VTubing has become a popular form of content creation, blending entertainment, technology, and community engagement. If you're interested in becoming a VTuber and streaming on Twitch, this guide will walk you through the basics.

What are VTubers？

A VTuber, or Virtual YouTuber, is a content creator who uses a virtual avatar powered by motion capture technology to interact with their audience. These avatars can range from anime-style characters to more realistic 3D models.

What is VTubing？

VTubing refers to the act of creating content using a virtual avatar. This can include live streaming, video production, and social media interaction. The virtual avatar acts as the face of the creator, allowing for a unique and often more flexible form of expression.

VTubing originated in Japan around 2016, with Kizuna AI being one of the first widely recognized VTubers. The trend quickly gained popularity due to its innovative use of technology and the unique appeal of virtual characters. Over time, VTubing has expanded globally, with creators from various cultures and backgrounds joining the movement.

Why Does VTubing Get Popular on Twitch?

Unique Content: VTubers offer a distinct form of entertainment that stands out in the crowded streaming space.

Anonymity and Privacy: Using a virtual avatar allows creators to maintain a level of privacy while still engaging with their audience.

Creative Freedom: VTubing allows for a high degree of creativity in character design and storytelling.

Community Engagement: The interactive nature of live streaming, combined with the appeal of a virtual character, fosters a strong sense of community.

Technological Appeal: The use of advanced motion capture and animation technology attracts tech-savvy viewers and creators alike.

By following these steps and understanding the appeal of VTubing, you can start your journey as a VTuber on Twitch and connect with a global audience uniquely and engagingly.

How to Start VTubing

1. Brainstorming for Characterization

The first step is to sketch and visualize what you want your avatar to look like. Make a few sketches, including your design ideas, what you want them to wear, and even their backstory. Whether you have someone else make your avatar or you make it yourself, this will inspire you to do exactly what you want.

2. Identify Your Audience

In brainstorming mode, take some time to think about who you want to create content for. What kind of audience do you want to attract to your channel? As with any type of content creation, this step is very important to help you get direction when creating your video content and footage. Keep in mind that it's perfectly fine if the type of content you create changes during production, but still. It's important to get a general idea of who your channel will be targeting.

3. Create Your Avatar

Now, the most important step in opening a VTubing channel is to actually create your avatar. You can do this in a few ways: commission an artist to create an avatar for you (Fiverr), purchase a ready-made avatar (Sketchfab is a great starting point), or create your own! If you do choose to create your avatar, head over to VTuber Maker on Steam for a super simple process to create your model.

4. Install Motion Tracking Software

Once you have your avatar, it's time to connect the motion tracking software. This software works by using a webcam to capture your facial expressions and movements and then converting them into your avatar. VSeeFace is a great choice for a motion tracking system, and you can enable or disable many settings to personalize your avatar.

5. Connect to Streaming Programs

You have your avatar, you have your motion tracking software, and now all that's left is to download the live streaming program. There are many options to choose from, but the best live streaming programs include OBS Studio, XSplit, and Streamlabs OBS. Watch the video below to learn how to set up VSeeFace in Streamlabs OBS.

6. Be Yourself

People want to watch your channel. Take the time to think carefully about your avatar. Be adventurous and try different ideas to set yourself apart.

Make your voice sound as original as your avatar with All Voice Lab's Voice Changer. You can customize your pitch voice with our AI voice to change the pitch of your voice while still enjoying a realistic, clear sound.

7. Testing and Tweaking

Before you officially start broadcasting, do a few test live broadcasts to check if the picture, sound, and movement are smooth. Adjust the settings according to the feedback to make sure everything is fine for the official live broadcast.

1. In Twitch's Creator Dashboard, turn on Test Mode.

2. Click “Start Streaming” in OBS to check if the picture and sound are working.

3. Access your Twitch channel on your phone or other device and check the live stream.

4. Adjust the screen layout, volume, etc., until you are satisfied.

8. Build Community

After you start broadcasting, don't forget to promote yourself on social media, such as Twitter, Discord, etc. Interact with your viewers and build your own community of fans, which will build up your popularity faster!

How to Become a VTuber

Conceptualize Your Avatar: Decide on the design and personality of your virtual avatar. This includes its appearance, voice, and backstory.

Create or Commission an Avatar: You can create your avatar using software like Live2D or Blender, or commission an artist and rigger to design and animate it for you.

Set Up Motion Capture: Use tools like VSeeFace, Luppet, or FaceRig to animate your avatar in real-time using your facial expressions and movements.

Prepare Your Streaming Setup: Ensure you have a good-quality microphone, webcam, and lighting. Your PC should be capable of handling both the motion capture software and streaming simultaneously.

Choose Your Platform: While Twitch is popular, you can also consider YouTube or other platforms.

Start Streaming: Begin with a consistent schedule, engage with your audience, and gradually build your community.

Can VTuber Software Track Multiple People?

Yes, VTuber camera tracking software can track multiple people, but it requires the right tools, setup, and hardware. If you're planning to do this, start with software like VSeeFace or Luppet, and make sure your PC can handle the load. With some practice, you can create engaging, multi-avatar content for your audience!

Summary

If you have prepared the equipment, the next step is to choose a platform and content. Twitch is very popular, but YouTube and Bilibili are also good. Just choose one that suits you.

The content can be based on your interests, such as playing games, chatting, singing, drawing, or even trying ASMR. The key is that you like it and are good at it, so that it will be more natural when broadcasting.

Want more people to see you? Use social media more! Post live broadcast previews and highlights, or share daily fun on Twitter and Instagram to attract fans.

In addition, joining the VTuber community is also very helpful. You can learn a lot by connecting or communicating with other VTubers. Don't forget to use Twitch's data tools to analyze audience preferences, such as whether they prefer chatting or games, and then arrange more related content.

In short, keep updating and interacting, and your channel will definitely become more and more popular!