How to become a vtuber

How to Become a VTuber

In this article, you’ll learn what VTubers Do, what you’ll need to get started, how much to invest, and more.

Do you get excited about live-streaming events and communicating with a global audience? Or do you want to be able to create and stream content while hiding your true identity? With Vtubing, you can now adopt a new persona or be yourself without worrying about the limitations of broadcasting.

Vtubing has been around for roughly a decade, with its origin in Japan. The trend is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, particularly in the United States and Europe. It entails creating YouTube and Twitch content with animated avatars posing as streamers.

In this article, you’ll learn what VTubers Do, what you’ll need to get started, how much to invest, and more. Keep reading!

How Do VTubers Work?

VTubers use virtual avatars to create videos of themselves on the computer, which they then publish for others to view. Streamers use this technique for their privacy while reaching a bigger, non-discriminatory audience. Content developers use motion tracking, facial recognition, and animation technologies to make such videos.

People often become VTubers for many reasons, including turning their hobbies into careers. Some VTubers receive attention for making videos of themselves playing games like Superliminal, Night Delivery, Counter-Strike, League Of Legends, Minecraft, and other popular video games.

What Do You Need to Become a VTuber?

Streaming is all about maintaining a constant flow of content and keeping your audience engaged. To be a successful VTuber, you need to figure out what you want to do, who your target audience is, and, most importantly, what you’ll need to get started.

Here are some of the things you’ll need for your VTuber stream setup:

High-End Computer

When it comes to a streaming PC, you need to buy one capable of delivering outstanding performance. An ideal computer should have high specifications to run heavy-duty software. In this case, consider models that have a powerful processor and at least 8GB of RAM.

Some of the best computers for streaming include Dell G5, CyberPowerPC Gamer, and HP pavilion.

Another important consideration is having a high-speed internet connection that allows you to surf the web without interruptions. A good internet connection helps you post high-quality content, resulting in increased traffic to your channel.

Motion-Tracking Webcam

A webcam is a small digital camera that connects to your computer and allows you to stream live video images.

The best webcam should capture details of high quality with high definition capabilities. Some of the best cameras include Logitech Pro or Microsoft LifeCam.

Microphone

Alongside your motion-tracking webcam, you’ll need a decent microphone that allows you to get the attention of your audience with your silky voice.

The microphone of choice should have a noise reduction feature to filter out background sounds. In turn, it allows you to sound natural while experimenting with different voice alteration options.

Choose a microphone that provides the best sound quality with the least noise for optimum results. Some of the greatest mics include Samson Go Mic or Blue Yeti.

Good lighting

It’s critical to have proper lighting if you want to improve the quality of your VTuber content. As a result, make sure that your workplace or studio has enough illumination to meet the demands of your fans.

Other things you will need to know include:

How Do You Create an Avatar?

The process of producing a VTuber avatar is a rather complicated affair. You have to create an animated character that viewers will relate to when watching your content.

When it comes to owning your avatar, you have the following options:

Buying a Premade Avatar

Purchasing a pre-made avatar is a straightforward process. All you have to do is search for an avatar with the features you desire.

The best part about buying a pre-made avatar is that you can start streaming right away. You can purchase one from sites like Sketchfab.

Create Your Own From Scratch

Although you can make your own Avatar from scratch, you’ll need some modeling knowledge or experience.

In general, creating your avatar takes a lot of time and involves a lot of research. It, nevertheless, is the most rewarding alternative because you will be able to create a flawless avatar for a small price.

Commission an Avatar

Commissioning an avatar is the greatest option if you’re looking for something unique but don’t have the necessary modeling experience. Here, you’ll pay a professional to design an avatar for you based on your preferences.

Fiverr and Upwork are some of the best places to get these services.

What Is the Cost of Being a VTuber?

Typically, the whole process of creating a new identity is quite expensive. First, you have to pay for the design of an avatar and other related costs — if you can’t make one yourself.

You’ll also need an exceptional VTuber setup if you’re looking to produce high-quality content. That’s because the more quality content you make, the more people you’ll engage and the more money you’ll earn as a result.

How Do You Earn As a VTuber?

Before starting VTubing, you must first investigate the best ways to earn from your content. Knowing what methods work well for VTubers to create engaging, compelling content is essential.

For starters, you can make money by simply uploading your videos to YouTube and monetizing your channel. Other ways you can earn include:

What Are You Waiting For?

Are you ready to explore your digital identity? VTubers are on the rise because they can make millions of dollars per year and promote their brand without much hassle.

To get you started, Streamlabs Desktop is a free professional option for live recording and streaming to get you started.

About Streamlabs

Founded on the belief that we want to help creators make a living doing what they love, Streamlabs provides a robust suite of features to help creators better engage with their fans, grow audiences, and improve monetization. Building on this mission, Streamlabs is expanding its product with 1) Melon, our browser-based streaming studio, 2) Willow, an all-in-one bio link tool, 3) Oslo, a video review and collaboration tool. And 4) Crossclip, the easiest way to convert Twitch clips to videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

How to Become a Virtual YouTuber/Influencer

List of technical solutions from avatar creation to motion capture

According to ‘Think with Google’ article, “ as the technology used to create VTubers becomes more accessible, their numbers are expected to rise.”

Becoming a virtual character is a charming alternative for those who seek for fame, yet, do not want to reveal their face. One question arises — how can we become a virtual celebrity in a practical sense? What kind of technical solutions can we utilize?

It contains a built-in avatar customizing tool, a virtual webcam feature for streaming/video call software such as OBS, and our real-time facial mocap technology. We are planning to add more features such as VRoid 3D model support, button-triggered animation, etc. so stay tuned!

The Process of Becoming a Virtual Celebrity

We all know that Kizuna AI and Lil Miquela is not real, but a few know what powers them. The appearance of virtual celebrities has been keeping in pace with the advance of real-time graphics and motion capture technology as it enables the creation of graphic content instantly. Grafting onto the traditional SNS influencer industry, virtual humans have become celebrities posting cool photos of themselves every day just like any other influencers.

Technology/Service Landscape for Virtual Celebrities

Let’s move on to the technical solutions in practice — which solutions do virtual celebrities utilize? We created a landscape map of the solutions and categorized them into avatar creation, motion capture, live streaming, and management.

As the virtual celebrity ecosystem is in the early stage, existing solutions are somewhat fragmentized and there are no dominant solutions yet. This means that each solution has different supporting platforms/formats. Depending on who the user is — individual or enterprise — the price range, quality, and installation process substantially vary.

There is a brief description and video attached to each solution on the raw data page.* To learn more, click the ‘open as a page’ next to the solutions as below.

*We collected and listed technical solutions/services/software related to virtual celebrities including avatar creation tools, motion capture systems, live streaming platforms, and talent management agencies. Our raw data page is available here.

Can a Non-expert Create a Real-time 3D Model?

First, take a look at avatar creation tools for 3D modeling and rigging. Traditionally, you would have to utilize tools like Maya and Blender to create 3D characters from scratch. These tools give you the freedom to create your own unique avatars without any constraint. If you are not a professional 3D modeler or a rigger, however, it is difficult even just to start, not to mention of how time-consuming it is to create a character.

There are tools such as VRoid and Live2D for illustrators to create anime-style characters as if you are drawing. The best part of these tools is that you do not need to work on the rigging process. For example, VRoid provides its own pre-rigged base model so that a user can add details by drawing over the base model.

Another way is using simple customizing applications that will remind us of the dress up games of our childhood. One can mix and match pre-made options and utilize the created avatar for games or animation. Unfortunately, it is less than ideal for vtubers to use these tools since they do not provide an exporting feature of the 3D model and constrain the avatar use only in their own platform.

As the VTuber trend emerged, anime-style avatar creation tools became more accessible. We expect that other types of avatar creation tools will be accessible for the mass public soon when the virtual character trend spreads to other cultures and gains more popularity.

Is a Bodysuit Necessary for the Body Mocap?

Regarding motion capture, you have to make a choice — do you value tracking quality over cost(time, labor, and budget) or do you prefer efficiency over pure performance? High-quality solutions require complicated pre-setup in both hardware and software, often meaning extra bundled equipment. For example, you have to order smart gloves and bundled plugin to enable finger tracking.

An affordable and easier way is holding VR positioning trackers instead of wearing a bodysuit. It might not be as natural as the bodysuit, VR tracker helps you to animate your hands and feet easily.

Give a chance to free tools, too, if your budget is low while wanting to achieve similar functions. When live streaming, importing your 3D character in VRChat is a great option to utilize the virtual space as your studio. You can also control your finger by pressing preset buttons from the free software called Wakaru.

Bodysuit means higher level tracking for now. However, the future might be going in the opposite direction. We have been witnessing camera-based body tracking demos from computer vision/graphics exhibitions — CVPR, Siggraph, AWE. We believe that vision-based solutions that can track the entire body including finger, joint, and facial expression will be out in the market very soon.

Facial Motion Capture with a Webcam

What we discover through the research is that facial capture equipment is becoming lighter and easier. Some solutions still require markers on your face, wearing a helmet with an order-to-made camera to elevate the production quality. But the market seems to move to the other way — supporting regular streamer setups that use 2D webcams. With minimum requirements, the solutions allow anyone to use facial mocap anywhere.

Wakaru and Hitogata are powerful examples. These two free software provides an open-sourced facial tracking feature that can be integrated into a 3D character easily. By the nature of the open-sourced algorithm, the tracking quality is not the market best, but the convenience overpowers the cons at least for beginning VTubers.

If you are looking for higher quality paid webcam solutions, there are Hyprface SDK and Facerig. Hyprface can be especially useful to integrate any pre-rigged 3D character models.

What is Holding Back Individuals From Becoming Virtual Celebrities?

Despite all the solutions in the market, it seems to be tough for an individual to become a virtual celebrity right now. One major issue is that there is no solution that can provide the entire pipeline.

All the steps for virtual celebrities are fragmented, supporting format/platform varies, and sometimes, bundled hardware/software is needed. This makes integrating different solutions in one piece harder than as expected.

What should be done for individuals to become virtual celebrities?

Providing the Right Solution for Potential Virtual Humans

The four requirements above are also our team’s major considerations for improving our product. At Hyprsense, we aim to provide the easiest facial mocap solution so that everyone can truly reveal themselves as the virtual humans that they have dreamed of.

That is why our team strives to make the tool simple and easy to use. As a part of this, we started to support platforms optimized for VTubers. Recently we announced that our SDK supports VRM and Mixamo while MMD and Live2D are on the way to be supported soon. Also, the SDK provides a guide and internal tools to take weight off our users for utilizing our SDK in 100%. We will keep improving our product and will stay involved in the virtual celebrity community by closely listening to their feedback.

We hope that this article was helpful for potential virtual celebrities who are looking for the right tech solutions! If you are also in developing solutions for individual virtual celebrities, let’s get connected and work together to bring a total solution to the market.

Hyprsense develops real-time human sensing technology. Hyprface is our product-ready software fully built in-house to track expression values and remap them into a 3D character in real-time. The SDK supports iOS, Android, Windows, Unity, and Unreal. If you are interested, feel free to ask us for a free 30-day trial SDK.

How to become a VTuber on Twitch [Step-by-Step Guide]

The days of needing to show your face to become a streamer are long gone. VTubers are accumulating tens of thousands of viewers by using a 3D avatar to represent themselves on stream.

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn EVERYTHING you need to know how to get started with vtubing.

Let’s get started.

What is a vtuber?

Vtuber stands for Virtual Youtubers. They are essentially real people who use a 3D character to represent themselves on stream. This allows them to be a faceless streamer while still maintaining a visible and familiar presence online.

Vtubing has become more and more popular over the last couple of years and we expect this growth to continue as more and more streamers are diverting away from showing their real faces online.

Why become a vtuber?

Becoming a vtuber has many advantages. For one, you don’t have to reveal your face online. This can help people who struggle with anxiety pursue their dreams of becoming a streamer on Twitch or YouTube. Aside from that, it allows people to hide their identity online which is a bonus if you don’t want to lead a public life.

Being a vtuber is also super fun! You get to go nuts with the customizations. Do you want horns? Go for it! You don’t have to be a copy of yourself, you can be whoever you want to be. Many vtubers play a character on stream.

Want to draw inspiration from vtubers? Check out our list of VTubers on Twitch.

Using a vtuber model can also help with insecurities. In a world where you might feel judged based on your appearance, you can truly shine as a vtuber.

And finally, the vtuber community is tight-knit and growing every day. They are very welcoming of new vtubers and they support each other more than other communities on Twitch.

What is required to become a vtuber?

The biggest hurdle for vtubers is the budget. While most streamers can get away with a scuffed setup, Vtubers have to have quite a bit of equipment to get started.

Aside from equipment, Vtubers also need a 3D avatar. This can be costly if you really want to stand out. But what many starters don’t realize is that you can create your vtuber character for free as well.

How you can create a free 3D avatar to start your career as a vtuber, is coming up later in this article.

Equipment to become a Vtuber

Webcam

One of the bare minimums that a vtuber need is a webcam. Without a webcam, you cannot use motion tracking software to operate your vtuber model.

👉 For more info, Check out Best webcams for streamers

Decent Lighting Setup

Motion Tracking Software isn’t perfect. If your room is badly lit, this could result in some expressions not being picked up by your software. To get the highest results, a decent lighting setup is recommended. We even go as far as to say that the quality of your lighting setup is more important than the quality of your webcam.

👉 For more info, Check out our Lighting Setup Guide

Streaming PC

You’ll need to have a PC that is capable of running your tracking software, obs, and video games at the same time. Don’t worry though, PCs have come very far and as long as you aren’t running a decade-old toaster or a budget laptop, you should be fine.

👉 If you don’t already have a Streaming PC, Check out our Budget Streaming PC Guide

Microphone

Streamerfacts recommended budget setup for Vtubers

report this ad Software to become a Vtuber

Avatar Creation Software

The first piece of software you’ll need is the one to create your avatar. We recommend VRoid Studio because it’s free, easy to use, and allows customs textures. Later in this article, we explain exactly how you can create your Vtuber model in VRoid Studio.

Face Tracking Software

We recommend VseeFace as it is free, lightweight, and easy to use. You’ll also find that the majority of beginner vtubers use this software.

Later in this article, we’ll guide you through VseeFace and its features!

Finally, you’ll need to have broadcasting software. This piece of software will capture your vtuber and game window while streaming. At Streamerfacts we are fans of both OBS Studio and Streamlabs. Both are free and used by the large majority of streamers. Streamlabs is a bit more beginner-friendly though so we recommend that everyone start out with that.

If you want to become a VTuber for FREE, you should use VRoid Studio in combination with VseeFace.

Where to get a 3D avatar for vtubing

There are three ways you can go about acquiring a character to launch your career as a vtuber streamer.

Pay a freelancer to create your 3D Avatar

Create your own 3D avatar

The cheapest option you have is to create a 3D avatar yourself. You even have free software such as Vroid Studio which allow you to create your vtuber model completely for free. And no, you don’t need to be an artist to create your 3D avatar yourself. Some software, allows you to customize your character as you would in a video game.

Purchase a premade 3D avatar

If you don’t want to create your own 3D avatar but don’t have the budget to commission an artist, you can purchase a premade avatar instead. These avatars will look more elaborate than the ones you would create yourself (unless you are an artist of course) but you can run into the issue of having the same model as another vtuber.

You can purchase premade vtuber models from Sketchfab.

How to create your own FREE avatar with VRoid Studio

Install VRoid Studio

VRoid Studio is the go-to software for making your 3D avatar yourself. It is free and available for both Mac and Windows. VRoid Studio is also SUPER EASY to use as you can simply design your 3D avatar as you would a character in a video game with the use of sliders.

Create your 3D Avatar

During this step, you can let out your creativity and design your vtuber in whatever way you see fit.

Inside VRoid Studio, you start from a blank character.

The software allows you to select from a bunch of presets (found on the right) and alter those presets through sliders (found on the left).

VRoid Studio is super customizable so you should really take your time with this step.

The video below goes over every feature of VRoid Studio to help you create your vtuber model. Definitely worth checking out!

If you want to take it a little further, you can also add custom files to VRoid Studio.

You can find custom files for VRoid Studio on the website booth.pm.

While most files are paid on this website (albeit quite cheap), there are plenty of free files available as well.

If you are looking for a texture for fishnets, horns, or a specific outfit, you will definitely find them on Booth.

Once you feel like your avatar is finished, be sure to save the file and give it a proper location on your drive.

Export your vtuber model

This is the format required for face tracking software such as VseeFace, Wakaru, and more.

Exporting is simple. In the top right corner of VRoid Studio, you’ll find the export button.

This will take you to another window. Don’t make any changes here and simply hit export again.

Make sure to save your file to a location where you will find it again.

How to start Vtubing on Twitch

After acquiring your vtuber avatar (whether you purchased it or made it yourself), the next step is to install motion tracking software.

Motion tracking software will use your webcam to capture your facial expressions and mirror the movements of your avatar with your own.

In this example, we’ll use VseeFace because it’s lightweight and free to use.

Install VseeFace

VseeFace is a FREE motion capturing software where vtubers can import their avatar (.vrm file) and operate it with just a webcam.

VseeFace can be downloaded for free from its original website.

Add your avatar to VseeFace

Once the avatar is imported, make sure to add the correct camera and microphone.

The image above has the recommended settings for VseeFace. If you wind up experiencing issues (such as lag), lowering the camera settings, fps, and tracking quality should make it easier on your PC.

Configure VseeFace

VseeFace has many settings that you can turn on and off.

For example, you can add automatic blinking to your avatar to make it look more natural.

Aside from that VseeFace also has a bunch of effects that you can add.

And finally, you can configure your hotkeys to add emotions (e.g. press A to for angry face) to your avatar.

An overview of these settings can be found in the video below.

Add VseeFace to OBS

In order to have our vtuber model show up on stream, we’ll have to add a game capture window to our OBS.

So go to Source and Add Game Capture.

Enable ”Add a new source instead” and give it a name (e.g. Vtuber Model).

Inside the settings, change the mode to ‘capture specific window’ and select VseeFace.

You also want to make sure you check ‘allow transparency’.

That’s it! Your vtuber model should now be displayed on your OBS.

To remove the UI of VseeFace, use the ALT key to drag and crop your game capture so that it only includes your avatar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to become a Vtuber?

Being a vtuber is really not as expensive as some make it out to be. You can get going with a budget vtuber model for free as long as you have access to a webcam, microphone, and a PC that is capable of streaming.

Can anyone become a Vtuber?

Yes of course. Vtubing is available to everyone who has access to the internet. Whether you are rich or broke, you can get started with virtual youtubing. Besides that, the vtuber community is lovely and acceptable of many different lifestyles.

Can I become a vtuber without a camera?

While most people use a webcam to track and mimic their facial expressions, it is possible to become a vtuber without a webcam. However, this is not recommended. You are much better of buying a budget webcam from AliExpress or your local dollar store than trying to figure out how to become a vtuber without a webcam.

Do I need special equipment to become a vtuber?

There is a common misconception that you need special equipment to become a vtuber. This is actually not true. While vtubers like CodeMiko have expensive gear that costs thousands of dollars, there is free software out there that is capable of tracking your movements from your webcam.

Can I be a male vtuber?

Of course, you can. While most vtubers out there are female, there are also male vtubers as well and the community is very accepting of them.

Conclusion

This about wraps up our guide on how to become a vtuber on Twitch. Hopefully, by now you know everything you need to know to get started.

Want to learn more about streaming on Twitch?

Now that you’ve learned how you can become a vtuber, you should check out our other guides which will help you get started on Twitch, grow on Twitch, build an audience, and more!

How to Become a VTuber – 4 Easy Steps and 5 Best Tips

VTube

In the past, if you wanted to become a famous YouTuber, you had to be willing to show your face to the world.

But these days, there is a new kind of YouTuber on the rise – the VTuber.

Virtual Youtubers or VTubers are virtual avatars that people can watch on streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about becoming a VTuber.

We’ll start with the basics and move all the way up to how to create a virtual avatar that represents you perfectly.

By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll be ready to start streaming as your very own virtual self.

Post 10 of 11 in the VTube

Post Content

Basic Steps on How to Become a VTuber

1. Getting the Equipment

The first thing you’ll need to start streaming as a VTuber is a proper equipment.

Camera Equipment for Virtual YouTubers

The most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a camera.

Many VTubers use a webcam or DSLR cameras to stream, but any type of camera will work as long as it has the ability to capture video.

If you’re looking for a good webcam specifically designed for streaming, we recommend the Logitech C920.

It’s a great option for beginners and experienced streamers, and it has some cool features like face-tracking, capturing facial expressions, and automatic lighting adjustment.

External Motion Tracking Camera

As you can conclude, vtubing requires capturing facial movements, along with hand tracking, so you can go all out and invest in a motion-tracking camera.

There are a few different options on the market, but the Playstation VR Camera is a good starter option that’s widely available.

However, this type of camera can be quite expensive (usually, triple digits price), which is why usually only well-known, popular VTubers are using them.

We recommend starting with a basic webcam with motion capture functionality and upgrading to a full-body motion tracking camera as your audience and revenue growth.

Computer equipment

In addition to a camera, you’ll also need a decent PC system capable of live streaming.

Remember that streaming takes up a lot of bandwidth and CPU resources, so you’ll want to make sure your computer is powerful enough to handle it.

Furthermore, it will have to run the virtual avatar information in the background during the entire stream.

Most newer computers will be able to do this without any problems, but if you’re not sure whether yours has decent specifications for streaming, just check the system requirements for the streaming software you want to use.

Get instant Twitch, TikTok or Youtube followers!. A shortcut to your growth!

If your computer doesn’t meet the requirements, you can always upgrade or buy a new one with needed, decent specification.

While it may cost up to even a thousand dollars, depending on the upgrades, it will be worth it in the long run, as the proper PC will help you generate quality content that will attract more viewers.

Minimum computer requirements:

Optimal computer requirements:

If you are streaming games, we advise you to use two computers for gaming and one for the stream.

This is because if you are using a capture card for OBS to record your gameplay, the computer running the video game will be slowed down.

Internet Speed

While not technically equipment, internet speed is still an important factor to consider when live streaming.

You can test your internet speed using the Speedtest.net app or website.

The internet speed should match the stream quality.

For example, for most live streaming sites, streaming in 720p and 30 FPS requires around 3 Mbps, while it is doubled for 1080p and 60 FPS.

This is the minimum requirement, and such low internet speed could influence your streaming content.

Ideally, you’ll want an upload speed of at least 20 Mbps for a smooth, uninterrupted stream.

If your internet connection falls below that threshold, you may experience buffering or lag during your broadcasts, and your target audience will find another virtual YouTuber to follow.

Lighting

Lighting is another essential factor to consider when streaming, especially for virtual YouTubers, as it can influence the motion capture feature of the webcam.

While natural light is often best, it’s not always possible to control or adjust the lighting in your setting.

You’ll want to use an artificial light source like a desk lamp or LED panel in these cases.

Just make sure that the light is not directly in front of or behind the webcam, as it will cause shadows and affect the quality of your video.

Instead, turn the light away from you, and let it reflect.

You won’t be distracted by it while live streaming, and it will be more than enough light to capture more detail needed for motion tracking and content creation.

Microphone

A good microphone is also a key factor for quality content.

While you may be able to get away with using the built-in microphone on your webcam, it’s always best to use an external microphone.

This will ensure that your audio is clear and crisp without background noise or distortion.

There are many different microphones available on the market, so find one that best suits your needs and budget.

We recommend the Blue Yeti microphones, as they offer good quality without completely blowing your budget.

Green Screen

A green screen is not an essential part of the equipment, but it can make content creation more fun.

Popular Vtubers use them to set colorful backgrounds and create a unique, virtual universe for a VTube model.

You don’t need to purchase an expensive green screen, as a simple piece of fabric can do the trick.

Just make sure that the background is evenly lit and doesn’t have any wrinkles or creases.

2. Choosing the Software

When it comes to VTuber software, there are a few different programs that enable tracking facial expressions and the body.

Here are our top picks:

Wakaru

Wakaru is entirely free software you can find on Steam.

It is easy to use and doesn’t require any setup, making it perfect for new VTubers.

Wakaru can track the movement of lips, mouth, eyes, and head.

However, virtual YouTubers state that it is hard to get it to run smoothly.

As it supports both MMD and VRM models, there are no limitations when building your own model.

However, it is limited to Windows users only.

Animaze by FaceRig

If you are indecisive between Wakaru and FaceRig, go for Animaze by FaceRig.

It can be more expensive than Wakaru, but it has a higher quality and offers more features.

FaceRig supports all major operating systems, as well as Macs.

The software also includes a number of built-in avatars, which you can use for free, or purchase additional ones.

You can also create your own avatar using FaceRig’s built-in VTuber maker.

Additionally, FaceRig tracks a broader range of facial movements and is easier to use than Wakaru.

However, it does have some limitations when it comes to body tracking.

VTube Studio

VTube Studio is a program that is specifically designed for VTubers.

It offers a wide range of features, such as motion capture, lip-syncing, and avatar creation.

However, the software can be challenging to use, and it can be challenging to find the correct settings for your stream.

Additionally, VTube Studio is not free and can be expensive for those just starting.

VRoid Studio

VRoid Studio is a basic but easy-to-use program designed to create VTuber models.

The software has limited features, such as no motion capture and lip-syncing, but it’s perfect for those starting.

Also, it is free to use so that you can create content at no additional expense.

Luppet

Luppet is a software specifically designed for VTubers who want to create cartoon characters.

The program offers more accurate tracking, and even though it is in Japanese, it is the number one option for many VTubers due to its simplicity.

However, the downside to Luppet is that it can be expensive if you want to unlock all of its features.

3. Create Your Virtual Avatar

The next step is creating your avatar.

This process can be fun, but it also takes a decent amount of time to get it just right.

You can create your VTuber model for free or spend a few hundred dollars on it.

There are many different software programs that allow you to create avatars, but the most popular ones are MMD and VRM.

MMD stands for Miku Miku Dance, and VRM stands for Virtual Reality Maid.

Both of these programs are popular among VTubers for their wide range of features and capabilities.

MMD is more widely used, but VRM is starting to gain popularity because it offers a broader range of motion capture.

So, where can you get a VTuber model?

Pay an Artist

If you want a completely unique avatar that no one else has, paying an artist is the best option.

There are many artists who specialize in creating VTuber avatars, and they can be quite expensive.

However, the finished product will be something you can be proud of, and it will stand out from the rest.

Fivver is a website that is popular for finding freelance artists.

You can find many different types of artists, including ones who specialize in creating VTuber avatars.

Make sure to give clear instructions on what you want your model to look like so the artist is on the right track with making one.

Buy a Premade Model

If you don’t want to spend the money or time designing an avatar from scratch, you can buy a pre-made model.

By simply searching the website, you can find the model that suits your style and content the best.

However, it is important to note that not all of these models are high quality, so do your research before buying.

Design Your Own Avatar

If you want complete control over your model, then designing it from scratch is the best option (and cheapest).

Using a unique model will be appreciated by other VTubers and audiences.

We know that this process can be daunting when you do not have prior experience in design, but there are many different programs and tutorials that can help you out along the way.

The most popular program for designing avatars is MikuMikuDance or MMD.

MMD was specifically designed for making anime-style avatars, and there are also many different tutorials available online that can help you get started with MMD.

4. Get Model on Stream and YouTube

This last step is essential for anyone hoping to become a VTuber.

The model can be featured on your live stream in two ways – by using a webcam or importing the avatar into the streaming software.

If you’re using a webcam, there are many different programs that will allow you to do this, such as OBS Studio and XSplit.

Both of these programs are free to use, and they offer a wide range of features for the live broadcast.

If you’re importing the avatar, you’ll need to use software that supports VRM or MMD models.

The most popular streaming software for VTubers is LiveCaster, and it supports both the import and export of VRM and MMD models.

Once your model is imported into LiveCaster, you’re ready to start streaming!

Tips to Become a Successful Virtual YouTuber

Be yourself and have fun

This is the number one rule for being a successful VTuber.

People want to watch someone they can relate to and have a good time with. So, be genuine and let your personality shine through!

Use high-quality equipment

Having good quality equipment will make your stream look better, and it will help keep your viewers engaged.

Make sure to test out different equipment and software to see what works best for you.

Be creative with your content

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your content – try new things and see what works well with your audience.

You want people to be excited about watching your stream, so explore your creative flair and keep them entertained with fresh and exciting content.

Be active on social media

This is a great way to connect with your viewers and promote your content.

Make sure to post about upcoming streams, videos, and other news related to your channel.

Show what is happening inside your virtual world not only on broadcast but outside of it as well.

Be consistent

While the quality videos will make you stand out as a content creator, you also have to be consistent.

There are plenty of content creators on YouTube, however, not all of them are taking the job so seriously.

Upload YouTube videos on a regular schedule and stick to it!

Making Money as a Virtual YouTuber

VTuber may earn money through live streams, just like any other content creator on YouTube.

This means using sponsorships, donations, affiliate links, and merch as a source of income.

VTubers may also get paid to promote products or services on their channel.

However, the amount of money earned varies depending on how popular you are and how many views your videos receive.

Our advice is to focus on the number of subscribers and take action to grow as a VTuber.

The more popular you are, the easier it will be to earn money through your channel.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Being a VTuber

Advantages of Being a VTuber

There are many advantages of being a VTuber, such as:

Disadvantages of Being a VTuber

There are also some disadvantages to being a VTuber, such as:

Final Thoughts

Overall, becoming a VTuber is a great way to express yourself and share your passions with the world.

It can be challenging at times, but it’s worth it if you’re willing to put in the work.

We hope this article has been helpful, and we wish you the best of luck as you start your journey as a VTuber!

How much does it cost to become a VTuber?

Answering how much does it cost to become a VTuber is tricky, as there is no set cost. However, you will need some basic equipment such as a PC and an internet connection.

There is also plenty of free software for live broadcasts and designing avatars, and you can start right away without any cost. If you want to upgrade your equipment, you may have to spend a few hundred or even a thousand dollars.

Who is the first VTuber?

The first VTuber is believed to be a Japanese woman named Kizuna AI, who started in 2016. Now she has almost 3 million followers and runs a music-based channel.

Who are the most popular VTubers?

The most popular VTubers vary from country to country. In Japan, the most popular VTuber is Kizuna AI, followed by Daimaou Kosaka and Pokotaro.

In America, the most popular VTuber is PewDiePie, which has over 60 million subscribers.

The popular English Virtual YouTuber is Stampy Cat, with over 11 million subscribers. In England, the most followed VTubers alongside Ninomae Ina’nis are Watson Amelia and Mori Calliope.

Join our Discord Group. Ask questions, team up with fellow streamers, share memes, and more!

How to become a vtuber

We detected that you’re browsing our website from Japan. If this is incorrect, or if you prefer to browse in English, click here to go to rokoko.com

The VTuber trend originated in Japan, where anime-styled digital performers like Kitsuna Ai quickly gained popularity.

And when VTuber Hatsune Miku performed live as a hologram to a real audience, the western world jumped on board.В

While Japanese VTubers were the first, English speakers, have joined the crowd. Most English VTubers are high-profile independent streamers who play games, hold live chats, and otherwise act as typical streamers. Notable English VTubers are twitch streamers like CodeMiko and Iron Mouse and vloggers such as Ami Yamato.

What is a VTuber?В

A VTuber (also known as a virtual Youtuber) is a vlogger, streamer, or content creator that uses a virtual avatar instead of their own body or face.

Their digital character is driven by live motion capture technology that translates the VTuber’s movements and facial expressions in real life to the avatar in real-time.В

VTubers typically create content around video game streams, singing performances, and engaging live chats. A VTuber is a fictional character that operates online as an influencer.В

There’s a difference between a VTuber and a VTuber’s operator. Many people view the digital avatar as the real ‘VTuber’ and the actual person behind the scenes as the ‘operator.’ An operator is a real person playing the character of the VTuber and — like any actor — hides their usual self.В

How do VTubers get paid?

VTubers get paid precisely the same way as other content creators and video game streamers. They make money through advertising, sponsorship deals, viewer donations during live broadcasts, merchandise sales, and exclusive content for fans.В

Independent YouTube Channels vs. VTuber Agencies

There are two types of VTuber streamers; an agency streamer and an independent streamer. Independent streamers are by far the most common, and it is the most accessible route for any aspiring VTuber.В

Agency streamers are operated by companies, not individuals. The VTuber is a character owned by the agency and is played by an actor. A team of experts handles the actual 3D modeling, visual effects, and motion capture. On top of that, the agency will run their VTuber’s social media accounts, performance schedule, live chat moderation, and marketing events. There are only a few agencies like this globally, and they primarily exist in Japan (where VTubing originated). The most famous agency is Hololive — they manage top VTuber talents like Gawr Gura.

Tip: If you’re an English VTuber who wants to get to the next level, take a look at the English-language agency VShojo — they provide the support, management, and outreach you need.В

Independent streamers are solo creators or small indie teams. They’re often 3D animators themselves and have built their avatar and environment from the ground up. Independent VTubers almost exclusively act their avatar themselves.В For example, CodeMiko, is run and piloted by a single person. She’s experienced in animation and does a tremendous amount of work (including her own code) to keep everything running smoothly in real-time.В

What does VTuber hardware and equipment cost?

Considering how advanced the technology is, it’s surprising to note that you can become a VTuber for free without buying any equipment. You don’t even need a fancy camera — your standard webcam will work!В

There are three main levels of VTuber equipment investment:В

Each time you go up a level, you’ll gain powerful tools for motion fidelity and motion range. In other words, your avatar will be able to move more naturally.

What hardware will I need as a VTuber?В

At a very basic level, you just need a webcam and a fairly powerful computer to run your software. Your computer will be completing multiple resource-intensive calculations and outputting in real-time.В

For more sophisticated setups, you need the following:

What software do VTubers use?В

There are plenty of different types of facial tracking software for VTubers. Notably, there are free options that are more user-friendly and do not require a sophisticated knowledge of 3D. Anything more professional will take more time to understand and use.В

Free VTuber software that’s available on SteamВ

Pro VTuber software

The software that you use depends on your preferred pipeline. You can build your character in any program of your choice (e.g., Daz3D, C4D, Blender, Maya, etc.), but you will have to export it to software capable of live streaming, aka a game engine. We recommend using the Vtuber standard, Unreal Engine.

Motion capture animation needs to be retargeted to your character according to your hardware. For example, suppose you’re using Rokoko Remote for face capture and Rokoko Smartsuit Pro for body capture. In that case, you’ll need Rokoko Studio and the Rokoko retargeting plugin for Unreal Engine to apply the motion data.В

It sounds complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple. Check out this great tutorial series to learn how it works.В