What is a VTuber?

A VTuber, aka “Virtual YouTuber”, is a virtual live streamer who uses a Live2D model, 3D model, or PNG to represent themselves.

When the person behind the model talks, moves, smiles, or reacts, the tracking software translates those movements onto the model in real time.

Becoming a VTuber gives you a way to be expressive on camera without showing your real face.

That can be useful for privacy, comfort, branding, or creative presentation. Some people want a character that matches their channel style. Others simply feel more comfortable performing through an avatar than appearing directly on webcam.

VTubing can also make a stream or video feel more visually distinct. Instead of placing a webcam feed over the content, the creator appears as a virtual character that can fit into a custom overlay, animated scene, or fictional world.

VTubing replaces a traditional webcam with a virtual avatar. Using motion-tracking software, the avatar mirrors your real-life facial expressions, head movements, and sometimes body motions in real time. Here’s what you need to start:

1. A computer
2. A Live2D model, 3D model, or PNG
3. Your phone or webcam for tracking (iOS device for best results due to ARKit)
4. A tracking program like VTube Studio (Live2D Models), Warudo (3D Models), or Veadotube mini (PNGTubers)
5. A streaming or recording software like OBS Studio

P.S. If you’re using a PNG, you’ll need a microphone

There are three main categories for VTubing: Live2D models, 3D models, and PNGTubers.

A Live2D model is usually built from layered artwork. The model is rigged so parts of the character can move independently, such as the head, eyes, mouth, hair, and clothing.

These models are often associated with Live2D-style animation. They can look highly polished, especially for close-up streaming, chatting, and reaction-heavy content.

Live2D models are popular because they can feel expressive without the need to invest in a 3D model to feel immersive.

A 3D model is built as a character that can freely rotate and move in three-dimensional space. This can make it better suited for full-body tracking, dancing, VR-style content, or scenes where the character needs more physical movement.

3D models can be more flexible for certain types of motion, but they may require different software, more setup, or additional physical tracking equipment depending on how detailed you want the movement to be.

A PNGTuber model is built from a set of static or animated images, typically showing different states of a character such as idle, talking, and blinking. Rather than a rigged model, the avatar switches between these images in response to voice input or manual triggers.

PNGTubers are a more accessible entry point into VTubing. They require less software, less processing power, and can be set up quickly without the need for rigging or 3D modeling experience.

VTube Studio is a popular free app that allows you to control your Live2D Model in real time. It can track your facial movements, blinks, and mouth-syncs by using a webcam or smartphone.

For many VTubers, VTube Studio becomes the control center for their Live2D model. You can use it to load your model, calibrate tracking, trigger expressions, use microphone lip sync, and set up hotkeys for different character states.

That is especially useful during live content, where you may want to switch expressions, toggle props, or change scenes without opening menus.

As VTubers continue to grow, it can be difficult to manage multiple toggles and actions smoothly. Stream Deck and Stream Deck Pedal offers an easy solution to manage actions like Change Model, Trigger Hotkey, Move Model, and more with the VTube Studio plugin created by @Cazzar.

This is not required to be a VTuber, but it can make the setup easier to manage once you have multiple expressions or scene controls.

Get VTube Studio plugin on Elgato Marketplace.

A VTuber is not just a virtual character on screen. It is a way to present yourself through an avatar, whether you want more privacy, a stronger visual identity, or a more expressive format for your content.

Start with the basics: a model, tracking software, and a microphone. Once your avatar is working, tools like Stream Deck and VTube Studio plugin can help you control expressions and actions without interrupting your stream or recording.