Add a pet camera to a livestream by connecting a USB webcam to your streaming computer and adding it as a video-capture source in OBS or your streaming software. If the pet is too far from the computer, use a supported phone-camera workflow or a compatible network-camera feed. Preview the camera and check its framing before going live.
Choose a pet-camera setup
The right option depends on how far the pet’s usual spot is from your streaming computer, what devices you already own, and what your streaming software supports.
| Option | Best fit | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| USB webcam connected to the streaming computer | The pet is near the computer and the cable can reach. | Check device compatibility, cable reach, and the webcam’s available resolution and frame-rate settings. |
| Phone, tablet, or laptop as a second camera | You have a spare device or need to place the camera farther from the computer. | The camera workflow must support your streaming software and the second device needs a camera, internet access, and a browser or compatible app. |
| Phone connected to OBS by USB or Wi-Fi/NDI | You want to use a phone as a camera and the specific app supports your setup. | Connection behavior varies by product; do not assume USB or NDI support is universal. |
| Network or pet camera feed | The exact camera model exposes a feed that your software can receive. | Verify the model’s specifications and setup instructions. Not every consumer pet camera provides a browser-viewable feed or RTSP. |
Add a USB webcam in OBS
OBS calls the input a Video Capture Device source on Windows and a Video Capture source on macOS. The OBS Project’s Video Capture Sources guide notes that device behavior and settings can vary by operating system.
- Connect the webcam to the streaming computer and make sure the operating system can see it.
- In OBS, select the scene where you want the pet view. In the Sources box, click the plus button and choose Video Capture Device on Windows or Video Capture Device/Video Capture, as labelled in your version, on macOS.
- Create a new source or select an existing one, then choose the webcam from the device list.
- If the picture is not usable, check the source’s resolution and FPS options. Available choices depend on the webcam and operating system; use a mode the camera supports rather than assuming a higher setting will work.
- Drag the source in the preview to position it. Resize it with the handles, and crop it if needed so it shows the pet’s area without covering important stream content.
For OBS’s direct webcam setup and positioning guidance, see How do I add my webcam?
#1 Best Overall
- ENDLESS POWER FROM SOLAR ENERGY: Just 45 minutes of direct sunlight powers the camera for a full day of use, while the built-in battery lasts up to 180 days on a single charge during cloudy days. Solar charging requires temperatures above 32°F.△
- EASY WIRE-FREE INSTALLATION: Place the Tapo SolarCam C402 KIT where you need it without relying on nearby outlets. Install the camera and solar panel together or separately using the included 13 ft cable for flexible placement.
- PRIORITIZE WHAT MATTERS: Set activity zones to monitor specific areas for motion or people. Free person and motion detection helps reduce unwanted alerts and notifies you when activity is detected.
- VERSATILE VIDEO STORAGE: Store footage locally via a microSD card (up to 512GB)* or via cloud with a Tapo Care cloud subscription. Tailor your security to suit your needs, whether indoor or outdoor, you have the storage option you need.
- FULL-COLOR 1080P, DAY AND NIGHT: See clearly in low light with a large-aperture lens and built-in spotlights. Capture full-color night vision up to 30 ft away to monitor for possible intruders or motion.
Use a phone, tablet, or laptop as a second camera
One accessible route is Streamlabs Collab Cam, which uses a second device’s camera through a browser-based joining flow. Streamlabs’ pet-cam guide says the second device needs a camera, internet connection, and browser access.
- Add Collab Cam as a source in Streamlabs Desktop and copy the join link it provides.
- Open that link on the phone, tablet, or laptop you will place near the pet.
- Allow camera access and join the session.
- Position, resize, or crop the camera source in your stream layout.
Streamlabs’ March 10, 2023 support article described one second camera or guest as free and multiple guests or cameras as requiring Streamlabs Ultra. Plan limits can change, so check Streamlabs’ current plan details before relying on that allowance.
Rank #2
- 【2K High Definition】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 2K high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 512 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides additional benefits such as motion tracking, baby crying detection, and more. [Before purchasing a microSD card, please check the TP-Link website FAQ to ensure compatibility with your device.]
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if its your pet playing around or if someone is actually there.
- 【Works w/ Alexa & Google Assistant】Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, use your simple voice command to view Tapo indoor security camera live stream on Echo Show or Google Chrome Cast with a screen. Easily get your home security footage up on a larger TV display.
Connect a phone to OBS by USB or Wi-Fi
Camera for OBS Studio documents USB and wireless NDI options for its own product. Its guidance describes USB as the lower-latency, more reliable connection and Wi-Fi/NDI as the more mobile choice when the local network is suitable. These trade-offs are specific to that product, not a rule for every phone-camera app.
- USB: Consider it when the phone can remain physically connected to the streaming computer. Follow the app’s setup instructions for both the phone and OBS.
- NDI/Wi-Fi: Consider it when the phone needs to move freely. A stable local network matters because the video feed depends on it.
See Camera for OBS Studio’s USB or NDI setup guide for that product’s current instructions. Its documentation says Streamlabs Desktop uses only its NDI Wi-Fi path because Streamlabs Desktop does not allow third-party OBS plugins; this limitation applies to the documented product workflow.
Rank #3
- 【Up, Down, All Around】This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- 【Detection & Instant Notification】Get instant push notifications when motion, person or baby crying is detected, there is no additional fee to use it as a baby camera monitor. Discern from notifications that matter, so you'll know if someone is there.
- 【Secure Local or Cloud Storage】Save footage continuously on up to a 512 GB microSD card (not included) or subscribe to Tapo Care for cloud storage which saves 30-day video history and provides additional benefits such as motion tracking, baby crying detection, and more. [Before purchasing a microSD card, please check the TP-Link website FAQ to ensure compatibility with your device.]
- 【Night Vision up to 30 Ft.】Never miss a thing that goes on, even at night thanks to the integrated IR system on this indoor camera which provides 30 feet of night vision.
- 【1080P Full HD】Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 1080P Full HD video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with. Connects via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Band
Use a dedicated pet or network camera
Some setups can bring in a designated pet-camera app through a phone emulator or show an online-viewable camera feed as a browser source. Another possible route is RTSP, but only when both the camera and receiving software support it.
For an RTSP setup, verify the exact camera model’s manual for its stream address, authentication, and network requirements. AVer’s OBS Plugin for PTZ Cameras user manual describes RTSP input with the camera and PC on the network and RTSP support available. Do not assume a consumer pet camera exposes an RTSP stream or a browser-accessible feed.
Rank #4
- 2K HIGH DEFINITION: Capture every detail inside your home with crystal-clear 2K high definition video with this indoor security camera. Easily see what your baby is holding or what your pet is playing with. 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi required.
- SEE MORE WITH PAN/TILT: This Pan/Tilt IP camera see everything across an entire room or walkway with the 360° horizontal and 114° vertical range pan/tilt field of view.
- NO SUBSCRIPTION STORAGE OPTION - Store recordings on a microSD card at no cost◇ (up to 512GB) or subscribe to Tapo Care's cloud storage.
- DETECTION & INSTANT NOTIFICATIONS: Get instant push notifications when motion, a person, or a baby crying is detected. No additional fee is required for baby monitoring. Smart detection helps distinguish pets from people.
- WORKS W/ ALEXA & GOOGLE ASSISTANT: Use voice commands to view your Tapo camera’s live stream on Echo Show, Chromecast, or Nest displays. Google streaming is limited to Chromecast and Nest devices.
Position and check the camera before going live
- Place the camera near where the pet usually rests, and frame enough of the area to allow for movement.
- A phone tripod can make placement easier, but it is optional; a stable improvised support can also work.
- In the scene preview, confirm that the camera source is visible and does not obscure essential stream content.
- Check focus, framing, and whether the camera is also adding audio you want to avoid.
- Test the source’s visibility control. Streamlabs documents hiding a source and assigning hotkeys to show or hide it, which can be useful if you want the pet view available only at certain times.
Troubleshoot a missing or poor camera feed
OBS does not list the USB webcam
- Confirm the camera is connected and selected as the device for the capture source.
- Check the camera’s supported resolution and FPS settings. OBS notes that device behavior and capture options vary by operating system.
- Close another application that may be using the camera, then reopen or refresh the source if the device remains unavailable.
The phone feed will not join
- For Collab Cam, confirm the second device has a camera, internet access, and browser access, and that camera permission was allowed.
- For a phone-camera app, check its own connection instructions and confirm that the phone and streaming software are using a supported connection path.
The wireless feed stutters or drops
For the Camera for OBS Studio NDI/Wi-Fi workflow, the local network is part of the camera path. Check the network connection and, if practical, switch to that product’s USB option when reliability matters more than mobility.
The network camera does not appear in the scene
Check whether the exact model exposes the stream type you are trying to use, such as an online-viewable feed or RTSP, and follow that model’s authentication and network setup instructions. A camera app that works on a phone does not necessarily provide a feed that OBS can ingest.
Best Value
- 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
Or let it run in the cloud
A pet camera is a live camera view, so it needs a computer and streaming software to capture and send it. If your goal is instead to keep a YouTube channel live using uploaded videos, StreamNeo is a separate cloud option: upload a recording or build a playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It plays uploaded videos, not a live camera feed.
Quick Recap
- Nothing has to stay on at home: StreamNeo runs the uploaded-video stream from the cloud.
- Any quality up to 4K 60fps is streamed as uploaded, at one flat price per slot.
- It automatically recovers if YouTube drops the stream.
- The first day is free with no card, one free day per account.
- Monthly: $9.99 per month.
Start your free StreamNeo day.
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.
