Abdulo Karim
New Member
If you’ve ever wished you could add a second camera to your OBS setup without buying another webcam or DSLR, good news: you can easily convert an old mobile phone into a high-quality remote camera using RTSP. Whether you’re live streaming a podcast, gaming session, product demo, or teaching setup, this trick gives you extra flexibility without extra cost.
Let’s break it down in simple terms—no jargon, just practical steps and what you need to know.
RTSP stands for Real-Time Streaming Protocol, a network protocol that allows streaming of media from one device to another. Think of it as a live video highway from your mobile phone to your PC over the same Wi-Fi network.
Why is this powerful?
Because it lets your phone act like a wireless webcam—no cables, no apps on your PC, just clean IP-based streaming.
Here’s the simplest way to get your mobile camera up and running:
Step 1: Install an RTSP Camera App
For Android:
Step 2: Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Make sure both your phone and your PC/laptop are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This ensures a smoother, lag-free connection.
Step 3: Get the RTSP URL from the App
Most apps will show you an RTSP URL when you start the stream. It’ll look something like this:
arduino
CopyEdit
rtsp://192.168.0.105:8554/live
Copy this URL—you’ll need it in OBS.
Now open OBS Studio and follow these steps:
If you stream mobile games or want a professional setup using your phone only, combining an RTSP camera with your mobile screen and audio routing can create a full mobile-streaming rig—perfect for creators who want to stay agile.
Turning your phone into an RTSP camera for OBS is one of the simplest ways to expand your streaming possibilities without investing in new hardware. It’s cost-effective, flexible, and works surprisingly well—especially on a strong Wi-Fi connection.
If you want to see a real example of how I used this method to stream a mobile game setup, you can check out a full breakdown I wrote on my blog: Pkr Vip Corner.
Hope this helps someone out there looking to level up their streaming setup on a budget! If you run into any issues or want to share your setup ideas, feel free to reply.
Let’s break it down in simple terms—no jargon, just practical steps and what you need to know.
What Is RTSP, and Why Use It?
RTSP stands for Real-Time Streaming Protocol, a network protocol that allows streaming of media from one device to another. Think of it as a live video highway from your mobile phone to your PC over the same Wi-Fi network.
Why is this powerful?
Because it lets your phone act like a wireless webcam—no cables, no apps on your PC, just clean IP-based streaming.
Setting Up Your Mobile as an RTSP Camera
Here’s the simplest way to get your mobile camera up and running:
Step 1: Install an RTSP Camera App
For Android:
- IP Webcam
- DroidCam (RTSP support in paid version)
- Iriun Webcam
- IP Camera Lite
- RTSP Camera
Step 2: Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Make sure both your phone and your PC/laptop are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This ensures a smoother, lag-free connection.
Step 3: Get the RTSP URL from the App
Most apps will show you an RTSP URL when you start the stream. It’ll look something like this:
arduino
CopyEdit
rtsp://192.168.0.105:8554/live
Copy this URL—you’ll need it in OBS.
Adding the RTSP Stream into OBS
Now open OBS Studio and follow these steps:
- Add a new source → Choose Media Source
- Uncheck “Local File.”
- In the Input field, paste the RTSP URL
- Set the buffer to a lower value (e.g., 100 ms) if your Wi-Fi is stable
- Hit OK, and your mobile stream should show up in your scene!
Tips to Improve Quality & Stability
- Use GHz Wi-Fi for faster, more stable video
- Lower resolution if the stream lags (e.g., 720p instead of 1080p)
- Keep phone plugged into charger to avoid disconnections
- Disable auto-lock/sleep mode on your phone
Real-World Use Cases
- Gamers: Add facecam from mobile while streaming gameplay
- Podcasters: Use dual angles (one wide, one close)
- Teachers: Show handwritten notes or real-world objects live
- Cosmetic/Product Sellers: Live showcase your product with one cam, and show setup or packaging with the second
Make It Mobile & Professional
If you stream mobile games or want a professional setup using your phone only, combining an RTSP camera with your mobile screen and audio routing can create a full mobile-streaming rig—perfect for creators who want to stay agile.
Final Thoughts
Turning your phone into an RTSP camera for OBS is one of the simplest ways to expand your streaming possibilities without investing in new hardware. It’s cost-effective, flexible, and works surprisingly well—especially on a strong Wi-Fi connection.
If you want to see a real example of how I used this method to stream a mobile game setup, you can check out a full breakdown I wrote on my blog: Pkr Vip Corner.
Hope this helps someone out there looking to level up their streaming setup on a budget! If you run into any issues or want to share your setup ideas, feel free to reply.