How to Use Streamlabs Desktop Collab Cam

Want to host friends, family, or other streamers on your live streams? Of course you do! With Streamlabs Desktop Collab Cam, you can invite anyone to join your stream in seconds. All you have to do is open Collab Cam in your Streamlabs Desktop software, generate a link, and send it to whoever you wish. Your guest simply has to click the link and they’ll be invited to join your stream.

There are many different ways you can use Collab Cam to make your streams more interesting and dynamic. Here are a few ideas:

• Go live with another streamer who is also live—Streamception!
• Show yourself or your setup from various angles by using your phone as an extra camera
• Use your phone to connect to your stream and walk away from your computer
• Connect a pet cam to show off your most treasured companion
• Host a guest from the Streamlabs Mobile app on your phone
• Create a community by co-hosting streams regularly
• Share avatars of your friends on stream—VTubers rejoice!
• Host up to 11 guests with Collab Cam’s multi-guest feature (included with Streamlabs Ultra
• And so much more!

How to Use Collab Cam

Step 1: Open your Streamlabs Desktop software as you normally would.

Step 2: Click on the plus sign next to “Sources” to add a new source.

Step 3: Choose Collab Cam and click “Add Source.”

Step 4: Double click on Collab Cam from your Sources list to bring up this popup window.

Step 5: Click “Start Collab Cam.” Copy the link and send it to your guest(s) via DM or email. The first image below shows what you'll see when generating the Collab Cam link. The second image shows what your guest will see when accepting your invitation. Here, your guest can choose their webcam and microphone source and even choose to turn on echo cancellation for the best sound quality.

Step 6: After your guest joins your stream, you can double-check their video to make sure everything looks good. When you’re ready, click “Show on Stream.” Below is an example image of what your guest will see before joining and when they join. 

Note: Though you will likely be able to hear your guest the moment they join your screen, your audience may not. Try adding an extra microphone source if this occurs. As Collab Cam is a new feature, we will update guides as needed if any problems are detected.

Important Tips for Using Collab Cam Safely

While we anticipate many fun times ahead for streamers using Collab Cam, we wanted to share some quick tips to ensure everyone has a positive experience. 

• Only share your Collab Cam link with people who you know and trust. 
• If you set up Collab Cam while you’re already live, don’t share your screen. 
• If you suspect that your link has been leaked or shared, click the “Generate a new link” button, to invalidate the previous link.

Remember that your guest(s) must also abide by the rules and regulations for whatever platform you’re streaming on. Though you can quickly hide your guest’s cam if needed, it’s a good idea to set some ground rules before going live together. Whether you’re streaming on Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Trovo, or somewhere else, follow the rules to keep your account safe from any disciplinary actions.

Collab Cam Troubleshooting

If you're having difficulty navigating Collab Cam’s settings, we’re here to help. Take a look at our list of possible issues and their corresponding solutions below.

My Collab Cam guests cannot hear my audio

Solution: You must have your guest source set to show on stream or the guest audio and video will not be sent to your Streamlabs Desktop editor or to the output. 

Note: If you have switched to a scene where you don't have Collab Cam added as a source (such as a BRB, Starting Soon, or Ending soon screen), your guest Collab Cam view of you will freeze until you return to a scene with Collab Cam. Your guests will still be able to interact with each other.

My audio wasn’t recorded from Collab Cam

Solution: Update Collab Cam settings to Monitor and Output

By default, Collab Cam should be set to Monitor only, as this sends the audio to you and should be picked up by your Streamlabs Desktop audio on stream. 

My PC audio is changed or reduced when I use Collab Cam

Solution: Go to Windows Start > Search for Sound Settings

• Under Advanced click on More sound settings
• Open the Communications tab
• Select the radio button for Do nothing
• Hit OK

I need help with a different issue

For further assistance with Collab Cam, contact our Discord. You can also submit a ticket.

Now you’re ready to go live with friends and mutuals, no matter where they are in the world! By hosting a guest with Collab Cam, it will be easier than ever for you to chat effortlessly on stream—no more monologues! If you go the route of using Collab Cam as an extra camera, you can show off your setup, a project you’re working on, or your beloved pet. Let’s not forget that if you connect Collab Cam to your phone, you can step away from your computer and take your chat with you. How will you use Collab Cam on your streams? Whatever way you choose, we know you’re going to love it.