Remember Psycho-Pass has an episode ( Season 1e4 ) where every digital characters has its own fan community. Well, that future is here already. Currently, the top VTuber, Gawr Gura, has over 4 million followers and earning over $1M from Ads, donations, and membership subscription. Let's learn how to get your VTuber journey started.

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What is VTuber?

VTubers, or Virtual YouTubers, are content creators who use animated avatars instead of showing their real appearance on screen. These avatars are typically designed to resemble anime characters and are animated using various motion capture technologies that track the VTuber's face and body movements in real-time. This allows the VTuber to control the avatar as if it were a puppet, making it mimic their expressions and gestures.

The concept of VTubing started in Japan and was popularized by Kizuna AI, who is often credited as the first VTuber. Kizuna AI began creating content in 2016 and quickly gained a substantial following due to her engaging personality and the novelty of her virtual presence.

VTubers often stream various activities such as gaming, singing, chatting with their audience, and performing skits. The appeal of VTubers comes from the combination of the creator's personality and the unique, often cute and appealing character they portray. The best example to use is Gawr Gura, who is currently the most popular VTube on the web. Click on the link to learn more about her successful story.

The VTuber phenomenon has grown beyond its Japanese roots, with creators from around the world adopting the medium. Agencies in South East Asia have emerged that specialize in managing VTubers, helping them with the technical aspects of avatar creation and motion capture, as well as with branding and promotion. However, with today's Ai tools, you can get started easily.

Step-by-Step on How to Become a VTuber

This is a quick run-through VTuber guide. More details below.

1. Brainstorm Your Character: Think about how you want your VTuber avatar to look. Sketch out ideas for their design, outfits, and backstory. This will serve as a blueprint whether you create the avatar yourself or commission someone to do it.
2. Identify Your Audience: Decide on the audience you want to target with your content. This will help guide the type of content you create and how you engage with your viewers.
3. Create Your Avatar: You can commission an artist, buy a premade avatar, or create one yourself using software like VTuber Maker on Steam. More details below.
4. Install Motion Tracking Software: Set up software that will track your movements and facial expressions to animate your avatar. VSeeFace is recommended for its customization options.
5. Connect to a Streaming Program: Download streaming software such as OBS Studio, XSplit, or Streamlabs OBS to broadcast your content. We have more recommendations below. You'll need to integrate your motion tracking system with this software.
6. Set Up a Membership Account: To monetize your work. The best way is to use a membership platform. Why? Because streaming platforms charge you 30 to 50% of your revenue. To diversify your income stream and provide your fans with extra services, membership account is a must.

That's it! You are done. The key is just be yourself as the main attraction is your unique personality. Experiment with different aspects of your virtual persona to stand out. Use tools like Voicemod’s real-time voice changer to add another layer of originality to your character. Watch the video below on how to have a successful VTuber debut.

How Much Does a VTuber Avatar Cost?

At the entry-level, one might find free or very low-cost non-exclusive models; these are pre-designed avatars that are not unique and can be used by anyone. They serve as an economical starting point for those testing the waters of VTubing. Well-crafted models can be purchased from platforms like Booth, with prices typically ranging from $10 to over $100, offering a balance between cost and individuality.

For those seeking a more personalized touch without the steep price tag of a fully custom model, exclusive ready-made models are available. These models are unique but pre-created by artists and sold as single units, usually ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars. They provide a middle ground, offering exclusivity without the custom design price.

The pinnacle of VTuber models is the fully custom-designed avatar, tailored to the individual's precise specifications. This process involves commissioning a design sheet, detailed model art, and professional rigging, which can animate the avatar with nuanced expressions and movements. The design and artwork can cost anywhere from $100 to $500 or more, while rigging can add an additional $300 to over $1000, depending on the complexity desired. Thus, a bespoke VTuber model can easily run into the thousands of dollars.

Vtube Software Recommendations

For VTubers looking to animate their digital personas, there's a variety of software tailored to both 3D and 2D avatars.

For 3D VTubers, VSeeFace is the go-to for tracking, and it pairs well with other programs like VNyan or VTuber Plus for more front-end options. VRoid Studio is another essential, offering an easy way to craft 3D models with adjustable sliders and presets, and you can tweak these creations further in Blender or Unity if you're tech-savvy.

On the 2D side, VTube Studio is the top choice for Live2D VTubing, while Live2D itself is the standard for rigging those models. It's free to start, but more intricate designs might require the paid pro version. For those exploring free, open-source options, Inochi Creator is a budding alternative, though it's still in the beta phase.

For general post-production, Davinci Resolve stands out as a comprehensive video editing tool, offering a suite of advanced features for those willing to climb the learning curve.

Membership Platform

After you have a decent size following, Its time start set up a membership account. Unifans emerges as a game-changer in content monetization, offering a unique platform where you can profit from your short clips, voice recordings, ASMR, and photographs. Our commitment to creative freedom means we impose no censorship and no limits on file sizes.

Our payment system is designed for global reach, and notably, we stand out as the sole platform offering support for China UnionPay cards, simplifying access and payment for Chinese users. Moreover, we pride ourselves on being creator-centric, taking just a 5% cut of your revenue — because your work deserves the lion's share. Join Unifans for free and create an account now!

Unifans is a membership sponsorship platform operated by an international team with an audience spanning the Chinese and English-speaking worlds. The platform welcomes creators of all kinds to join, and web novels are an important category within the content matrix.