Streamlabs Collab Cam as Second Camera: How-To

Streamlabs Collab Cam turns any phone or tablet into a wireless second camera for your live stream or recording. You add the device as a source in Streamlabs Desktop, and it sends video over your local network, so you can show a face cam, a product close-up, or an alternate angle without buying a second webcam. Before you start, make sure the computer running Streamlabs Desktop and the phone/tablet are on the same Wi-Fi network, and that you have the Streamlabs app installed on the mobile device.

What You’ll Need

• Streamlabs Desktop installed on your PC or Mac (latest version).
• Streamlabs mobile app (iOS or Android) on the phone or tablet you want to use as the second camera.
• Both devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
• Optional: a phone mount or tripod to position the device.

Step-by-Step

1. Open Streamlabs Desktop on your computer. Make sure you are logged in to your account.
2. Open the Streamlabs mobile app on your phone or tablet. Log in with the same Streamlabs account.
3. In the mobile app, tap the “Collab Cam” icon (usually a camera icon with two overlapping squares). If you don’t see it, check that the app is updated.
4. Allow camera and microphone permissions when prompted. The app needs these to send video and audio.
5. On the computer, go to your scene in Streamlabs Desktop. Click the “+” (Add Source) button in the Sources box.
6. Choose “Collab Cam” from the list of source types. Name it (e.g., “Phone Cam”) and click “Add Source”.
7. A window will appear with a QR code or a 6-digit code. On the mobile app, tap “Join” or “Scan QR” and scan the code (or enter the code manually).
8. Wait for the connection to establish. The video from your phone should appear in the source preview. It may take a few seconds.
9. Adjust the source in Streamlabs – resize, crop, or position it on your canvas as needed. You can also apply filters like chroma key if you want.
10. Click “Done” to close the source properties. Your second camera is now live.
11. To stop the feed, either remove the source or close the Collab Cam session in the mobile app.

Common Mistakes

• Not on the same network: Collab Cam uses your local Wi-Fi. If the phone is on cellular data or a different network, it won’t connect.
• Firewall blocking: Windows Firewall or antivirus may block the connection. Allow Streamlabs through the firewall.
• Using the wrong account: Both devices must be logged into the same Streamlabs account.
• Phone screen off: If the phone screen locks, the video feed may pause or disconnect. Keep the screen awake (adjust auto-lock settings).
• Adding the source before opening the app: The QR code expires, so have the mobile app ready before adding the source.

Tips

• Use a wired connection for the phone if possible: If your Wi-Fi is unstable, you can use a USB cable with the Streamlabs mobile app (via USB tethering) for a more reliable connection.
• Position the phone close to the router to reduce latency and dropped frames.
• Use a tripod or mount to keep the phone steady – handheld footage can be shaky.
• Adjust the bitrate in the mobile app settings to balance quality and performance. Lower bitrate for slower networks.
• Test the setup before going live to ensure the connection is stable and the video looks good.

Troubleshooting

• No video appears: Check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi. Restart the Streamlabs app on both devices. Re-add the source and try again.
• Video is laggy or pixelated: This is usually a network issue. Move the phone closer to the router, close other bandwidth-heavy apps, or lower the video quality in the mobile app settings.
• Connection drops frequently: Try restarting your router. Also, check if your router has a “client isolation” feature – if so, disable it, as it prevents devices from communicating.
• Camera works but no audio: Collab Cam can transmit audio from the phone’s mic. In Streamlabs, make sure the source’s audio is not muted. On the phone, check that the mic permission is enabled.
• QR code doesn’t scan: Make sure the code is fully visible on the screen and the phone camera is focused. You can also type the code manually.
• Source not showing in the list: Update Streamlabs Desktop to the latest version. If it’s still missing, restart the app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a second Streamlabs account for the phone?

No, use the same account on both devices. The connection is tied to your account.

Can I use Collab Cam as a second camera without going live?

Yes, it works in any scene – you can use it for local recording or while streaming.

Does Collab Cam work with OBS Studio?

Collab Cam is integrated into Streamlabs Desktop. For OBS Studio, you would need a different method, like using the phone as a webcam via USB or a third-party app.

Can I use an iPad as the second camera?

Yes, as long as it runs the Streamlabs mobile app and has a camera.

Does Collab Cam use a lot of bandwidth?

It uses your local network, so it doesn’t consume your internet upload bandwidth. However, it does use Wi-Fi bandwidth, which can affect other devices.

Can I use Collab Cam for video calls or other apps?

No, Collab Cam is designed specifically for Streamlabs Desktop. It cannot be used as a generic webcam for other software.

Related

• Robot Submarines and Sonar: Public Evidence
• Complacent Photographer Signs & How to Overcome
• How Astronomers Use Webb & Hubble for Star Formation