v4l2loopback as a Linux alternative to OBS VirtualCam
Updated
Our verdict
v4l2loopback is a good replacement for OBS VirtualCam if you're on Linux and want to use OBS Studio as a virtual webcam. It works well with Zoom, Meet, and Teams when combined with OBS or FFmpeg. You can use custom scenes, overlays, and audio sources through OBS, just like on Windows. Setup requires more manual steps than the Windows plugin, but once running, the virtual camera performs reliably with low latency. It's ideal for Linux users comfortable with command-line tools and basic kernel modules.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.15.4
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both create a virtual webcam device usable by conferencing apps like Zoom and Meet
- Allow OBS Studio output to be sent as a camera feed
- Support custom scenes, sources, and overlays via OBS
- Work with standard video conferencing and webcam-dependent software
- Provide low-latency video streaming when configured properly
What is different
- v4l2loopback is a kernel module requiring manual setup; OBS VirtualCam is a one-click plugin
- No built-in GUI — configuration is done via command line or scripts
- Does not integrate directly into OBS Studio — requires external streaming setup
- Supports multiple virtual cameras simultaneously, which OBS VirtualCam does not
- Relies on third-party tools like obs-v4l2sink or FFmpeg to pipe OBS output
Opening your OBS VirtualCam files
v4l2loopback does not handle OBS project files (.obsproject) or profiles directly. OBS scenes, sources, and settings created on Windows can be used on Linux if you copy the configuration files to ~/.config/obs-studio. The virtual camera functionality doesn't depend on file import — it streams the live output. As long as your OBS setup is migrated, the visual result will match what you had on Windows.
Switching from OBS VirtualCam to v4l2loopback, step by step
- Install v4l2loopback via your package manager (e.g., 'sudo apt install v4l2loopback-dkms')
- Load the module: 'sudo modprobe v4l2loopback devices=1'
- Install obs-v4l2sink or use FFmpeg to route OBS output to the virtual device
- In OBS, add a 'V4L2 Video Output' sink and select the virtual device (/dev/videoX)
- Open your conferencing app and select the v4l2loopback device as the webcam
Key features of v4l2loopback
- Creates virtual V4L2 video devices
- Supports multiple virtual cameras at once
- Works with any application that uses V4L2
- Can stream from FFmpeg, OBS, GStreamer, and more
- Supports various pixel formats including MJPEG and YUV
- Allows dynamic loading and unloading of devices
- Enables video routing between applications
- Configurable resolution and frame rate
How to install v4l2loopback on Linux
sudo apt install v4l2loopbacksudo apt install v4l2loopbacksudo pacman -S v4l2loopback-dkmssudo zypper install v4l2loopbackFrequently asked questions
Do I need to compile v4l2loopback from source?
No — it's packaged in Arch, Debian, Ubuntu, and openSUSE. Use your distro's package manager to install it.
Can I use it with OBS Studio out of the box?
Not directly — you need obs-v4l2sink or FFmpeg to send OBS output to the virtual camera device.
Does it support audio?
No — v4l2loopback only handles video. Use your system's audio routing (e.g., PulseAudio) to manage microphone or desktop audio in calls.
3 other alternatives to OBS VirtualCam
OBS StudioOBS Studio is free, open-source software for recording and live streaming video from your desktop, webcam, or…Open sourceFreeFlatpakOBS Studio vs OBS VirtualCamFFmpegFFmpeg is a powerful command-line toolkit for converting, streaming, and processing audio and video files.Open sourceFreeFFmpeg vs OBS VirtualCamGuvcviewGuvcview is a simple Linux app for capturing video and images from USB webcams and V4L2 devices.Open sourceFreeGuvcview vs OBS VirtualCam