What Exactly is a VTuber (Virtual YouTuber)?

Lately, we often see “VTubers” or “Virtual YouTubers” not only on television programs and commercials but also making appearances at various events across different genres. They have transcended being a mere internet fad and are now actively engaging in multiple fields.
But what exactly is a “VTuber”?
In this article, we will explain the basics of VTubers, including what they are, their appeal, and how they operate.

The Origins of VTubers

VTubers are video content creators, including YouTubers, who use 2D or 3D personality avatars for posting videos and live streaming. They are gaining prominence among various content creators with their distinctive and appealing personalitys.
The term “VTuber” was first coined in the world in 2016 by “Kizuna AI,” who declared herself as a virtual YouTuber.
In 2017, other YouTubers, similar to her, began appearing as “personalitys,” and by the end of the year, the trend had exploded in popularity. The number of individuals identifying as VTubers surged in 2018, and by May 2019, the count exceeded 8,000. Now, the number is rapidly approaching 10,000.
For more details on the history of VTubers, please visit the following link.
https://monolith.law/decoy/internet/origin-vtuber-japan[ja]

Are VTubers and Anime Characters Different?

Anime personalitys are created by animators, whereas VTubers are represented using motion capture technology to emulate the movements of real people, marking a difference in the production perspective. Additionally, anime personalitys are broadcast unilaterally across various platforms such as TV and movies, but VTubers often interact interactively with viewers through live streaming and primarily base their activities on web platforms like YouTube.

Are Illustrated Characters Considered VTubers?

While many famous VTubers appear on television and at events as 3D personalitys, being a VTuber is not limited to 3D models; 2D illustrations also qualify. These personalitys can move and change expressions, and even static images are recognized as VTubers.

What’s the Difference Between VTubers and Streamers?

VTubers use virtual personality avatars for streaming, whereas streamers broadcast using live-action footage. The presence or absence of an avatar is the main distinction between the two. From a privacy protection standpoint, having an avatar allows individuals to stream more comfortably without revealing their face, increasing the demand for VTubers among those who wish to stream like streamers but prefer not to show their face.

The Presence of Virtual Entities

VTuber: Virtual YouTuber
A general term for content creators who use virtual personalitys or avatars to engage on YouTube and other online platforms.

VStreamer: Virtual Streamer
This term refers to those who are active on streaming apps other than YouTube. Live streaming apps like IRIAM and REALITY are their main platforms. There are significant differences in the media used for broadcasting between VTubers and VStreamers. Additionally, VStreamers can start with minimal initial costs and just a smartphone.

VIdol: Virtual Idol
A term derived from Japan’s VTuber culture, referring to virtual personalitys that engage in idol activities. They may operate as a group or as individuals.

VSinger: Virtual Singer
Within the VTuber community, this refers to personalitys who actively engage in singing activities, such as covering songs.

What Does a VTuber Do?

The scope of a VTuber’s work is incredibly diverse. Generally, VTubers create and broadcast content through their virtual personalitys, with the main focus being interaction with their audience.

Live Streaming

Firstly, let’s discuss live streaming, which can be considered the main job of a VTuber. It’s a role that involves real-time communication with viewers, and at times, receiving tips or donations. It also serves as a platform to gauge viewer reactions and research what kind of content is in demand.

Video Production & Posting

One of our main tasks is not live streaming in real-time, but rather producing and editing recorded videos for posting. Unlike real-time broadcasts, this requires meticulous editing work. However, as these are stock-type contents, we aim to ensure a certain level of quality.

Membership Management

Membership management is a business model where you earn money by engaging with your fans. It is crucial to continuously innovate to prevent your dedicated fans from losing interest, while providing them with premium experiences.

Social Media Management

Interaction with fans on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok is extremely important, not just through videos. Separate from viewing platforms and memberships, operating the appropriate social media channels that resonate with your audience is a method for building a fanbase over the medium to long term. Let’s engage with these platforms to cultivate lasting relationships with your fans.

Merchandise Sales

Selling original merchandise is a straightforward activity to receive support from fans. We create original items such as acrylic stands and keyholders, and sell them on e-commerce sites.

Projects

VTuber activities can also be conducted outside of live streaming. Off-stream activities typically involve work commissioned by corporations, such as projects and assignments.
Types of corporate projects include the sale of collaboration merchandise, appearances at music and talk events, and promotional streaming for companies or products.
Recently, the spotlight on VTubers has intensified, leading to an increase in companies wanting to engage VTubers for their campaigns. Consequently, the number of jobs available for VTubers has surged, and many are now actively involved in corporate projects.

What are “Independent VTubers” and “Corporate VTubers”?

Within the VTuber community, there are those who are affiliated with agencies and conduct their activities through them, and those who operate completely independently without joining any agency.
VTubers who are affiliated with agencies are referred to as “Independent VTubers,” while those who operate on their own without an agency are called “Corporate VTubers.”
Most of the currently popular VTubers are “Corporate VTubers,” but with the recent development of the VTuber industry, “Independent VTubers” are also gaining strength.
It is possible to engage in VTuber activities without belonging to an agency. However, there are various benefits to being affiliated with an agency, such as receiving support from the agency, which is why many VTubers choose to be affiliated.

Popular VTuber Agencies

There are numerous VTuber agencies in existence today, but here we will introduce two that are particularly popular in Japan.

Nijisanji

Nijisanji is one of the major VTuber agencies in Japan.
Some of the VTubers affiliated with Nijisanji include Hyakumantenbara Salome, Kuzuha, and Kanae.
VTubers belonging to Nijisanji often have influencer-level influence, thanks to the agency’s strong production capabilities, and there are many fans who support the entire agency’s roster of VTubers, known as “box supporters.”

Hololive Production

Hololive Production is also one of the major VTuber agencies in Japan.
VTubers affiliated with Hololive include Houshou Marine, Usada Pekora, and Shirakami Fubuki.
The agency has many VTubers with a strong idol image and features female groups within the agency.
Furthermore, Hololive Production is popular both domestically and internationally, and is actively expanding overseas.

For other recommended Corporate VTubers and Independent VTubers, please visit the following link
https://monolith.law/decoy/internet/unique-japanese-vtuber[ja]

What is the Process for Becoming a VTuber?

When You Want to Operate as a VTuber

1. Creation of Character Design
2. Live2D, 3D Modeling
3. Preparation of Streaming Equipment

If you wish to operate as the person behind a VTuber, the first step is to create a personality design. You should commission an artist (an illustrator specialized in creating two-dimensional content) to produce a personality design that suits your preferences.
Once the personality design is complete, the next step is ‘modeling’ to make the illustration move. Depending on your future activities, you should request a modeler (someone who processes flat illustrations created by illustrators into three-dimensional, movable models) to handle the modeling.
After the above preparations are complete, the final step is to prepare your streaming equipment. If you plan to stream using ‘Live 2D’, you will need a computer, microphone, webcam, streaming software, and a tracking app.

When a Company Wants to Produce a VTuber

1. Gathering the Person Behind the VTuber
2. Creation of Character Design
3. Live2D, 3D Modeling
4. Preparation of Streaming Equipment

When a company wants to produce a VTuber, they will follow a process similar to the one described above. The flow is almost the same as when an individual wants to operate as the person behind a VTuber, but there is one key difference: the need to decide on the ‘soul (i.e., the person behind)’ of the VTuber.
For steps 1 and 2, it is also possible to decide on the personality design before recruiting the soul.
VTubers have a person behind them, and they move and speak in sync with that person’s actions and voice. Therefore, it is crucial to select a person who fits the image of the VTuber you want to create.
The subsequent steps are the same as those for an individual wishing to operate as the person behind a VTuber.

How Do VTubers Move?

Ever wondered how VTubers come to life? Let’s delve into the mechanics behind their movements.

Optical Motion Capture System

The movements of a VTuber’s CG personality are created using a technology called “motion capture,” which reads and captures the movements of real humans. Many of you may have seen behind-the-scenes footage of CG movies or video games where human movements are captured in a studio.
Motion capture not only captures the full-body movements but also the subtle expressions of a person. This technology enables VTubers to express a wide range of emotions and intricate hand and foot movements. As for the voice, some use their natural voice while others may employ a voice changer to modify their voice to match the personality’s persona.

Simplified Motion Capture

Recently, more accessible and affordable options have emerged that don’t require the precision or expense of an optical motion capture system. Previously, a visit to a studio and a full-body tracking suit, along with several engineers, were necessary. Now, small sensors attached over clothing can animate an avatar.

https://www.sony.jp/mocopi/[ja]

Camera and Tracking Software

For streaming with “Live 2D,” a camera and tracking software (mainly Live 2D) are typically used to capture the person’s expressions and movements. These are then mapped onto a Live2D model, reflecting the person’s movements and expressions in real-time on an online illustration.
By utilizing this, anyone with a PC, webcam, and microphone can easily become a VTuber.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1325860/VTube_Studio/?l=japanese[ja]

Specialized Terminology in the VTuber Industry

When active as a VTuber, it’s essential to remember the terms commonly used within the industry.
We will introduce some of the specialized terminology you should know in the VTuber industry.

VTuber Specialized Terminology

Soul (The person inside): The entity that performs activities as a VTuber

Independent VTubers: VTubers who operate on their own without joining an agency

Corporate VTubers: VTubers who are affiliated with and operate under an agency

Part-time VTubers: Individuals who engage in VTuber activities while maintaining their primary profession

Full-time VTubers: Individuals whose primary profession is being a VTuber

Fanworks: Expressions that involve creating new derivative works based on existing ones

Fan Art: Illustrations created by fans that are inspired by VTubers

Fan Art Tag: A tag used by fans when posting fan art on Twitter

Fan Name: A collective term for fans

Oshi Mark: Abbreviation for “Favorite Mark”

Mama: The artist who created the personality design

Papa: The modeler responsible for the Live 2D or 3D models

For more details about VTuber Mamas and Papas, click here
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Summary: About VTubers (Virtual YouTubers)

In this article, we have provided an explanation starting from “What exactly is a VTuber?” to the mechanisms of how VTubers operate, and the history they have traversed to date.
Currently, VTubers are a popular form of content, particularly among younger audiences, and most people are aware of the existence of VTubers. However, even among those who know of VTubers, very few are familiar with the details of their activities and the mechanisms behind their movements.
Particularly when conducting business with companies, there is a high possibility that the corporate side may not be familiar with what VTubers are. Therefore, let’s ensure that we can explain VTubers clearly and easily by referring to this article.