Over the last few years, the emerging trend of VTubers has taken the internet by storm. These personalities are the new competition for “human” streamers and can give people a creative outlet they might not have thought possible. So if you’re interested in becoming one or just want to know what’s going on, this article will cover everything. From the basics of what is a Vtuber, the equipment you’ll need, how to build a successful brand, the pros & cons, connectable sex toys, and more!
Also, this guide might be aimed towards people who want to have spicy streams or interactions, but there’s nothing to say the same stuff in this article isn’t just as valuable to people who are interested in normal content. Let’s dive in!
What is a Vtuber?
It stands for “Virtual YouTuber.” They are people who use a digital avatar instead of appearing online in person, and they do all the things you would expect a YouTuber or online entertainer to do. This can include conversations with their followers, singing/dancing, reacting to popular media, streaming gameplay, and even interacting with other Vtubers.
The term was first coined by Kizuna AI (now part of Kizuna AI Inc., a subsidiary of digital entertainment company Activ8) who began creating content on YouTube in late 2016. Her popularity sparked a VTuber trend in Japan. And where there is success and money, businesses are sure to follow. Her explosion of followers spurred the establishment of specialized agencies to promote Vtubers, including major ones such as Hololive Production, Nijisanji, and VShojo.
VTuber (Japanese: ブイチューバー, Hepburn: BuiChūbā), or virtual YouTuber (バーチャルユーチューバー, bācharu YūChūbā)
Since then the Asian and Western markets have burst with countless digital personas that blend the realms of technology and creativity. What makes VTubers truly unique is their ability to transcend the physical boundaries of human existence. Through the unlimited creativity of technology, they bring to life fantastical avatars that they might not be able to do in person.
Understanding the Vtuber World
Vtubers come in various forms, offering unique approaches, personas, and niches. There are two main types of Vtubers: Live 2D Vtubers and 3D Vtubers.
Live2D Vtubers
Live2D Vtubers use 2D animated virtual avatars. These avatars can be customized in countless ways and offer a wide range of expressions and movements. But to do this, the makers need special software that lets them interact with their audience in real-time, otherwise, it’s just animation and not Vtubing.
3D Vtubers
3D Vtubers, on the other hand, take on three-dimensional virtual characters. These avatars are WAY more advanced (not to mention expensive) and need extra hardware like motion capture devices. 3D Vtubers usually feel more immersive to their audience because they feel less like an illustration, storybook, or manga and more like a person.
What’s a Vtuber in the Adult Content Sense?
While regular Vtubers focus on entertainment and building communities with G or PG-rated materials (or anything non-sexual), adult Vtubers are geared to a different audience by creating explicit or erotic content.
You’ll usually find them on sites that allow X-rated stuff. They can also show up on platforms like Twitch while doing things that won’t get them banned – mostly to raise awareness and steer viewers to their other sites or products.
One famous adult content Vtubers is Projekt Melody (a self-aware AI virtual cam girl). She looks like a manga/hentai girl and even has an entire erotic game based that can be connected to a brand of app-controlled sex toys. So, when there’s a sex scene in the game, the player can feel the vibrations in the toy they’re wearing!
If you want to know more about Projekt Melody and Lovense sex toys, you’ll find everything in this article. You might also find inspiration for your own ideas!
First, Find a Unique Personality
The first step in becoming a Vtuber is to define your unique virtual persona. This is what’s going to set you apart from the (literal) thousands of other competitors out there. Because once Kizuna and those few others became popular, and COVID made people stay at home to consume more online content, countless other creators jumped on the bandwagon.
So, it’s just like any other business model. Do you have a service or a product that’s got fierce competition? You have to find what makes YOUR brand different and special.
- Consider your strengths, interests, and what you want to convey to your audience.
- Think about the character you want to portray and the attributes that make you unique.
- Create a virtual identity that resonates with not only you but the kind of viewers you hope for.
- Don’t copy what’s already popular and make a few tweaks.
- Try not to only copy and paste content ideas, because viewers can see through these things very quickly. Get some original content out!
- You don’t have to go “young, innocent, and cute” or “ big boob and slutty” if that’s not you.
- Decide between 2D or 3D models. Both are ok, but 3D is more sophisticated and often better received… but’s more expensive and harder to make on your own.
What is a Vtuber Going to Pay at the Start?
Once you’ve fleshed out your persona, you’ll need to set up a Vtuber environment. This includes having the right hardware and software for streaming, as well as peripherals to enhance your performance.
Hardware and Software Include:
You’ll also have to consider…
- Motion capture software to get every movement, right down to where your eyes are going
- Possible voice modulators – if you want to change your voice to something else
- App-controlled sex toys – If you want sex toys to be part of your streaming, they’re expensive but usually pay for themselves after a couple of sessions.
- Adult streaming sites – see what kind of commissions or fees they take and if they have compatible “tipping” software that goes with the sex toys you’ve purchased. One example is Chaturbate.
- Choose other streaming sites for other content and read their “explicating content” rules carefully! E.g. you can have your avatar dressed sexy and playing a game.
Check out the Lovense Store for tip-controlled sex toys. Make MONEY while you’re V-streaming!
NOTE: I intentionally didn’t add links to software or hardware because things are always being upgraded or newer/better products are coming out. The best thing you can do is get into some extensive research and choose what’s best for your goals.
This includes paying for a 2D or 3D model.
They both have pros and cons but either way, they share the same pitfall – if you aren’t tech-savvy and you have to pay someone to make one for you, be careful which rigger/artist you hire. And it’s not always “expensive = good quality” because you can still get ripped off.
Read customer reviews. Watch Youtube videos about how to choose the right model for your needs and how to know if your rigger knows what they’re doing (and knowing what they’re worth money-wise). And even if you don’t know how to use the software, it doesn’t hurt to know what the latest versions are (their pros and cons) so you can know what the person uses in their commissions. One common example of software for avatar creation is Unity.
Mastering the Virtual Performance
A successful Vtuber knows how to engage their audience through decent voice acting, facial expressions, and gestures. This doesn’t mean you have to be a vocal sensation. However, everyone who’s been on YouTube has definitely come across a video or two where the person talking, playing, or reacting was the audio version of Xanax.
Meaning, monotone, lifeless, and boring will quickly kill your channel.
Learn to express your emotions as best (and as naturally as you can) through your avatar’s facial expressions and body language. Practice improvisation and interactive engagement to keep your viewers entertained and coming back for more. Basically, take your best and most entertaining self (or that of your avatar) and bring that to the screen.
It can be a wonderful and liberating experience for some people who find themselves locked in their own personalities and need a safe outlet.
Building & Engaging Your Community
Building a community around your Vtuber persona is essential for success. Again, it’s no different than making any other kind of business – that is if you’re doing this to make money and not just for casual/personal fun.
You need to think of things like a memorable character name and logo that represents your brand. Use social media platforms to connect and engage with your fans – most people say Twitter is a must. Collaborate with other Vtubers and participate in community events to expand your reach and build a loyal following. And giveaways are always nice.
It’s definitely not a “build it and they will come” (pun intended). You’ll have to do a lot of work making and setting up your avatar and brand – and then even more work building an audience.
Managing Time & Mental Well-being
Maintaining a balance between your Vtuber commitments and your personal life is crucial. Online platforms can sometimes be toxic, so develop strategies to handle criticism and maintain a positive mental state. Take breaks when needed and prioritize your well-being.
Your schedule should balance self-care (to avoid burnout and still let you take care of your other life’s responsibilities) while at the same time making sure you are having a consistent content output. You can also do this by varying the kind of content you create.
For example, if talking with viewers is stressful, you can have one day where you play a game or just not look at the chat that much. If you’re lucky enough, you might even have people who can moderate chat for you.
Monetizing Your Vtuber Career
As your Vtuber career progresses, you should explore different revenue streams. There are partnerships, product reviews, merchandise sales, etc. And, the larger your viewership base, the better your chances of getting people who want to make their own money off of you too – which is where dream sponsors come in.
Patreon is always a great idea as well as offering special content to engage your fans and provide them with additional value. Not to mention you’re tapping into the draw of exclusivity and FOMO (fear of missing out). Then there are wish lists for your most dedicated followers who want to shower you with surprises.
Vtubers – Guarding Against Bad Apples
I’m not talking about toxic viewers or just ragers that throw in a mean comment once in a while. Hell, even time wasters aren’t counted here. I’m talking about the dark side of Vtubing. Since many of the most popular/receptive avatars can sometimes look like younger characters, it can attract … disgusting individuals. Ones that belong in jail, if you catch my drift.
This has been a debate for a long while. While the content creators are NOT at fault for any sleazy, hell-bound people that lurk in their viewership, creators should do their best to make their channel as safe as possible – especially if it’s X-rated.
Porn sites already come with an 18+ warning. However, you could be on places like Twitter or Twitch delivering more PG-rated stuff. It can be helpful to put disclaimers where necessary/vital or even a post link to a site that teaches parents how to be more aware, engaged, and safe in what media their children are consuming (and the people in chat they might be interacting with).
This isn’t meant to scare you off – just a sad truth about what could be found on even a G-rated site. But you’ll be far more respected if you champion in some way for consensual, safe, of-age media. How, is up to you, your brand, and your platforms.
More Pros & Cons of Being a Vtuber
Some of the great things include:
- Being able to set your own schedule.
- Focusing on the content that you love and want to make.
- Being able to remain anonymous.
- It’s still less competitive than live cam-models.
- Great for people who want to stream but have anxiety about being “out there”.
- No stress of having to clean your room or put on makeup/certain clothing.
- Joining an agency can open up a lot of opportunities and make things easier (but limit you as well). See the video below.
- You can connect with a lot of people without having to spend as much energy.
- Spicy Vtubers don’t have be to hardcore if they don’t want to. Your comfort level is your choice.
Some downsides include:
- Initial setup can be expensive depending on how far you want to go down the rabbit hole.
- Avatar/model creation can be pricy or free (but then you’re limited to your own skills and the final product might not be as professional as you want)
- Despite the success stories of people making hundreds of thousands of dollars, most people don’t get that. It’s still a “home business” and you’ll have to work hard and hustle. Meaning, you can’t be lazy about it – it requires passion and dedication.
- Income will not be consistent, so learn to be good with money
- You’ll face heavy criticism from live models who don’t like the digital competition.
- It can be mentally exhausting, especially streaming (if you aren’t hard-core in love with it).
- Some models can fake their pleasure (and far more easily) with an avatar, so tippers could get ripped off. There’s less trust there.
What is a Vtuber – Final Thoughts
The world of Vtubing offers limitless potential for creativity, community-building, and entertainment – not to mention being at the forefront of advances in the newest tech (sex or otherwise). By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can totally have a rewarding journey as a Vtuber – if you feel inspired to go down this road of course. Remember to stay true to yourself, engage with your audience, and prioritize your well-being. Now, it’s time to unleash your virtual persona!
Want to add more about what is a Vtuber or how to be successful as one? Share in the comments!
