat this step for each program you use. Zoom, Discord, and OBS do not share camera settings — you must choose the virtual camera separately in each one.

Build your scene in Streamlabs before your call or stream

What appears in the virtual camera feed is whatever scene is active in Streamlabs. A scene is a layout that can include your camera feed, overlays, text, images, alerts, and other elements. Before you go live or join a call, set up the scene you want people to see.

Add your camera to the scene by clicking the plus icon in the Sources panel and selecting Video Capture Device. Choose your physical camera from the dropdown. Resize and position it on the canvas. Then add overlays, logos, or text by adding Image, Text, or Browser Source elements. You can create multiple scenes and switch between them during your stream or call — for example, one scene showing just your face, another showing your screen, another showing a title card.

Test your scene before the call starts. Open the program you will use (Zoom, Discord, etc.), select Streamlabs Virtual Camera, and check that it shows what you expect. Adjust lighting, position, or overlays as needed.

Keep Streamlabs running during your call or stream

The virtual camera only works while Streamlabs is open and the virtual camera is active. If you close Streamlabs or click "Stop Virtual Camera," the feed stops when ready. Your video call or stream will either show a black screen or fall back to your physical camera, depending on the program.

Do not minimize Streamlabs to the system tray and assume it is still running. On Windows, minimizing the window may pause the virtual camera. Keep the Streamlabs window visible or check your system tray to confirm the virtual camera icon shows it is still active. If you need to step away, pause your stream or mute your video in the call program rather than closing Streamlabs.

Troubleshoot if the virtual camera does not appear or stops working

If Streamlabs Virtual Camera does not show up in your program's camera list, restart both Streamlabs and the video program. Close Streamlabs completely, wait a few seconds, and reopen it. Then close and reopen your video call or streaming software. This refreshes the list of available cameras.

If the virtual camera appears but shows a black screen, check that your physical camera is added to the scene and is not hidden behind other elements. Click on the camera source in the Sources panel and make sure it is not set to zero opacity or positioned off-screen. If alerts or overlays are covering the camera, move them or delete them temporarily.

If the video is laggy or choppy, your computer may be struggling to process the scene. Close other programs running in the background, reduce the number of overlays or animated elements, or lower your scene resolution in Streamlabs settings. Older computers with slower processors are more likely to experience lag.

Understand performance and CPU impact

Running Streamlabs with the virtual camera active uses your computer's processor. The heavier your scene — more overlays, animated alerts, transitions, or higher resolution — the more CPU power it needs. On a modern computer with a mid-range processor, a straightforward scene with one camera and a static overlay uses minimal resources. Complex scenes with many animated elements can use 10 to 30 percent of your CPU.

If your computer is already running other demanding software (video editing, games, multiple browser tabs), adding Streamlabs may slow everything down. Close unnecessary programs before your call or stream. If lag persists, simplify your Streamlabs scene by removing animations or lowering resolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Streamlabs virtual camera in OBS or other streaming software?

Yes. OBS, XSplit, and other streaming software can use Streamlabs Virtual Camera as a source. In OBS, add a Video Capture Device source and select Streamlabs Virtual Camera from the dropdown. This lets you use Streamlabs overlays and alerts inside OBS instead of building them in OBS itself.

Does the virtual camera work on Mac?

Yes, Streamlabs Virtual Camera is available for both Windows and Mac. The steps are the same. On Mac, you may need to grant Streamlabs camera permission in System Preferences under Security & Privacy before the virtual camera appears in other programs.

What if my camera is already in use by another program?

Most operating systems allow only one program to access your physical camera at a time. If Zoom is using your camera, Discord cannot use it simultaneously. However, both can use Streamlabs Virtual Camera at the same time because it is a separate input. Add your camera to a Streamlabs scene, enable the virtual camera, and select it in both Zoom and Discord.

Can I use Streamlabs virtual camera without streaming?

Yes. The virtual camera works for video calls, recordings, or any other use. You do not need to start a stream or broadcast anything. Just enable the virtual camera in Streamlabs, set up your scene, and select it in your video call software.

Why is my virtual camera feed delayed or out of sync with audio?

Delay usually means your computer is processing the scene slower than the video is being captured. Close background programs, simplify your scene, or lower the resolution. If audio is out of sync in a video call, this is typically a program issue, not a Streamlabs issue — try restarting the call or switching to a different video call platform.