How to Use SpyScope as Input Source for OBS

Why Use SpyScope with OBS?

SpyScope streams video using HLS (HTTP Live Streaming), which OBS can capture as a media source. This gives you:

• Wireless freedom - No cables needed, place your iPhone anywhere in WiFi range
• High quality - Up to 2K resolution at 30fps
• Multiple cameras - Add several iPhones as different camera angles
• iPhone camera quality - Use your iPhone's excellent camera sensors
• No extra software - OBS natively supports HLS streams

What You'll Need

• SpyScope installed on your iPhone or iPad
• OBS Studio installed on your computer (Mac, Windows, or Linux)
• Both devices connected to the same WiFi network

Step 1: Start SpyScope Stream

1. Open SpyScope on your iPhone
2. Tap the record button to start streaming
3. Note the stream URL displayed (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:8080)
4. The full HLS playlist URL will be: http://192.168.1.100:8080/index.m3u8

Step 2: Add Media Source in OBS

1. Open OBS Studio
2. In the Sources panel, click the + button
3. Select Media Source
4. Name it (e.g., "iPhone Camera") and click OK

Step 3: Configure the Media Source

In the Media Source properties window:

1. Uncheck Local File
2. In the Input field, paste your SpyScope URL:
   http://192.168.1.100:8080/index.m3u8
3. Set Input Format to hls
4. Check Restart playback when source becomes active
5. Click OK

Step 4: Optimize for Lower Latency

To reduce delay between the iPhone camera and OBS, add these settings in the Media Source properties:

In the Input Format field, enter:

Also in SpyScope settings, use the lowest latency option (2-second segments) for the fastest response.

Step 5: Position and Resize

1. Your iPhone feed should now appear in OBS
2. Drag the corners to resize the source
3. Position it where you want in your scene
4. Right-click for more options like filters, transform, etc.

Adding Multiple iPhones

You can add multiple SpyScope cameras to OBS:

1. Start SpyScope on each iPhone you want to use
2. Each device will have a different IP address
3. Add a separate Media Source in OBS for each one
4. Arrange them in your scene as needed

Troubleshooting

Stream not showing in OBS?

• Verify SpyScope is actively recording (not just the server running)
• Check that both devices are on the same WiFi network
• Confirm the URL includes /index.m3u8
• Try opening the URL in a web browser first to verify it works

Video is choppy or buffering?

• Use 5GHz WiFi for better bandwidth
• Lower the quality setting in SpyScope
• Ensure your WiFi router isn't overloaded
• Move the iPhone closer to the router

Too much delay?

• Use the lowest latency setting in SpyScope (2-second segments)
• Some delay is inherent to HLS - typically 4-10 seconds
• For reaction content, account for the delay in your workflow

Use Cases for OBS + SpyScope

• IRL streaming - Use your iPhone as a mobile camera while streaming from your PC
• Overhead cam - Mount iPhone above your desk for craft, cooking, or unboxing streams
• Facecam alternative - Use iPhone's superior front camera instead of a webcam
• Multi-angle setups - Add B-roll camera angles to your stream
• Pet/room cam - Show your pet or room in a corner of your stream