What is a webcam
A video camera that is connected to a computer or integrated in a device and allows its images to be seen online.
What is a virtual webcam
A virtual webcam (virtual camera) is a software-based webcam that simulates a physical webcam and allows the user to send video and audio to other applications or devices as if it were a real webcam. It can be used to provide video input to applications such as video conferencing software, live streaming platforms, or video chat services, even if the computer does not have a physical webcam.
To use a virtual webcam, the user typically installs a virtual webcam software application and selects it as the video input source in the application or service they wish to use. The virtual webcam will then transmit the video and audio feed to the selected application or device. Some virtual webcam software applications may also allow the user to apply various effects or filters to the video feed.
Benefits of using a virtual webcam
Virtual webcams can be used in a variety of situations, such as when a physical webcam is not available, or when the user wants to use a different video source as their webcam, such as a pre-recorded video or a live feed from a different camera with is not recognized as a webcam (e.g. HDMI cameras), or the screen capture.
How virtual webcams work
To use a virtual webcam, the user typically installs a virtual webcam software application and selects it as the video input source in the application or service they wish to use.