How to Stream OBS Studio Feed Into a WhatsApp Video Call (2026 Tutorial), by Osas Studio on YouTube. 8 min 5 s.
- Video length
- 8 min 5 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Install OBS Studio from obsproject.com on the computer where you use WhatsApp, then open it once so the OBS Virtual Camera driver registers.
In OBS, add your sources in the Sources panel: Display Capture for your screen, Video Capture Device for a webcam, or Window Capture for one app.
Set the canvas to 1920x1080 or 1280x720 in Settings, Video so the frame matches the 16:9 shape WhatsApp expects.
Check the Audio Mixer. Speak into your mic and keep the green bars out of the red zone before you go live.
Click Start Virtual Camera in the Controls dock. OBS now feeds a fake camera that other apps can pick up.
Open the WhatsApp desktop app, sign in, and start or join a video call with your contact or group.
In the call window, open the camera settings and choose OBS Virtual Camera from the camera list instead of your built-in webcam.
Confirm the other side can see your OBS scene, then click Stop Virtual Camera in OBS when the call ends to release the camera.
Tips and common mistakes
Start the virtual camera before you join the call, or WhatsApp may not list it as an option.
Use headphones so your speakers do not feed back into the call mic.
Keep the OBS window open while streaming, and close other apps that grab the webcam first.
If the option is missing, quit and reopen WhatsApp after clicking Start Virtual Camera.
Questions
Does this work in WhatsApp Web in a browser?
No. Video calls with camera selection need the WhatsApp desktop app for Windows or macOS. The browser version does not offer the same camera picker.
Do the people on the call need OBS too?
No. They just see a normal camera feed. Only your computer needs OBS and the virtual camera running.
Can I send OBS desktop audio into the call?
WhatsApp takes audio from your microphone, not from OBS. To share computer sound you need a virtual audio cable set as your mic, or play the sound out loud near your mic.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
