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With 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 unique character concept as well as a unique idea for how the character should look.
The most successful characters have strong personalities and concrete goals and desires. With 4.5M followers, Gawr Gura is the most popular Vtuber and is obsessed with sharks. Fans appreciate her skill at rhythm games, general friendliness, and also stupidity. Without a strong core personality and concrete lore with interests, Gawr may have stayed on the drawing board.
However, Gawr Gura also has a very specific look. 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 strike out on their own on Twitch or YouTube, but being accepted to work for major companies may provide a good audience boost.
Most of the biggest vtubers contract with companies like Hololive and go through lengthy audition processes. However, 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 auditions for aspiring content creators.
At the end of the day, all anyone really needs to become a vtuber is a computer, a character, a personality, and passion for the field. To paraphrase a superhero, anyone can wear the vtuber avatar.
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