Virtual Camera Plugin

Overview

A Standardized Approach to Virtual Cameras

We propose a standard for virtual cameras that can be used in any application supporting camera input. Instead of relying on physical devices, the virtual camera runs inside a webview or iframe, provided by a third-party plugin.

How It Works

• The host application loads a virtual camera plugin via a webview or iframe.
• The plugin provides a user interface to control camera output — such as changing avatars, backgrounds, or applying filters.
• A direct messaging channel is established between the plugin and the host application.
• Using this channel, the host and plugin negotiate a WebRTC connection to transmit the video stream.
• The host registers the virtual camera as an input device and uses the video stream from the WebRTC connection when selected.

User Experience

Users can discover and use virtual camera plugins by simply pasting a link into a supporting application. The plugin is loaded and becomes available as a selectable video source.

Plugin Interface Standard

Developers can create compatible virtual camera plugins by following the standard interface specification. This specification defines the messaging protocol, WebRTC setup requirements, and UI guidelines.
View the Plugin Interface Specification

Flexatar Extension

Flexatar is a tool that turns any photo into a real-time talking avatar with cinematic quality.

Our Chrome extension adds the Flexatar virtual camera to your video device list, just like a normal webcam.

• Create Flexatars from any photo found in your browser.
• Use Flexatar for video calls on Telegram, Google Meet, Facebook messenger, Zoom, Discord and more.
• Make talking-head videos with photo + audio in any browser-based video editor.
• Generate talking avatar videos from your voice or audio files.

Demo Video