If you're into streaming, you don't have to fork out for a webcam if you've got an Android smartphone in your pocket. Even mid-range phones will have a better camera than most webcams, and we're going to show you how to use it instead. Really, what better time to get into streaming, and to experiment with different ways to do just that, than when you're stuck "working" at home?

While it's become easier to find the best webcams, if you're in a crunch or don't want to buy yet another gadget, you can use your phone as a webcam.

This guide will show you how to use your phone as a webcam, and lists several apps that can help you get the most out of your phone's camera, and video conference like a champ. We have options whether you're on Mac, Windows, Android, or an iPhone. 

For starters, you can simply download one of the best video chat apps directly to your smartphone. Zoom, Skype, Google Duo, and Discord all have free mobile apps for both Android and iOS devices.

However, if you want to use your smartphone as your computer’s webcam, you’ll have to do something a little different. This involves downloading an app to your phone, which broadcasts a signal via Wi-Fi to an app on your computer. This desktop app then tells the videoconferencing service of your choice (Skype, Zoom, etc), that your phone is a webcam.

If you really want to look and sound your best on video calls, you'll also want one of the best ring lights as well as one of the best microphones. Our guides will help you pick the one that's right for you.