What are the main activity styles of VTubers?

Recently, VTubers have been engaging in a wide range of activities. Some people might wonder, “I know VTubers are popular, but what exactly do they do?” In this article, let’s explore the various activities that VTubers are involved in.

Primarily Active on YouTube

VTuber is an abbreviation for “Virtual YouTuber.” Like the so-called YouTubers, their main activities involve posting and streaming videos on YouTube.
While YouTubers tend to focus more on video uploads, many VTubers also prioritize video content. However, those VTubers affiliated with agencies, often referred to as “agency-affiliated VTubers,” primarily engage in streaming.
VTubers affiliated with the major Japanese VTuber agency, Nijisanji, originally streamed on platforms like SHOWROOM and OPENREC. However, when they shifted their main platform to YouTube, they continued to focus on streaming. This coincided with changes in YouTube’s monetization criteria. Additionally, around the same time, the introduction of Super Chat, which allows viewers to send messages along with donations, led many VTubers to switch their focus to streaming.

What is the Content of Video Posts?

The style of video posts varies among VTubers. However, when video posting is their main activity, they often adopt a style similar to YouTubers, where they plan and shoot videos based on specific concepts.

On the other hand, VTubers who primarily focus on streaming often post videos such as “singing covers” or music videos of original songs. They also frequently upload highlight videos, which are condensed versions of their typically lengthy streams, edited down to about 10 minutes.

What Does Streaming Activity Involve?

In the streaming activities of VTubers who primarily focus on streaming, a wide range of genres is explored, such as game commentary, singing sessions, chat streams, radio shows, live events, and long-duration projects. These activities tend to be longer than video uploads. Additionally, VTubers often host events and live shows to unveil new costumes, which is a unique aspect of their content. Since streaming occurs in real-time, one of its attractions is that viewers can directly interact with the VTuber through comments.

VTubers who primarily focus on video uploads also occasionally engage in live streaming through long-duration projects or game streams.

Activities Outside of YouTube

So, what are many people doing outside of YouTube?
Let’s briefly introduce some of these activities.

Corporate Collaborations

With the increasing attention on VTubers, more companies are looking to collaborate with them. As a result, the number of job opportunities for VTubers has surged, and many VTubers are currently thriving in corporate collaborations.

Recently, there have been instances where items mentioned in VTuber streams or their favorite things become topics among fans, leading to official collaborations. This highlights the significant influence of VTubers.

Live Performances

Many VTubers focus not only on streaming but also on singing activities, and they are increasingly holding real live performances at venues. Unlike streaming, these live events allow fans to directly interact, share reactions, and engage with each other, which adds to their appeal and has led to an increase in such events.

If you want to learn more, please check out this article!
Related Article: The Diversification of VTuber Activities After the Emergence of Japanese VTuber Agencies[ja]

Summary: VTuber Activities Extend Beyond Videos and Streams, Influencing Companies with Just One Video!

Currently, the activities of Japanese VTubers are not limited to streaming and videos; they are expanding in various ways. As a result, the popularity of Japanese VTubers is gradually increasing. Companies are starting to notice the content and locations featured in VTuber streams and videos, and they are leveraging these as opportunities to attract customers.
Regardless of the form of activity, the world of Japanese VTubers, which has the power to influence a company with just a single video or stream, is something we should continue to watch closely.