Using multiple cameras in OBS Studio enhances live streams, presentations, and video recordings. Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or business professional, a dual-camera setup provides better angles and a more engaging experience for your audience.
This guide will walk you through how to set up two cameras on OBS efficiently.
Requirements on how to set up two cameras on OBS
Before starting, ensure you have the following:
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| OBS Studio | The primary software for live streaming and recording |
| Two USB/Web Cameras or HDMI Cameras | The video sources |
| Laptop/Desktop with Sufficient Processing Power | Required for handling multiple video feeds |
| USB Hub (Optional) | Useful if your computer has limited USB ports |
| Capture Card (For HDMI Cameras) | Necessary for connecting DSLRs or professional cameras |
Download OBS Studio from the official website if you haven’t already.
Step 1: Connect Both Cameras to Your Computer
- Plug both cameras into separate USB ports.
- If using HDMI cameras, connect them via a capture card.
- Ensure your computer recognizes both cameras. You can check this in the device manager (Windows) or system preferences (Mac).
Step 2: Add Cameras in OBS Studio
- Open OBS Studio.
- In the Sources section, click the + button.
- Select Video Capture Device and name it (e.g., Camera 1).
- Choose the first camera from the Device dropdown menu.
- Adjust the resolution and frame rate for optimal quality.
- Click OK to save.
- Repeat the steps above to add the second camera, naming it appropriately (e.g., Camera 2).
Step 3: Arrange and Resize Camera Feeds
With both cameras added, follow these steps to arrange them:
- Click and drag each camera source in the Preview Window to position them.
- Resize the feeds by clicking on the red border and adjusting the size.
- Use the Transform option (right-click the source) to fine-tune placement.
Common Layouts for Dual-Camera Setup
| Layout | Description |
| Side-by-Side | Displays both cameras equally for interviews or discussions |
| Picture-in-Picture (PiP) | One camera is full-screen, and the second appears in a smaller window |
| Switching Between Feeds | Assign hotkeys to switch between cameras dynamically |
Step 4: Configure Audio Settings
Since multiple cameras might have built-in microphones, choose the best audio source:
- Go to Settings > Audio in OBS.
- Select the primary microphone (external or camera mic).
- Mute unnecessary audio sources to avoid echo or overlapping sounds.
- Use the Audio Mixer to adjust volume levels.
Step 5: Test and Optimize Performance
Before going live or recording, test your setup:
- Click Start Recording and review the footage.
- Adjust lighting to improve video quality.
- Monitor CPU usage in Settings > Output to prevent lag.
Step 6: Start Streaming or Recording
Once satisfied with the setup, begin your broadcast:
- Click Start Streaming to go live on YouTube, Facebook, or Twitch.
- Click Start Recording to save the video for later use.
- Use hotkeys or scene transitions for smooth camera changes.
For more on multi-camera live streaming, check out our guide: How to Do a Live Stream with Multiple Cameras.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
| One camera is not showing up | Check the device manager or reconnect the camera |
| OBS lags when using two cameras | Reduce resolution or close unnecessary background apps |
| Audio sync issues | Use the Audio Sync Offset in the advanced audio settings |
Final Thoughts
Setting up two cameras on OBS enhances video quality and engagement. Whether you’re a digital creator, educator, or business professional, mastering dual-camera streaming will elevate your content.
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For additional technical details, see:
Which dual-camera setup do you prefer? Let us know in the comments!
