The README says you can pipe this "matrix feed" to Zoom by using OBS Studio's Virtual Camera feature. I've used this virtual camera on Zoom meetings before and, especially on macOS, it can be laggy.

Laggy might add a tasteful zest of glitchyness.

I need a gstreamer pipeline which gives video feeds a "Tom Goes to the Mayor" effect, and then something to hook that into Zoom. Then I'll actually be able to focus when I'm on a video call.

exactly, see the README on how to do it. I am not taking responsibility if you do it with HR though

Could anyone provide better instructions? I'm new to OBS and have spent almost an hour trying variations of things with no success. The matrix-webcam runs in my terminal, but it outputs whatever OBS sees (video feedback infinite fractal). README.md instructions leave too many steps out.

I assume the method is run in a window > capture window in OBS > OBS virtual camera to Zoom / whatever.