How do I add a webcam to my OBS scene?
Add your webcam as a Video Capture Device in OBS, position it on screen, and tweak resolution and framing for a clean stream layout.
Why Add a Webcam to OBS?
Most viewers connect better when they can see the person behind the gameplay or tutorial. Adding your webcam to an OBS scene lets you place a face cam anywhere on screen — corner overlay, side panel, or full picture-in-picture.
Step 1 — Connect and Test Your Camera
Plug in your USB webcam or enable your laptop's built-in camera. Close other apps that might lock the camera (Zoom, Teams, Discord video). Only one program can use most webcams at a time unless you use OBS Virtual Camera.
Step 2 — Add a Video Capture Device
In OBS, select the scene where you want the webcam. Under Sources, click the + button and choose Video Capture Device. Name it something clear like Webcam and click OK. In the device dropdown, select your camera. You should see a live preview immediately.
Step 3 — Position and Resize
Click and drag the red box around your webcam feed to move it. Drag the corner handles to resize. Hold Alt while dragging a handle to crop instead of stretch. Right-click the source and choose Transform → Flip Horizontal if the image looks mirrored — many streamers prefer the non-mirrored look for viewers.
Step 4 — Adjust Resolution and FPS
Double-click your webcam source to reopen properties. Set Resolution/FPS Type to Custom if you want to limit bandwidth — 1280x720 at 30 fps is plenty for a face cam overlay. Higher resolution is unnecessary for a small corner box and wastes encoder power.
Step 5 — Layer Order Matters
Sources listed higher in the Sources panel appear on top. Drag your webcam above your game capture so your face cam stays visible. Add a border or background using Filters if you want a polished look.
Common Webcam Tips
- Use Video Capture Device, not Display Capture, for webcams
- 720p at 30 fps is ideal for overlay face cams
- Flip horizontal only if you prefer how it looks to viewers
- Keep the webcam source above game capture in the layer stack
With your webcam in place, you are one step closer to a professional-looking stream layout.