Alexis Kestler
Want to become an anonymous celebrity on YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook? You can use awesome vTuber software tools that celebrity vTubers use to create a virtual persona.
Most YouTubers and Twitch streamers with huge fan bases credit their success to their charming personalities and engaging content. But what if you want to stay anonymous when live streaming video on YouTube or uploading recorded content? With the right vTuber software, you can build a fanbase without revealing your identity.
vTubing started in Asia but is rapidly growing among Western YouTubers and Twitch users. Read on to learn more about vTubing basics and outstanding tools that can pave the way for a successful vTubing career.
What Is vTubing?
vTubing stands for virtual YouTubers. The person behind the YouTube channel stays anonymous. A 3D or 2D avatar appears on behalf of the YouTuber during live streams or in recorded videos.
It‘s a high-tech entertainment streaming concept involving software like motion detectors, speech-to-text converters, 3D animators, and more. The animated avatar performs activities like the YouTuber would during a live stream, such as talking, dancing, greeting the audience, etc.
Anime avatars are common since vTubing originated in Japan. But as Westerners adopt vTubing, other characters like Pixar-style 3D models are emerging.
The Rise of vTubing
vTubing is exploding in popularity! According to Bloomberg, vTubing content increased 467% on Twitch from 2020 to 2021.
The facial motion capture company Hypersense reported in 2020 that the number of virtual celebrities grew from 112 to 170. Some vTubers have grown their subscriber count by up to 20%.
Brand sponsorships are fueling growth too. Kellogg’s partnered with Twitch to promote products through vTubers. Other brands like Dentsu Creative Singapore and Pacsun are collaborating with virtual influencers.
How vTubing Differs from Traditional Live Streaming
Personality-Driven Content
In traditional live streaming, personality and content are key to gaining subscribers and active viewers. But if you‘re camera shy, live streaming may not be for you.
With vTubing, an animated avatar with a modified voice replaces you. You can comfortably interact with your audience anonymously. Camera shyness doesn‘t affect your performance.
Anonymity
There‘s little privacy with traditional live streaming. Your household knows you‘re the gamer mocking their favorite character. It‘s also hard to handle YouTube comment criticism when your face is out there.
With vTubing, you have privacy. Unless you provide clues in posts or comments, your identity is protected behind your anime or cartoon avatar.
Advanced Technology
Traditional live streaming only needs a webcam, microphone, broadcasting software, and you‘re set.
vTubing requires many technologies:
- iPhone 10 or later for visual tracking
- Ultraleap controller to track movements
- Visual expression device
- vTuber avatar rigging software
- Mouth movement phonemes
- Speech-to-text software
How vTubing Works
vTubing captures your movements and applies them to a 3D model that performs as you do during live streams.
You can use devices like an iPhone with Lidar and Ultraleap controller to capture motion. Or a webcam with motion-sensing tech.
vTuber software helps rig and set up your virtual avatar. Install it on your computer and connect your vTubing devices. The software guides you through character rigging, content broadcasting, and everything in between.
Use keyboard shortcuts or specialized keyboards to create facial expressions. Speech conversion AIs provide voice modification.
Connect it all to a broadcasting app to go live on YouTube, Twitch, or other platforms.
Why Use vTuber Software?
Manually handling motion capture, movement tracking, speech conversion, etc. is challenging.
vTuber software brings all the technologies together in one package. Install on your computer, connect your devices, and you‘re guided through avatar creation to live streaming.
Key vTuber Software Features
Look for these features when evaluating vTuber software:
- Pre-built avatars, templates, characters
- Advanced hand and face tracking
- Customizable avatar editor
- Interactive tools like YouTube/Twitch overlays
- Regular new character models
- Reliable service with support
- Multi-platform streaming support like YouTube, Twitch, etc.
Below are some popular vTuber software tools used by top vTubers:
1. Live3D
With over 1 million users globally, Live3D is a leading vTubing software.
Its core modules include:
- vTuber Maker: Handles virtual cameras, push streams, tracking, effects, etc.
- vTuber Editor: Customize Live3D models or build your own.
- vTuber Gallery: Get extra 3D scenes, poses, avatars, art, etc. to edit.
- vTuber Extension: Add Twitch effects for live streams.
It also offers pre-built avatars, templates, deep customization, and reliable performance.
2. VSeeFace
VSeeFace is open-source software that tracks your hands and face movements to animate a 3D avatar. It‘s great for facial and hand tracking like Wakaru, Luppet, and 3tene.
You can sync it with mobile apps like MeowFace, iFacialMocap, VTube Studio, and FaceMotion3D that use your smartphone to track movements. Send your live streams to OBS Studio, Spout 2, etc.
It tracks mouth, eyes, blinks, and more with a decent webcam. You need a Leap Motion for hand tracking. VSeeFace works on Windows 8 and later. Install the 64-bit version.
3. V-Skin
V-Skin combines Live3D and 2D vTubing tools on Steam. It records facial expressions using iPhones and webcams. Pair it with a somatosensory device like Ultraleap to track body movements.
It overlays your activities onto your 3D or 2D broadcast character. Features include:
- Freedom setting up vTubing props and scenes
- Super-fine face capturing
- Prop tracking synchronized with character motions
- iPhone or webcam sufficient for facial tracking
- Personal and commercial usage licenses
- 5 minutes free use with unlicensed version
4. VRoid
VRoid is 3D modeling software for vTubers to make custom avatars. Use the VRoid Studio on Windows, Mac, and Steam.
The editing studio has preset items to build characters. Add custom hair, clothes, expressions, and more.
It‘s free software with a user-friendly interface for beginners. Create quality 3D anime characters with ease.
5. Animaze
Animaze is versatile vTubing software for platforms like Google Meet, Zoom, Discord, YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming. It has easy vTubing tools, creative avatars, animation libraries, and more for audience engagement.
Available versions:
- Animaze Desktop on Windows and Steam
- Animaze on iOS App Store
- Animaze Editor for Windows
- Animaze SDK for brands
The desktop app covers live streaming, recording, video chat, expression importing, VRM importing, and more.
6. VRChat
VRChat lets you experience VR events and actions without VR gear. Record your gameplay with OBS Studio for vTubing.
Access it on cloud gaming services like Quest, Steam, Viveport, and Rift. Or use avatar platforms like Tafi, MakeAvatar, and Ready Player Me to skip the SDK.
Built-in vTubing tools include:
- Motion-tracked avatars
- Hand gestures and emojis
- 3D spatial audio
- Multiplayer games
- Chat, draw, sculpt, etc.
7. VTube Studio
VTube Studio is Live2D model vTuber software on Steam. Key features:
- Face tracking with iPhone camera or webcam
- Tracking of blinks, winks, eye motion, etc.
- Hand tracking
- Hotkeys for microphone lip sync, props, scenes, etc.
- Android smartphone support
High performance required: Apple A12+ chip on iPhone, Google ARCore on Android.
8. Live2D Cubism
For 2D vTubing avatars, Live2D Cubism adds life to 2D illustrations. Import a 2D cartoon character and turn it into a 2D animation with near-3D motion.
Animations automatically adjust across device sizes, so your avatar looks great on smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc.
Expand capabilities using the SDK, but design and development skills are needed.
9. Puppemoji
Puppemoji is an iPhone X or later virtual camera app. It uses advanced camera features to overlay augmented reality avatars on your face and body as you move.
Easily transform into an anime character or other avatar. Modify backgrounds and add virtual scenes. Record content to publish on YouTube, Twitch, etc. as a virtual YouTuber.
Animate your 3D avatar using the puppet operation feature that tracks your motions.
This is an Apple-only app for iPhones, iPods, and Macs.
Conclusion
Now you understand the basics of vTubing and some excellent vTuber software options used by popular virtual YouTubers and streamers.
Download or try the software here to start your vTubing journey. Up next are some of the best YouTube VPNs to access YouTube safely and unlock global content.
