How to use your phone as an external webcam for online tutoring on Kedyou

Online tutors need a good webcam to provide a high-quality tutoring experience, and maintain effective communication with their students. But what if you don’t have access to a webcam, or the one you have isn’t great? Or what if you need to use your webcam for another task, like recording a video lesson?

In these cases, you can use your phone as an external webcam. This is a great way to improve the quality of your video calls and give your students a better viewing experience. Here are some apps that can help you out

🏡 Windows and Mac devices

EpocCam allows you to use your iPhone as a webcam for your computer. It can use Wi-Fi or a USB connection on Windows and Mac devices. The free version offers 480p video quality with basic features and a small watermark on the video. If you want better video quality and more customization options without the watermark, you can get the pro version for a one-off purchase of $8

iVCam also does a similar thing and works on Windows and Mac devices. Unlike EpocCam it works with both iPhones and Android phones. It lets you stream in 480p for free, but there will be a small watermark and occasional ads. To remove the watermark and get better video quality up to 1080p with no ads, you can buy the pro version for a price ranging from $10 to $25 based on the subscription plan (yearly or permanent)

🔧 Windows and Linux devices

DroidCam is an app that lets you use your Android or iPhone as a webcam for your computer. It works on Windows and Linux operating systems and can connect through Wi-Fi or USB. The free version allows you to use unlimited 480p video streaming, with occasional advertisements. If you want more features, you can buy the pro version for a one-time cost of $4.99 USD. With the pro version, you can stream in higher quality (720p and 1080p), adjust brightness and colour lighting, and enjoy an ad-free experience

📝 Step-by-step instructions

Once you’ve chosen an app, you can follow these step-by-step instructions to connect your phone as an external webcam:

1. Download and install the app on your phone and computer.
2. Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable or Wi-Fi.
3. Open the app on your phone and computer.
4. On the computer, select the app as your webcam on Kedyou
5. You’re now ready to use your phone as an external webcam!

🔑 Key considerations

1. Your phone and computer need to be on the same Wi-Fi network if you’re using Wi-Fi to connect
2. Experiment with the app’s settings to find the best video quality for your calls. This will also help you troubleshoot issues, which is a key technical skill for online tutors
3. If you’re using the app for streaming, ensure you have a good internet connection
4. Consider charging your phone while using these apps as they can drain battery quickly
5. Before using any third-party video application, be sure to read and accept the privacy policy

🧠 Conclusion

Using your phone as an external webcam is a great way to improve the quality of your video calls and give your students a better viewing experience. Try out different apps that you can use, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget