
To get started with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and Zoom, you'll need to download and install both programs on your computer. OBS is free and open-source, while Zoom offers a free plan with limited features.
First, download OBS from the official website. You can choose from various versions, including Windows, Mac, and Linux. Once installed, you'll need to configure your settings, such as choosing a resolution and frame rate.
Next, sign up for a Zoom account if you haven't already. You can use your email address or Google account to create an account. Make sure to choose a strong password and fill out your profile information.
Now that you have both programs installed, you can start exploring their features. OBS is ideal for streaming and recording gameplay, while Zoom is perfect for video conferencing and online meetings.
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Connecting and Configuring
Connecting and Configuring OBS with Zoom is a straightforward process. To get started, you'll need the latest version of OBS Studio and Zoom.
First, open OBS Studio and click on the Start Virtual Camera option to activate it. This will allow Zoom to recognize OBS as a virtual camera. You can then launch Zoom, click on the Settings icon, and select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera option.
If you don't see the option for OBS Virtual Camera, close out your Zoom app and relaunch it. The option should now be available.
To configure your camera settings in OBS, click on the + icon in the Sources tab and select Video Capture Device. Choose your webcam and adjust the video settings, such as white balance, exposure, and gain.
You can also adjust your audio settings in OBS by selecting CABLE Input as your Monitoring Device in the Audio tab.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps to connect OBS to Zoom:
- Launch OBS Studio and select the Start Virtual Camera option
- Launch Zoom and click on the Settings icon
- Select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera option
- Configure your camera settings in OBS by selecting Video Capture Device and adjusting the video settings
- Adjust your audio settings in OBS by selecting CABLE Input as your Monitoring Device
By following these steps, you'll be able to connect and configure OBS with Zoom, allowing you to broadcast and record high-quality video and audio.
Recording Meetings
Recording meetings is a breeze with OBS and Zoom. You can use OBS to record Zoom meetings and have more control over your recordings.
OBS gives you the ability to add live graphics to your Zoom video feed, such as a lower-third nameplate or a logo. This is because OBS was made with live-streaming in mind, which means it has many stream key features you can toggle that Zoom lacks.
To record meetings with OBS, you'll need to configure your Display Capture settings. Choose the monitor you want to capture with your recording, which should be the monitor with your Zoom window.
You can also use the "Window Capture" option and pick "Zoom.exe" as your source, although this might not always work. If you're using multiple monitors, this might be a good option for you.
To ensure high-quality audio, use headphones instead of speakers. This will prevent your mic from picking up the output sound from your device, resulting in doubled sound in the recording.
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Here are the steps to record a meeting with OBS:
- Launch Zoom and OBS, then click the Plus button in OBS to add a new source.
- Choose "Display Capture" and select the monitor with your Zoom window.
- Click "OK" to save the settings.
- In the Sources tab, choose "Audio Input Capture" and select your preferred option.
- Press "Start Recording" to begin recording your meeting.
By following these steps, you'll be able to record high-quality meetings with OBS and Zoom.
Setting Up Sources
To set up sources in OBS, you'll need to add a display capture or camera source. Click the + icon in the Sources tab to add a new source, then select Display Capture to capture your monitor's video feed.
You can choose which monitor you want to display the video on, and make sure the Zoom window is positioned within the capture screen. If you're using a second monitor, move the Zoom window to the second display.
If you want to add a camera source, click the + icon again and select Video Capture Device, then choose the camera output you intend to use.
Here are the steps to add a camera source:
- Click the + icon in the Sources dock
- Select Video Capture Device
- Choose the camera output you intend to use
- Drag the camera source to the bottom layer to ensure other graphics show on the stream
Adjust Camera Settings
Adjusting your camera settings is a crucial step in setting up your sources. It ensures that your video feed looks its best.
To begin, launch Zoom and click on the Settings icon on the upper-right of the main window. From there, go to the Video tab and select OBS Virtual Camera as your camera option.
If you want to improve your webcam feed further, you can do so through OBS. But first, go back to Zoom and remove any video enhancement settings like Adjust for low light, Touch up my appearance, Apply video filters, and Use virtual backgrounds.
Now, 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.
You can adjust video settings in OBS, like white balance, exposure, gain, and even chroma key. To do this, go back to your Sources dock and double-click your webcam source. Then, select Configure Video.
Here are some key settings to consider adjusting in OBS:
By adjusting these settings, you can fine-tune your camera settings and get the best possible video feed.
Set a New Source

To 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 to display the video from a monitor. You can choose which monitor you want to display the video from, and you can also position the Zoom window within the capture screen.
If you're using a second monitor, move the Zoom window to your second display. Check the Capture Cursor box if needed, and then click OK to set the source.
Here's a step-by-step guide to setting a new source:
- Click the + icon in the Sources tab
- Select Display Capture
- Choose which monitor to display the video from
- Position the Zoom window within the capture screen
- Check the Capture Cursor box (if needed)
- Click OK to set the source
Using Virtual Audio Cables in Meetings
Using virtual audio cables in meetings can be a game-changer for those who want to record or stream high-quality audio. You can download the virtual audio cable drivers at vb-audio.com and install them.
To set up the virtual audio cables, go to OBS settings and open the Audio tab. Select CABLE Input as your Monitoring Device. This will allow you to set up the cables in Zoom.
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In Zoom's Audio settings, select Speakers (VB-Audio Virtual Cable) for your speaker and CABLE Output for your microphone. This is the key to getting high-quality audio in your meetings.
Here are the steps to set up virtual audio cables in Zoom:
- Download the virtual audio cable drivers at vb-audio.com and install them.
- Go to OBS settings and select CABLE Input as your Monitoring Device.
- In Zoom's Audio settings, select Speakers (VB-Audio Virtual Cable) for your speaker and CABLE Output for your microphone.
Streaming and Recording
Streaming and Recording is a breeze with OBS and Zoom. You can use OBS to record Zoom meetings with more control over your recordings and the option to post-process them with professional-grade video-editing software.
OBS can add live graphics to your Zoom video feed, such as a lower-third nameplate or a logo, giving you more stream key features than Zoom itself.
To start recording, launch both OBS and Zoom, then hit Start Virtual Camera in the Controls section of OBS. This will allow you to stream OBS to Zoom.
You can also use the Display Capture feature in OBS to capture your Zoom window, and the Audio Input Capture feature to select your preferred audio option.
Here's a quick rundown of the steps to record Zoom meetings with OBS:
- Launch Zoom and OBS, then click the Plus button under "Sources" and choose "Display Capture."
- Name the capture and click "OK."
- Click on "+" under "Sources" again, then pick "Audio Input Capture" and rename the capture source if you wish.
- Press "Start Recording" and maximize Zoom to full-screen mode to make it the only visible application on display.
Live-Stream:
To start streaming on Zoom with OBS, you need to start both Zoom and OBS concurrently and have all guests joined before the go-live time.
Click on the + (Add) button in the Sources section and pick Image to add your backdrop, which should be ready before adding to your stream.
You can trim out the Zoom window to capture only your guests' face cam, or use the Video Source Option to put yourself into the Stream from your PC's associated webcam or other video devices linked.
If you need to webcast the conference elsewhere, you can select "Start Streaming" in OBS. Make sure to unmute the Desktop Audio and Mic/Aux or any mic connected to your PC from the Audio Mixed option.
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Using Together
Using OBS and Zoom together can significantly enhance your virtual meetings, webinars, and live streams by leveraging OBS's powerful video production capabilities within Zoom.
OBS offers a range of features for video production that Zoom lacks, such as scene transitions, advanced audio controls, overlays, and the ability to incorporate multiple video sources seamlessly.
To get started, you'll need the built-in virtual camera feature in OBS, which allows OBS to be recognized as a camera input by other applications, including Zoom.
You can create a more professional and engaging presentation by using OBS with Zoom, whether for a business meeting, an online class, or a live stream event.
To activate the virtual camera, go to the controls panel on the right side of OBS and click on Start Virtual Camera, then configure the settings for the virtual camera by clicking the gear icon.
You can choose the settings for the virtual camera in OBS, but you might need to adjust some security settings on your Mac before activating the virtual camera.
By using OBS with Zoom, you can create a more professional and engaging presentation, and take your virtual meetings, webinars, and live streams to the next level.
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Test and Troubleshoot
Testing your setup is crucial to ensure a smooth meeting. Launch and sign into the Zoom client to start testing your video.
To test your video, click your profile photo and choose Settings. Then, click on the Video tab to see a live preview of your camera. You can switch to other cameras if you have them configured.
Creating a test meeting is also a great way to ensure OBS is working properly with Zoom. Join or start a meeting and find the Stop Video button on the meeting controls tab. Click on the up arrow to access the 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.
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Advanced Settings
To refine your settings in OBS, locate the Sources tab and click the “+” icon. Choose Create New and select your camera.
You can adjust various settings, including gain, exposure, white balance, and more. Double-click your camera source to access these settings.
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In the Configure Video section, you can fine-tune your camera settings to get the best possible image quality. Make sure to click on the Configure Video option to access these settings.
Here are some key settings to consider adjusting:
- Gain: Adjusts the brightness of your image
- Exposure: Controls the amount of light allowed into the camera
- White balance: Adjusts the color temperature of your image
By adjusting these settings, you can ensure your camera feed looks its best in OBS and Zoom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to broadcast via Zoom?
To broadcast via Zoom, start by signing in to your account and navigating to the meeting or webinar page, then click Start. From there, select the More button and choose Livestream to begin your live broadcast.
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