What is a Vtuber and who was the first? Today take a deep dive into the world of virtual characters and how they changed the world…
What is a Vtuber and who was the first? Today take a deep dive into the world of virtual characters and how they changed the world…
Ever wondered, “What’s with those weird Anime Characters all over Twitch?” Or perhaps you’ve asked yourself, “Who are these virtual personalities taking over YouTube and TikTok?” VTubers are the latest internet sensation sweeping the globe. But what exactly is a VTuber, and how did they rise to fame so quickly? Stick around to find out!
Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of VTubers and PNGtubers. The term ‘VTuber’ stands for ‘Virtual YouTuber.’ These are content creators who use dynamic digital avatars that can track their real-life movements using motion capture technology. This allows them to broadcast their unique personalities through a virtual persona, often resembling anime characters.
VTubers can interact with their audience, play games, sing, and perform just like any other streamer, but with the added charm of a digital avatar. This avatar is brought to life using facial recognition software and motion tracking, which translates the creator’s movements and expressions onto the virtual character in real-time.
What about PNGtubers? This term refers to a less dynamic form of virtual avatar that is created with a handful of PNG images instead of live body tracking. These avatars, like the one I am using now, often resemble anime characters, but they definitely do NOT have to. PNGtubers typically use simple animations or static images that change based on audio cues or manual controls.
But why use an avatar? Is there something wrong with your face? No, the avatars are not used to hide an ugly mug, OK. Infact, most vtubers do face reveals and are often very cute! They are a way to produce videos and live streams as if you were roleplaying a whole new character. And if you have ever played DND then you know how fun role-playing and character creation can be!
Using a virtual avatar allows creators to express themselves in ways they might not feel comfortable doing on camera. It can also add a layer of creativity and fantasy to their content, making it more engaging for viewers. Plus, it offers a degree of anonymity, which can be appealing for those who want to keep their real-life identity private.
The phenomenon began in Japan around 2011, with Ami Yamato, the very first virtual personality to brave the internet. Not too long after, in 2016, Kizuna Ai became one of the pioneers of virtual YouTubing as she quickly gained popularity, paving the way for others to follow.
Ami Yamato was a trailblazer, but it was Kizuna Ai who truly put VTubing on the map. Kizuna Ai’s friendly and engaging persona, combined with her high-quality motion capture technology, quickly attracted a massive following. She became the face of the VTubing movement and inspired countless others to join the trend.
Another name you may have heard of is Hatsune Miku, who, although not officially a VTuber, helped bring in fans from around the world to find a new love of virtual entertainers. Hatsune Miku is a virtual idol, created as a Vocaloid character, and her concerts featuring holographic performances have captivated audiences worldwide.
The origins of VTubing have a strong connection to the music industry as Role Playing and music go way back to at least the 1950s with the rise of the “fictional bands”.
“Sugar, Sugar”, for example, the most popular bubblegum pop single of all time, was released on May 24, 1969 by the fictional band The Archies. Where singers are role playing as fictional characters. This trend of fictional bands only grew with time as technology advanced and made it easier as we entered the digital age. It wasn’t long before this role playing element was experimented with in other forms of entertainment, particularly in Japan.
From Japan, the trend has spread worldwide, with VTubers now attracting massive audiences from all corners of the globe. These days, VTubers use advanced motion capture technology to animate their avatars, making them incredibly lifelike and engaging. Channels like Hololive and Nijisanji have turned VTubing into a massive industry, with talents racking up millions of subscribers – and dollars!
The technology behind VTubing has evolved rapidly. Early VTubers relied on basic motion capture and facial recognition software, but today’s VTubers have access to sophisticated tools that allow for highly detailed and expressive avatars. Companies like Live2D and VRoid Studio provide software that enables creators to design and rig their avatars with precision, adding a new level of realism and interactivity.
But what makes VTubers so appealing? Why are they all over your feed when you don’t even like anime? For many, it’s the “OSHI” culture and the blend of entertainment and interaction that comes with live streaming. “OSHI” being a Japanese word used to describe someone that you idolize, much like they do in Korea with K-pop stars.
Fans also love the creativity and the ability to connect with their favorite odd little niches in such a personable manner during VTubers live streams. Whether it’s singing, gaming, or just chatting with fans, VTubers bring a new level of engagement to the table.
VTubers create a unique bond with their audience. The live streaming format allows for real-time interaction, making viewers feel like they are part of the experience. This sense of community and belonging is a significant factor in the popularity of VTubers.
So, what is a VTuber? A VTuber is a niche personified! Imagine the very essence of the one thing you love to geek out about most, and then BOOM, there is a living, breathing effigy to your infatuation. That is the core of what a VTuber truly is.
VTubers often cater to specific interests and fandoms, providing content that resonates deeply with their audience. Whether you’re into anime, gaming, music, or any other niche, there’s likely a VTuber out there who shares your passion.
Their influence is undeniable, and as technology continues to advance, we can only expect this trend to grow even further. VTubers have become incredibly successful, not only in terms of viewership but also financially. Many VTubers earn substantial incomes through donations, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and membership subscriptions.
So, what do you think about VTubers? Are they utter trash? Or do you have a favorite? Would you ever consider becoming the personality behind a niche that you love? Let me know in the comments below!
And if you are ready to start your own virtual journey, check out our guide on how to get a Custom Vtuber Model made for you!
If you’re curious about the tech behind VTubing or want to know more about your favorite VTubers, check out our other posts linked here. If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to share it with your friends and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated with our latest content.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, stay strange!
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