Recommended Free Tools
Add the pet camera as a source in your streaming setup, then position it in the scene and check that it is visible before you go live. In OBS, a USB webcam can be added as a Video Capture Source. If the pet is elsewhere, you can use a second device, a compatible online camera feed, or an RTSP feed from a network camera that supports it.
Choose a setup that fits where the pet is
| Option | Best when | Main constraint |
|---|---|---|
| USB webcam in OBS | The pet is close enough to the streaming computer | Cable reach and an available USB connection |
| Phone, tablet, or laptop as a second camera | You have a spare device to place near the pet | Camera, browser, permissions, and internet access; tool terms can change |
| Camera app or online feed | The camera already has a view usable on the computer | Compatibility varies by camera and software |
| Network camera via RTSP | The camera explicitly supports RTSP and is reachable on your network | Model-specific stream address and network setup |
| YouTube direct webcam workflow | A single webcam-led broadcast is sufficient | It is not designed for composing multiple sources like an OBS scene |
Add a USB webcam in OBS
This is the simplest scene-based option when the pet’s location is within the webcam cable’s reach of your computer. OBS’s documented process is to add a Video Capture Source to a scene, select the camera, then position and resize it. OBS webcam instructions
- Connect the webcam to the computer and open OBS.
- Create or select the scene where you want the pet view to appear.
- In the Sources panel, select + and add a Video Capture Device source. Give it a recognizable name, such as “Pet cam.”
- Choose the webcam in the device selector. If the image does not appear, check that another application is not using the camera and that the operating system has granted camera access.
- Use the preview to drag the source into place and resize it. Hold Alt while dragging an edge to crop unwanted areas, if needed.
- Check that the pet is in frame and that the source is above any background layer it should cover.
A wired webcam only works comfortably if the pet’s usual spot is close enough for its cable. A longer cable may help, but keep the camera and cable safely out of the pet’s reach.
Use a phone, tablet, or laptop as a second camera
A spare device can sit near the pet while the main computer runs the stream. Streamlabs’ Collab Cam tutorial describes using a browser on a second camera-equipped device, with internet access and camera permission. Its documented flow is to create a Collab Cam source, open the supplied join link on the second device, grant camera access, choose a camera, join, and arrange the resulting source in the scene. See Streamlabs’ Collab Cam steps.
#1 Best Overall
- Live Stream from Anywhere with Pan/Tilt: Sharp and clear 1080p Full HD provides high quality video right in the palm of your hand. Camera is operated with the Tapo or Kasa App. 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi required.
- Real-Time Motion/Sound Detection: Get alerts on your smart phone whenever motion or sound is detected even at night (30ft). Enable patrol mode on your home security camera system, to make most use of cameras for home security as pet camera or nanny cam
- No Subscription Storage Option: EC70 mini camera continuously records and stores footage or video clips on a local MicroSD card up to 256 GB (sold separately), with no monthly fees. Or subscribe to Kasa Care Plan where you can view up to 30 days of video history and enjoy more advanced features.
- Smart Actions: As one of the most user-friendly security cameras, EC70 provides you a way to set your lights to turn on when your camera detects motion with Smart Actions, which allow you to create interactions between your camera and other Kasa devices
- For best performance: keep firmware updated by checking the Tapo or Kasa App.
Streamlabs’ tutorial describes one guest or second camera as free; that is the vendor’s statement in a tutorial dated March 10, 2023, not a guarantee of current terms. Check the current service details before relying on a particular plan.
Show a camera app or online feed
If your pet camera has an app or web view, you may be able to show that view in the stream. Streamlabs describes viewing a camera app through a computer phone emulator, or adding an online camera feed as a browser source when the feed is available online. Neither method is universal: confirm that the specific camera view can be accessed on your computer and displayed by your streaming software before building a scene around it.
Rank #2
- Mini camera, max performance — Mini 2K+ is our third-generation compact plug-in camera, delivering sharper 2K video resolution and improved audio clarity, so you can see and hear more of what matters.
- See everything, miss nothing — With 2K video resolution, expansive coverage, and up to 4x zoom, you'll capture more detailed footage, even in challenging light conditions.
- Two-way talk that feels natural — Enjoy improved audio with noise cancellation for clearer conversations around your home, making it feel like you're there in person.
- Smarter protection — Receive smart detection like person and vehicle detection with an optional Blink Subscription Plan (sold separately).
- Plug in anywhere — Place or mount indoors, or take it outside with the Weather Resistant Power Adapter (sold separately). Installation takes just minutes.
Connect a network camera using RTSP
An RTSP source can work when the camera supports RTSP and both it and the streaming computer are reachable on the network. AVer’s OBS camera-plugin manual gives an RTSP input example and identifies those prerequisites; it does not establish compatibility for every consumer pet camera. AVer’s OBS Plugin for PTZ Cameras manual
- Check the camera manufacturer’s documentation for your exact model and confirm that RTSP is supported and enabled.
- Find the model-specific RTSP address in that documentation. The address format varies, so do not assume a generic URL will work.
- Add the feed using a source or plugin that accepts the camera’s RTSP stream, then verify it in the scene preview.
- Keep usernames and passwords out of the public scene, screenshots, and stream. If credentials are embedded in a URL, treat that URL as secret.
Frame the shot and control when it appears
Place the physical camera where the pet can be seen without creating an unstable or hazardous setup. A tripod or mount can help, but it is optional; use a stable support that cannot easily fall or be knocked into the pet’s space. In OBS, position, resize, and crop the source to fit the composition.
Rank #3
- Crystal 2K Resolution & 360° Monitoring: Cinnado indoor security camera provides super clear 2K FHD live stream which allows you to monitor your pets or babies in clear details. With pan and tilt functions, 360° Coverage on your phone to remotely control the indoor camera and monitor every corner of your home in real time. The pet camera is equipped with 4 940nm IR lights, you can clearly see your baby and pets every move even at night. *Wired indoor camera, not cordless/battery camera
- Smart Motion Detection & Push Notifications: This home security camera is equipped with Siren and motion sensor, whether you are at home or not, you can receive an instant alert message on your phone when motion is detected and scare off the uninvited guest by the alarm Siren. The indoor camera will automatically record 10s video clips and save on app when the motion is detected, so you will not miss any essential movements
- Smooth 2-Way Audio & Multiple Users: Cinnado cameras for home security indoor have a built-in microphone and speaker that allows you to talk to your family and pets through the App. Even if you are not at home, you can easily communicate with your children or pets through the camera. Camera for home also supports create multiple family accounts and share the camera with family and friends, with 2K clear image, enjoy the convenience that baby camera brings you
- Optional Cloud & 24/7 continuous Recording: This indoor security camera supports SD card storage and cloud storage. Continuous recording can be realized by installing an SD card(Up to 128GB of storage and SD card not included). You can also choose cloud storage to record important moments for you, which depending on your choices. All videos uploaded to the cloud are encrypted for your peace of mind. And the cameras for home security indoor offer you a 30-day trial of cloud storage
- Work with Alexa & Easy to Set Up: The indoor camera is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Pair the Cinnado wifi camera with Alexa or Google Assistant, then use a simple voice command to ask Alexa or Google Assistant to view your live camera feed. The security camera is also easy to set up, just follow the detailed instructions on the app. Make sure the pet camera is connected to Wifi within a 3 feet range. Please note that the 2K indoor camera only supports 2.4Ghz WiFi, not 5Ghz WiFi
If the pet view should appear only at certain times, hide its source with the visibility control and assign hotkeys to show or hide it. This is useful for a scheduled reveal or when the camera should not remain on screen throughout the stream.
Check the stream before going live
- Look at the scene preview and confirm the pet is in frame, properly sized, and not blocked by another source.
- Check camera permission, focus, and exposure. Make sure the picture is usable in the room’s lighting.
- Confirm the intended microphone and audio routing. A camera feed may provide video without the audio you expect.
- Test the source’s visibility controls or hotkeys, if you use them.
- Choose the right privacy setting and verify the camera and microphone selections in the streaming platform before starting.
OBS scene versus YouTube’s direct webcam flow
Use OBS when you want to combine the pet camera with other sources in a composed scene. OBS also has a Virtual Camera feature that shares an OBS output as a webcam input for another application that accepts camera input; it is not a replacement for setting up a broadcast on the streaming platform. OBS Virtual Camera Guide
Rank #4
- 【Stunning 4K UHD & 8x Zoom】 Capture tiny details and record 4K ultra-clear videos day & night with the Anona 4K indoor camera, say goodbye to 2K or 3K. The professional-grade lens and 8X zoom bring distant details into sharp focus, so you never miss some wonderful moments.
- 【AI Person/Pet/Crying Detection 】Thanks to the AI algorithms, Anona pet/baby camera is able to detect pets, person, and baby crying. And you will receive a notification from the phone app immediately. Keep track of your loved ones even when you are busy.
- 【Ultra-Smooth 360° Pan & 110°x Tilt】Just pan the camera in 360° or tilt it in 110° to see all around.One indoor security camera covers every angle. The auto-tracking feature will detect a moving object, follow it, and record it.
- 【Faster Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 】Anona wifi cameras adopts the latest Wi-Fi 6 for data transmission - much faster and more smooth & stable than Wi-Fi 4. Dual-band Wi-Fi enables you to switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the best signal.
- 【Safer Local or Cloud Storage 】Opt to Anona Cloud to save videos on our cloud storage encrypted by AES-128, a highly secure and efficient encryption algorithm. If you prefer local recordings, just insert an up to 512 GB microSD card (not included) to the indoor cameras for home. 2 storage choices - you decide.
YouTube’s direct webcam workflow is different: enable live streaming, open the webcam flow, enter stream details, choose privacy, select the camera and microphone, and start the stream. Check YouTube’s current eligibility and setup requirements in Create a live stream via webcam, since platform rules can change.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common problems and fixes
- The webcam is missing from OBS: reconnect it, check operating-system camera permissions, and close other apps that may be using it. Reopen the device selector and choose the correct camera.
- The second device cannot join: confirm it has internet access, open the join link in a supported browser, allow camera permission, and select the intended camera.
- The RTSP feed does not load: verify that the camera model supports RTSP, that RTSP is enabled, that both devices are on a reachable network, and that the model-specific address and credentials are correct.
- The pet camera is cropped or hidden: select the correct source in the scene, adjust its position and size, and check its visibility state and layer order.
- The image is visible but expected sound is missing: inspect the audio source and microphone selection separately; do not assume camera video automatically includes the required audio.
- The camera view appears in the wrong application: OBS Virtual Camera supplies a camera input to another application. For a YouTube broadcast, complete YouTube’s own live setup or use OBS as the encoder and configure the broadcast there.
Or let it run in the cloud
If your goal is an always-on YouTube stream of uploaded video rather than a live camera view of your pet, StreamNeo runs the loop in the cloud: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. Nothing has to stay on at home; the uploaded video streams as made, up to 4K 60fps, at one price per slot, and StreamNeo automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream. The first day is free with no card, and Monthly is $9.99 per month. StreamNeo plays uploaded videos to YouTube; it does not stream a live camera feed. Start your free day with StreamNeo.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Mini camera, max performance — Mini 2K+ is our third-generation compact plug-in camera, delivering sharper 2K video resolution and improved audio clarity, so you can see and hear more of what matters.
- See everything, miss nothing — With 2K video resolution, expansive coverage, and up to 4x zoom, you'll capture more detailed footage, even in challenging light conditions.
- Two-way talk that feels natural — Enjoy improved audio with noise cancellation for clearer conversations around your home, making it feel like you're there in person.
- Smarter protection — Receive smart detection like person and vehicle detection with an optional Blink Subscription Plan (sold separately).
- Plug in anywhere — Place or mount indoors, or take it outside with the Weather Resistant Power Adapter (sold separately). Installation takes just minutes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
