Use old iPhone or Android phones as webcam to livestream, no app required

[swifttrack]

I’ve been using an awesome trick to turn any iPhone or Android into a high-end webcam for OBS, and it’s so simple it takes just 10 seconds to set up—no apps required! This method uses stream.swifthub.net (100% free, no ads), delivers crystal-clear video with ultra-low latency, and is super battery-friendly since there’s no video preview on the phone. I’ve been using it for e-commerce packing videos (like for Shopee and TikTok Shop in Vietnam), and the quality beats most webcams with autofocus and great white balance. Here’s how it works:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. On your phone: Go to stream.swifthub.net, allow camera access, and hit “Start Recording.”
2. Copy the stream URL: Tap “Copy Stream URL” to grab the link.
3. In OBS: Click the “+” in Sources, add a Browser source, name it (e.g., “Camera”), and paste the URL. Set resolution to 1280x720 for best quality.
4. Done! Your phone’s video should appear in OBS instantly. If not, hit “Refresh” and ensure both devices are on the same network.

Pro Tips:

• Use landscape mode for the best view.
• The phone shows a livestream indicator (no battery-draining preview!).
• For Zoom/Google Meet, click “Start Virtual Camera” in OBS to use it as a webcam.
• Perfect for e-commerce, streaming, or any setup needing high-quality video.

• No apps to install—works straight from the browser.
• Insanely low latency (I shook my phone to test, and it’s smooth as butter).
• Even old phones give better quality than most webcams/CCTV.
• Battery-saving design with just an indicator, unlike other solutions with power-hungry previews.

Try it out and let me know how it works for you! Has anyone else used stream.swifthub.net or similar browser-based streaming? Would love to hear your setups or tweaks!

 

[swifttrack]

On your phone:

On PC:

 

[DJ_ROKnBOK]

I've followed the directions with multiple devices (iPhone, iPad) and am not receiving a URL. \
After allowing access to the camera and tapping "Start Broadcast", the Status shows "Broadcast started, waiting for viewers", but the Stream URL shows "N/A". How do I get a URL to put into OBS?