Using the Insta360 X5 as a 360° webcam: tutorial with OBS

Have you ever thought it would be awesome to use your X5 as a webcam for your live streams, meetings, or online training sessions? Well, good news: it's possible, and it's actually pretty simple with OBS. Whether you're creating an immersive live stream on YouTube, streaming an event, or just impressing your colleagues on Zoom, let's take a look at how to make it all work.

Webcam mode Insta360 X5

What you need to get started

Before plugging anything in, do a quick check:

• ✅ An Insta360 X5 with the latest firmware installed

• ✅ A good quality USB-C cable (not just a basic charging cable)

• ✅ Your computer with OBS Studio installed (free and available on Windows/Mac)

• ✅ And that's it! No need for an external converter or capture card

Enable Webcam Mode on the X5

1. Connect your X5 to your PC via the USB-C cable.

2. Turn on the camera, you will see a menu with the choice of USB mode.

3. Select "Webcam" .

4. You will then have the choice between:

   • 360° mode : to broadcast a complete and immersive view

   • Reframe : for a standard view, like a regular webcam

Personally, the Reframe mode is super practical for stylish video conferences, and the 360° is perfect for events or interactive content.

Configure OBS to capture the X5

1. Open OBS

2. In your scene, click on the + to add a new source

3. Select "Video Capture Device"

4. Select "Insta360 Virtual Camera" (or a similar name depending on your system)

5. Adjust the resolution (you can go up to 4K depending on your machine and your connection)

6. And there you have it, you should see the image of your X5 displayed in OBS 🎉

You can then resize, add overlays, text, sound, basically... everything OBS allows you to do.

Stream live with OBS

Once your image is in place:

• Go to OBS Settings > Streams

• Choose your platform (YouTube, Twitch, Facebook...)

• Enter your stream key (you can find it in your platform account)

• Click on Start Streaming

And there you have it, you're live with a 360° camera that's going strong 🔥

Some practical tips

• 💻 Consider external power supply if you are planning a long live

• 🌡️ Be careful of heating , especially in 360 mode: the Cooling Screen Protector can be useful

• 📶 Check your internet connection , as the X5's video stream can be heavy in 4K

• 🎙️ The built-in mic works, but if you want clean sound, consider an external mic via OBS

Conclusion

Honestly, using your Insta360 X5 as a webcam is a great way to maximize your camera's power and deliver more professional, immersive, and downright stylish content than any standard webcam.

So whether you're a streamer, trainer, musician, or just a tech enthusiast, don't hesitate to give it a try. And if you have any questions about settings or OBS scenes, I'm here to help 😉