OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a robust tool for live streaming and recording videos. It enables you to capture your computer screen, webcam, and other sources and either broadcast them in real-time or record them for future viewing. This article will outline how to effectively utilize OBS with Zoom, a widely-used video conferencing platform.
Setting Up OBS
Before you can start using OBS with Zoom, you need to set up OBS. Here are the steps to do so:
- Download and install OBS from the official website.
- Launch OBS and go to File > Settings.
- In the settings window, select Video and set the Base (Canvas) Resolution to your desired resolution. You can also adjust other video settings such as frame rate and bitrate here.
- Select Audio and adjust the audio settings to your liking. You can add multiple audio sources if needed.
- Select Video Capture Devices and add any additional video sources you want to use, such as a webcam or capture card.
- Select Scenes and Sources to add scenes and sources to your OBS setup. You can create multiple scenes and switch between them during your broadcast or recording.
Using OBS with Zoom
Now that you have set up OBS, let’s discuss how to use it with Zoom. Here are the steps to do so:
- Launch Zoom and join a meeting or start a new one.
- In Zoom, go to Preferences > Video and select “Mirror my video” to flip your video horizontally. This will ensure that your video appears correctly in OBS.
- In OBS, add a new source by clicking the plus icon under Sources. Select Video Capture Device and choose your webcam or other video source.
- Adjust the settings for your video source as needed. You can adjust the position, size, and other properties of the video source in OBS.
- Add any additional sources you want to use, such as a microphone or desktop capture. You can also add text overlays, images, and other elements to your scene using the Sources panel.
- Preview your broadcast by clicking on the Preview tab in OBS. Make any necessary adjustments to your scene before going live.
- When you are ready to start your broadcast or recording, click Start Streaming or Recording in OBS and share your screen in Zoom as needed.
Conclusion
Using OBS with Zoom can be a powerful combination for streaming and recording video content. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up OBS and use it to enhance your Zoom meetings or broadcasts. With practice and experimentation, you can create high-quality video content that engages your audience and helps you achieve your goals.