In recent years, it has become common to see videos uploaded by creators called “VTubers” on YouTube.
It is easy to think that creating videos as a VTuber requires advanced skills, but it has become surprisingly easy to create a character and get started.
This time, I will explain how to become a VTuber, what you need, and the advantages and disadvantages.
If you want to become a VTuber, please refer to this article.
What is a VTuber?
VTuber, also known as “virtual YouTuber,” refers to a creator who creates videos by moving a 2D or 3D character called an “avatar.” Kizuna Ai, who appeared in 2016, is said to be Japan’s first VTuber.
The number of VTubers continues to increase, and “User Local Co., Ltd.” announced that as of November 28, 2022, the number of VTubers has exceeded 20,000.
The video content distributed by VTubers is wide-ranging, including commentary videos, product reviews, game commentary, and singing/dancing videos.
Is it called a VTuber even if you are not active on YouTube?
VTubers mainly publish videos on YouTube, but even creators who use avatars to distribute videos on media other than YouTube are also called VTubers. Actually, there is no clear definition of the activity media of VTubers.
Media other than YouTube includes television, events, TikTok, Instagram, live streaming services, and
owned media
.
Some VTubers are active in one medium, while others are active in a combination of multiple media such as those listed above.
Preparations necessary to become a VTuber
So, what kind of preparation is required to become a VTuber? If you want to become a VTuber from now on, you need to make the following preparations.
I will explain each in turn.
Decide what to deliver
Before distributing videos as a VTuber, first decide what kind of content you want to distribute. This is because unless you decide on the distribution content, it will be difficult to continue producing and posting videos.
If you create a video without deciding on the content, viewers will wonder, “What is this person trying to convey in the end?” and you may not be able to capture the viewer’s interest or meet their needs.
When deciding on content to broadcast, we recommend choosing a theme that you will continue to enjoy. If you can create and distribute videos with a sustainable theme, you can be active for a long time and increase your fan base.
Choosing a topic that you are interested in and passionate about will help you stay motivated.
Prepare equipment that matches the content of the distribution
In order to distribute videos as a VTuber, you must prepare equipment that matches the content of the distribution. For example, if you want to distribute game commentary or gameplay videos, you will need a high-spec PC, a capture board, etc.
Also, when distributing “I tried singing” type content, it is necessary to use a high-quality microphone and transmit a clear voice.
If you just want to stream videos as a VTuber, you can start using just a smartphone, but the equipment you need will vary depending on the content you want to stream, so research and prepare what kind of equipment you will need. Let’s do it.
Prepare models and avatars
To become a VTuber, it is necessary to prepare a model or avatar. This is because models and avatars are the reason why they are called VTubers. There are three ways to prepare models and avatars:
If you want to create your own avatar, you will need motion capture software to add movement to your avatar in addition to 2D/3D image editing software.
You will also need the skills to use them, so if you are confident in your design sense and software operating skills, please give it a try.
If you don’t have that kind of skill, you can prepare an avatar by having it custom-made by a professional or by purchasing an off-the-shelf product. If you want a professional to make it custom-made for you, you can request it from a creator on sites like Coconala.
If you want to buy a ready-made product, buy it from a site such as “nizima”. However, please keep in mind that whether you have it made to order or purchase a ready-made item, it will cost tens of thousands of yen to hundreds of thousands of yen.
Set up Wi-Fi (internet environment)
If you want to work as a VTuber, set up an environment where you can communicate via Wi-FI (Internet environment) by installing an optical fiber line at your home.
This is because in order to upload videos and live stream smoothly, you need a fixed line with faster and more stable communication.
If you use a mobile line, there is a high possibility that the connection will be interrupted while uploading a video or live streaming. VTubers always communicate large amounts of data, so be sure to connect a fixed line and set up a Wi-Fi environment.
Are the monetization conditions for VTubers the same as regular YouTubers?
The monetization conditions for VTubers who upload videos on YouTube are basically the same as for YouTubers. Just like YouTubers, your earnings will vary depending on things like the number of channel subscriptions and total views.
However, there are other ways to monetize your business other than those mentioned above. Some YouTubers do this, and some VTubers also do live streaming and receive donations, or make and sell original avatar goods.
In addition, we earn income by participating in events and reviewing products requested by companies.
There are also VTubers.
Benefits of becoming a VTuber
VTuber has the following advantages.
Some people may say, “I want to start using YouTube, but I don’t want to appear in a video and have my identity revealed.” If you are a VTuber, you can broadcast using an avatar or voice changer without showing your face or voice, so there is less worry about your identity being revealed.
Even though they have their own content, there are many people who can’t start using YouTube because they’re worried about being exposed.
For such people, streaming videos as a VTuber is a safe way to achieve self-actualization on YouTube. You can also feel the fun of controlling an avatar, “another character different from yourself.”
Streaming videos as a VTuber is also appealing to people who say, “I actually have content that I want to stream, but my image of the character is far from my real-life character, so I want to stream it as a different character.”
Disadvantages of becoming a VTuber
On the other hand, keep in mind that there are disadvantages to becoming a VTuber, such as the following.
In order to distribute videos as a VTuber, you will need equipment such as a microphone and web camera, as well as video editing software and motion capture software.
The above costs will vary depending on what kind of avatar you use and what kind of content you will distribute.
If you only want to add facial expressions to your avatar, you can use just face tracking software, but if you want to express singing or dancing using the avatar’s entire body, you will need a high-performance microphone or motion capture.
Additionally, if you do not make your own avatar and instead purchase or request production, it will cost tens of thousands of yen to hundreds of thousands of yen. Therefore, in order to start distributing videos as a VTuber, it is better to assume that there will be a certain amount of initial cost.
Is it possible to become a VTuber without belonging to an agency?
In conclusion, you can become a VTuber without belonging to an agency. For example, among YouTubers, there are those who are active as individuals and those who belong to agencies, but similarly for VTubers, there are those who are active as individuals and those who belong to agencies. There are some people who are active.
VTubers who belong to an agency have the advantage of receiving a variety of generous follow-up, such as distribution equipment, video editing, and advertising.
However, the disadvantage is that the degree of freedom in content is low and distribution must be tailored to the wishes of the company to which it belongs.
VTubers who are independent and not affiliated with an agency have the advantage of being able to freely create videos on their own. However, the disadvantage is that you have to prepare the distribution equipment, edit the video, and do all the promotion yourself.
summary
In this article, we explained how to become a VTuber, what you need, and the advantages and disadvantages. To become a VTuber, you need to prepare your avatar and distribution equipment, but before that, it is important to first decide what kind of video you want to distribute.
Regarding the preparation of avatars and distribution equipment, the necessary items and costs will vary depending on the content to be distributed. VTubers have the appeal of being able to distribute the content they want to express without showing their faces.
Although there is an initial cost, if you can continue to be active, you can increase your number of fans and make money.
If you have content that you would like to distribute on YouTube, but don’t want to show your face, why not use this article as a reference and start distributing videos as a VTuber?