TheWith the rise of Hololive, VShojo, and other virtual streaming companies, many have been wondering how they too can become and make a vtuber.
A vtuber, or virtual YouTuber, is an online entertainer that typically streams in real-time using an avatar instead of their face. A relatively new phenomenon, vtubing seemed to explode in 2020 and has maintained a steady base since. Recent years have seen the rise of vtubers like Ironmouse, who has over a million followers on Twitch and YouTube. One of the biggest draws to viewers is the out-there personalities that most creators seem to have, while said creators are able to play a larger-than-life character. While the best time to become a vtuber was a few years ago, the second best time is now.
For those interested in making their own channel and virtual persona, here’s a complete guide on how to become a vtuber.
Most aspiring vtubers will need four pieces of hardware to become a vtuber: a modern PC, a microphone, a webcam, and good lighting.
Computers need a certain amount of RAM and processing speed to be able to stream. While most modern PCs should meet the minimum requirements, it’s helpful to check and make sure the PC meets the needs before getting invested in other parts. The minimum recommended gear for vtube streaming is as follows, with brands being easily swappable.
The second most important thing for a vtuber to have is a microphone, of which there are two types. Condensers can be farther from the streamer’s mouth but tend to pick up more background noise, while dynamic mics do the exact opposite. Most streamers tend to use condenser microphones and invest in soundproofing, though this isn’t set in stone. Here are some general other considerations to keep in mind for microphones.
Finally, vtubers also need a good webcam that is able to at least capture their expressions and good lighting. More advanced cameras are better for achieving quality, more precise motion sensing, higher frame rate, etc. Examples of webcams and their respective benefits include the following.
A good light setup helps to ensure that all motions are tracked clearly and cleanly. Ultimately, the camera and lighting matters less than the software one may or may not use, but it’s still an important base.
The process to make a vtuber avatar requires both a compelling character concept and a unique idea for how the character should look.
A content creator can have all of the hardware they need to start vtubing, but that means nothing if they don’t have any ideas for the character they want to embody. This manifests both in the avatar and the personality.
The most successful characters have strong personalities as well as concrete goals and desires. A good place to start coming up with ideas is to decide on the target audience, which may be a community one already has experience with. Certain audiences like certain things, which can narrow down possibilities. Another way to go is by determining one’s own interests and character traits and play them up, or looking at favorite characters in media and pick out examples from those.
From there, a creator can go on to build a backstory and a personality that matches their own and the audience’s core interests. The early days are the best time to experiment with the different character possibilities before settling. Here are some popular vtuber personalities to help inspire anyone struggling.
With 4.5M followers on YouTube and recently graduated from Hololive, Gawr Gura was the most popular vtuber and is obsessed with sharks. Fans appreciated her skill at rhythm games, general friendliness, and also stupidity. Her backstory shared that she was descended from the lost city of Atlantis, giving her otherwise mostly normal character a fantastical element.
Another notable and popular vtuber is the Japanese streamer Usada Pekora, a royal rabbit-eared girl. She is mischievous and always getting into trouble with her fellow Hololive generation members. Viewers can tune in to watch her playing Pokemon or perhaps gambling online.
Shoto, meanwhile, has a darker backstory than the other two. The vtuber has been blessed by the gods both with a heightened sense of smell and a cursed blade, but also lost his only friend in the process. He has since sworn to rid the world of the demons that killed his companion. In the meantime, Shoto makes music and is known for his horror game runs and happy personality.
While their stories and personalities are compelling, Gawr Gura and other popular vtubers also have very specific looks. There are several ways to design a virtual avatar, with some methods leading to more distinctive appearances than others.
Vtubers can either work in 2D or 3D, also known as flat or full art. Most prominent streamers tend to start in 2D and go to 3D later for the sake of simplicity, but that isn’t a hard and fast rule.
Perhaps the fastest way to get a vtuber design, creators sell avatar designs on several websites like Sketchfab and Booth.pm. Both sites are more known for their 3D models that can come either rigged for animation or unrigged. The going rate seems to be on average $30 per avatar, but this number varies massively depending on detail and customization requests.
Using a pre-made vtuber avatar is best for those who want to get started right away. However, just because the design is already made doesn’t mean that the streamer can skimp on character personality.
A considerable step up, those with a concrete design in mind but either an inability or lack of desire to make it themselves can commission an avatar. The most common places to find artists include Fiverr and X, though prices can fluctuate based on experience and detail. Those commissioning will want to clarify specific aspects of their vtuber such as the following.
The more detail and background information is given, the better an artist can bring the vision to life. The cost will likely go over $100 for a simple 2D design or into the thousands for a 3D model.
There are numerous sites online that allow people to build their own avatars with a range of detail, rigging capacities, and costs. For those with little to no experience in computer-based character design, here are some easy to pick up options. Notably, these avatars will be simpler and have more features in common with other avatars.
Those with more experience but still not ready to go full from scratch may prefer the following options:
Lastly, prospective streamers can make their own vtuber avatars from scratch using applications like Blender and Maya. Both are computer graphics apps dedicated to making 3D models, among many other things. Designers can also modify avatars made through other builders in 3D modeling engines. However, this is the most difficult method and is recommended mainly for those who already have experience in creating their own models. 3D modeling has a very steep learning curve for beginners, especially for newer applications like vtubing.
The above is only a short list of apps and sites that help users make vtubers. As the industry grows, more methods and services become available every day.
Though not absolutely necessary, almost all streamers looking to become vtubers invest in specialized motion-tracking software and voice modifiers.
Generally, beginners looking to break into Vtubing should consider first investing in a webcam like the Logitech Pro or Microsoft Livecam that already have motion tracking installed. While it may not be the same quality as dedicated software, specific camera purchases can help save prospective streamers money while they build up an audience.
Some of the above vtube avatar creators like Animaze and VTube Studio come with motion tracking software as part of the package. Others, however, require another application to connect the rigging and the streamer. Popular options include:
Vtubers can get fancy by using VR headsets, but that generally comes after trying software due to the high cost.
Either due to privacy or character reasons, voice changers are also popular among vtubers. Voice changers allow streamers to not only change their pitch but also tone and even language using AI. Common English-speaking voice mod software programs include the following.
Voice mods might not be the best fit for streamers looking to go big or do offline collabs, but motion capture software is generally recommended to become a serious Vtuber.
Because vtubers rely on virtual avatars, streaming becomes a little more complicated than just going live on Twitch or YouTube.
Any streaming software has to be able to connect with the hosting platform like Twitch along with the microphone, motion capture, screen, etc.
Open Broadcast Software Studio is one of the most popular streaming applications for a number of reasons, not least because it’s open source. Sponsored by Twitch, Logitech, YouTube, and more, OBS Studio was designed specifically for live streaming. Vtubers can live mix audio and video, transition scenes, and more all for free. OBS Studio additionally links easily to some of the other software mentioned in previous sections.
Other streaming software options include XSplit and Streamlabs, though the former comes with a price tag. The latter advertises itself as allowing content creators to stream on multiple platforms at a time. As long as it supports virtual avatars and motion capture, most streaming applications will be able to get the job done.
Vtubers can earn revenue by monetizing their channels or selling merchandise, though not all creators earn enough to make a living full-time.
The exact method of direct monetization varies based on the streaming platform. Most vtubers, as well as other types of content creators, rely on YouTube and accept ads on their videos, receiving a small percentage of the ensuing advertising revenue. In terms of fan interactions, vtubers can also make money on YouTube via SuperChats and memberships. On Twitch, viewers can pay for subscriptions and bits or otherwise donate to put money in their favorite vtuber’s pockets.
In addition to these methods, vtubers can directly partner with companies for sponsorships or sell their own merchandise. Merchandise typically features items ranging from physical plushies to clothing and digital assets.
While most vtubers don’t work for major talent companies, it does boost their pay for a number of reasons. Vtubing companies spend a lot of time promoting their creators and cultivating audiences. This means more people are likely to pay for subscriptions, memberships, and merchandise. Plus, companies can facilitate relationships between bigger brands for larger sponsorships.
Independent and small-scale vtubers ultimately may not make meaningful income from streaming if they have a small audience. A vtuber with a smaller agency, like Stronny Cuttles from VAllure who has 50,000 followers on YouTube, could bring home over $10,000 a month. Ironmouse with VShojo may earn double that from Twitch subscriptions alone, and even more from merchandise and other platforms. Signing with a big company can be a good route to pursue as a vtuber, but only the most popular are likely to have that opportunity.
Vtubers don’t have to work with vtubing talent companies, but those who make the cut may see a good boost to both their audience and revenue numbers.
Most of the biggest vtubers contract with companies like Hololive or VShojo and go through lengthy audition processes. Streaming sites are selective in who they accept. As vtubing grows in popularity, so does the number of people who want to become vtubers. Big names routinely open or accept auditions for aspiring content creators. Importantly, most of the biggest talent agencies and companies want vtubers who already have some level of streaming experience and an established following.
Hololive EN typically accepts five new talents each year for their new generations. Its stated goal is to find new outstanding talent and train them up to be the best vtubers they can be. Applicants need to submit a five-minute introduction video and need to meet a number of set requirements, including:
Hololive notes that candidates who speak Japanese or have experience as an entertainer are encouraged to apply. Those who aren’t contacted within a month can assume they won’t be making it to the next round; fortunately, they can apply again in just three months’ time.
Nijisanji EN launched regular auditions within the last year, meaning interested vtubers can apply at any time. Candidates must meet similar requirements to those applying to Hololive, as well as be fluent in English and have a valid passport. The company gives preference to those who have experience in video editing and the ability to speak other languages.
The last of the biggest three, VShojo opens auditions annually and requires vtubers to stream full-time, unlike Hololive. Their last major talent to debut was the mafia-themed AmaLee, a well-known vtuber who regularly rebrands herself. Because of their tight timeline and limited information available outside of that window, VShojo may be one of the more difficult vtuber talent companies to try and sign up with.
At the end of the day, joining a major vtuber talent company isn’t strictly necessary, nor is it necessarily feasible for new creators. All someone really needs to become a vtuber is a computer, a character, a personality, and passion for the field.
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