There’s a new vtuber in town, and what makes her special may also be what some find to be her most controversial aspect as signing details specify that she is a literal child.
In the years since its inception, vtubing has become a massive and diverse field. Streamers come from all over the world, have multiple intersecting identities, and take on a vast number of personas. Some choose to share major details of their lives while others maintain a strict online persona. However, Virtual Zeven’s new vtuber may break boundaries in a way that no one expected.
The newest vtuber on the scene also happens to be the youngest, and here’s what vtubing fans need to know about this child streamer.
BA NA NA is a nine-year-old Thai child that, in “collaborative understanding” with vtuber agency Virtual Zeven, is set up to head its new children’s branch.
Hailing from Thailand, the child vtuber known as BA NA NA is a nine-year-old who has a passion and dreams to become a streamer. Virtual Zeven is marketing them predominately based around their age, with more official art making that a prominent detail. In the only video content made so far, potential fans can hear BA NA NA singing “A Million Dreams.”
BA NA NA will reportedly be active under the Virtual Zeven Kids banner on YouTube, a brand-new entity. Her bio lists her as “the youngest vtuber,” and she’s currently the only member on the channel. Despite not having any videos yet, BA NA NA has over 200 followers.
According to a press release, Virtual Zeven stated that it was taking precautions to ensure the child vtuber’s safety. It said that they have a team of professionals and psychotherapists in addition to another dedicated group to manage BA NA NA’s platforms and fan interactions. Furthermore, the child’s family allegedly has the ability to terminate the agreement at any time. Despite this, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of online support so far for BA NA NA for one glaring reason.
In the days since her debut was announced on December 8, many vtuber fans have expressed concern over Virtual Z hiring a nine-year-old child. Putting minors online can expose them to inappropriate and harmful content made by fans and others. Vtubing is also usually treated as an 18+ industry rather than a safe place for children.
After receiving significant negative feedback toward BA NA NA , the Virtual Zeven team is taking additional precautions to ensure the safety of their child vtuber during her debut.
In a post on X, the company apologized for causing any discomfort and stated that it will be postponing BA NA NA’s debut for the foreseeable future. Virtual Zeven plans to rebrand her as”Pim & BA NA NA” where the child vtuber takes more of a backseat. Pim will serve as BA NA NA’s caretaker and give guidance for any and all activities. Listed potential activities include singing, drawing, and doing homework.
With these new considerations in mind, it’s unclear when, or if, the child vtuber BA NA NA will join the ranks of other adult streamers. What matters most is ensuring the child’s safety, and everything else can come after that. Maybe, for BA NA NA’s streamer dreams, there may one day be a way to do that.
21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
