Record webcam using VLC

As I’ve discussed in other articles such as Screen Recording With VLC and Convert Video Files with VLC, this free video player can do a lot. Here’s another trick VLC can do – Record Your Webcam. Even if your webcam has software to take pictures and record video, VLC may be better. It can record on several different formats, and it allows you to tweak some video settings. Here’s how:

1. Go to Media/Open Capture Device.
2. Choose DirectShow.
3. Under “video device name”, choose your webcam device.
4. Under “audio device name” choose your microphone.
5. Click “Advanced options.” Choose your aspect ratio, frame rate, Video standard and properties for your TV tuner if you have one. You can use the software that came with your webcam to control the input settings by choosing “Device properties.” Click Okay.

There are two options recording webcam video: You can choose “Play” which will play live video through VLC. You can record clips by clicking the red Record button. Or you can choose “Convert Save” and choose where to save it.

Choosing Play and then recording clips in short bursts will require headphones because this method can create a feedback loop. Choosing “Convert Save” avoids feedback, but doesn’t let you see if a recording is being made or what’s being recorded. So press Stop when done.