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⚡ [WHAT IS A "VIRTUAL YOUTUBER" ANYWAY?]
Virtual Youtubers, or VTubers for short, are personalities who adopt a virtual avatar which is then used to engage with, entertain, or inform an audience.
They are usually based online, streaming games or making videos with their avatars overlayed on top, typically 'puppeteered' using mocap technology. There is also a selection whose activities extend beyond the small screen to feature themselves in full-fledged stage performances or live concerts as a proper 3D performer. This type of VTuber can also be considered a type of virtual idol/virtual singer, of which there exists a sizable portion, and overlap between the two is a common sight.
Some who call themselves a VTuber will elect to remain 100% anonymous for their VTubing career. Others opt for a more hybridized approach, presenting themselves in real life as well as in virtual form.
Despite the name, they do not have to be on YouTube to be a 'VTuber'; any platform of preference, such as Twitch, TikTok, or Bilibili, can be called home. In some instances, labels like 'VStreamer', along with other variations, have been used, but 'VTuber' remains the most commonplace term regardless of origin.
(Please see the FAQ below for more answers to some of the most common questions regarding VTubing!)
(Please see the FAQ below for more answers to some of the most common questions regarding VTubing!)
⚡ [WHY WATCH VTUBERS?]
VTubers are a form of new-media entertainment that combine elements of various internet cultures and subcultures. As a result, its format draws from many different entertainment models. Part of the appeal of VTubing is the virtual domain it inhabits: it is not bound by physical limitations. A VTuber can be anybody, or anything, they wish to be, no matter the world outside their computer. A VTuber can use animation, digital assets, and illustrations to convey the reality of their choosing in a medium-consistent manner -- and they can maintain a sense of anonymity and privacy while doing it.
For fans of anime/cartoons/games, watching and following VTubers can also feel a little bit like all of that combined. CGI characters with cool visuals with which you can freely interact, whose 'story' you can contribute to; kayfabe allowing for 'roleplay' and character lore (and even more lore/character BREAKS, but that's part of the charm); and celebrating milestones such as subscriber/follower count, getting a new outfit, getting a 3D model, and more.
They can also just be:
✅ Silly
✅ Cute
✅ Funny sometimes
✅ Very talented/creative
For fans of anime/cartoons/games, watching and following VTubers can also feel a little bit like all of that combined. CGI characters with cool visuals with which you can freely interact, whose 'story' you can contribute to; kayfabe allowing for 'roleplay' and character lore (and even more lore/character BREAKS, but that's part of the charm); and celebrating milestones such as subscriber/follower count, getting a new outfit, getting a 3D model, and more.
They can also just be:
✅ Silly
✅ Cute
✅ Funny sometimes
✅ Very talented/creative
The story of VTubing begins in 2016, in Japan, with a 'klutzy artificial intelligence' [not an actual AI; see FAQ] named Kizuna Ai. But since 2020, it has spread throughout the globe, and grown in presence -- and population -- with each consecutive year. Today, tens of thousands of VTubers have come, gone, and stayed, and hundreds more emerge every several months.
VTubers come in all shapes and sizes; some people use a VTuber-style presentation, but are otherwise detached from core VTubing culture. Some try to push the envelope of the medium, harnessing it in innovative ways (CodeMiko, anyone?). Some are anime girls, some are talking horse heads. Some sing; some game; some just chat. Many do all three.
The large majority of VTubers are indies, and the majority of that majority are small and homegrown, with minimal financial backing and a lot of DIY.
On the other side of the coin, as the scene grew, more and more VTuber agencies rose to prominence: companies formed to provide branding support, funding, and networking to and management for aspiring virtual entertainers. Today, many of the highest-profile and most famous VTubers are contracted under a company (aka, "corpo VTuber"). The banner directly above comprises of several major VTuber agencies from around the world who are currently active as of this posting.
Of the currently active corps, the two biggest and most famous right now, both based in Japan, are
VTubers come in all shapes and sizes; some people use a VTuber-style presentation, but are otherwise detached from core VTubing culture. Some try to push the envelope of the medium, harnessing it in innovative ways (CodeMiko, anyone?). Some are anime girls, some are talking horse heads. Some sing; some game; some just chat. Many do all three.
The large majority of VTubers are indies, and the majority of that majority are small and homegrown, with minimal financial backing and a lot of DIY.
On the other side of the coin, as the scene grew, more and more VTuber agencies rose to prominence: companies formed to provide branding support, funding, and networking to and management for aspiring virtual entertainers. Today, many of the highest-profile and most famous VTubers are contracted under a company (aka, "corpo VTuber"). The banner directly above comprises of several major VTuber agencies from around the world who are currently active as of this posting.
Of the currently active corps, the two biggest and most famous right now, both based in Japan, are
• Hololive, managed by COVER Corp. Also the group to which Gawr Gura belongs. They have some of the biggest VTubers in the world with a multitude of talents in the 1-million-subscriber range. While their main, girl-only branch is HololiveJP (Japan), other branches include ID (Indonesia), EN (English), and Dev_IS (a unit-focused branch). They are also home to Holostars, a male-only group, which consists of a JP and EN branch. Fashioned as a semi-"idol" group, Hololive has a stronger focus on musical projects, but with just how sweaty-gamer, multi-talented, and 'mischievous' its members can prove to be, the bigger picture can be a little more colorful.
• Nijisanji, managed by ANYCOLOR Inc. Some may recognize the mug of Vox Akuma. The biggest VTuber agency in the world, Nijisanji refers to their talents as 'virtual livers' (as in going 'live') and has over 170 members, several of which are the most well-known VTubers in the industry. They have two primary branches: the eponymous Nijisanji (Japan + legacy members of now-dissolved international branches), sometimes unofficially referred to as 'NijisanjiJP', and NijisanjiEN (English). They also have a sister group, VirtuaReal, based in China. Nijisanji is a huge group and the main pioneer of the Live2D format (streaming with 2D models), with a wide variety of members and niches represented. Chances are, there'll be at least one VTuber you like in there!
• Nijisanji, managed by ANYCOLOR Inc. Some may recognize the mug of Vox Akuma. The biggest VTuber agency in the world, Nijisanji refers to their talents as 'virtual livers' (as in going 'live') and has over 170 members, several of which are the most well-known VTubers in the industry. They have two primary branches: the eponymous Nijisanji (Japan + legacy members of now-dissolved international branches), sometimes unofficially referred to as 'NijisanjiJP', and NijisanjiEN (English). They also have a sister group, VirtuaReal, based in China. Nijisanji is a huge group and the main pioneer of the Live2D format (streaming with 2D models), with a wide variety of members and niches represented. Chances are, there'll be at least one VTuber you like in there!
VSPO! and Neo-Porte are also not far behind in size, the former being the third-biggest VTuber agency in JP by subscriber count. These two have a stronger eSports focus. Kamitsubaki Studio is a music label that specializes in VSingers, including one of their biggest names, KAF. Other agencies include Nanashiinku, possessing a wide variety of VTubers with numerous sub-groups; NoriPro, an agency founded by Norio Tsukudani, herself a VTuber, mangaka, illustrator, and dancer; dotLive, one of the oldest running VTuber agencies alongside Hololive and home to the one of the original 'Four Heavenly Kings', Denno Shojo Siro; and many more.
Meanwhile, from the western/English-speaking world, some of the most prominent VTuber agencies are
• VShojo, a 'talent-first' agency that operates on a different model from the typical Eastern format, allowing VTubers to retain their IP and much more freedom. The VShojo talents comprise of some of the biggest names in EN VTubing, including Ironmouse and Zentreya, and unlike most companies, are primarily scout/recruitment-only, openings for auditions being a rarity.
• Phase-Connect, a western-targeted VTuber agency that originally launched with both JP and EN members. Based out of Vancouver, Canada, Phase-Connect made a splash in 2021 and have grown in number and scale ever since, developing into one of the biggest Youtube-based agencies in the western market. Their style tends to reject the 'cleaner' image of the bigger JP-based agencies on the site and have gained a reputation as such.
• Idol Corp, one of the past two years' dark horses. Despite launching in 2022, they started to gain prominence in 2023 and by the end of the year became one of the most well-known VTuber agencies in the western world, featuring British wisecracks like Rin Penrose and mafia bosses such as Kattarina Qutie.
• Prism Project, a 'multinational', western-targeted agency that has cultivated a devoted following over the years and serves as home to numerous VTubers with a range of talents, both musically and elsewhere, Shiki Miyoshino being just one example. Since 2022, they have been owned by Sony Music Entertainment.
• Phase-Connect, a western-targeted VTuber agency that originally launched with both JP and EN members. Based out of Vancouver, Canada, Phase-Connect made a splash in 2021 and have grown in number and scale ever since, developing into one of the biggest Youtube-based agencies in the western market. Their style tends to reject the 'cleaner' image of the bigger JP-based agencies on the site and have gained a reputation as such.
• Idol Corp, one of the past two years' dark horses. Despite launching in 2022, they started to gain prominence in 2023 and by the end of the year became one of the most well-known VTuber agencies in the western world, featuring British wisecracks like Rin Penrose and mafia bosses such as Kattarina Qutie.
• Prism Project, a 'multinational', western-targeted agency that has cultivated a devoted following over the years and serves as home to numerous VTubers with a range of talents, both musically and elsewhere, Shiki Miyoshino being just one example. Since 2022, they have been owned by Sony Music Entertainment.
There is also Mythic, a Twitch-based talent management company that is home to some of the biggest VTubers on Twitch alongside VShojo. However, Mythic is not VTuber-exclusive, host to both real-life and virtual members, and arguably has even less direct involvement with a VTuber's individual activities and brand than VShojo; as such, the majority of VTubers under Mythic are still considered 'indie', while VTubers under VShojo are considered 'indie with corpo benefits' (although in reality, the latter is simply in adoption of a model inspired more by Western conventions as opposed to the heavily managed Eastern model traditionally practiced in the industry).
Isegye Idol and V&U, two of the most well-known groups based out of South Korea.
Neo-Baka, a high profile agency local to Brazil.
Maha5, a major Indonesia-based company also featuring JP talents.
⚡ [VTUBER ETIQUETTE/THREAD GUIDELINES] (please read)1) Egregious doxxing of talents {including unauthorized face reveals and other identifying information) is forbidden. However, talking about 'past lives' and personal accounts can be allowed only under certain conditions and extents:
• No blatant posting of 'VTuber/Person A is VTuber/Person B', in that exact format, out in the open; if you have to candidly disclose a VTuber's 'incarnations', please do so in spoiler tags and non-habitually
• On the other hand, bringing up a VTuber's or former VTuber's personal account, indie account, or past life without spoilers is permitted as long as you abide by the condition directly above and avoid explicitly stating that both people are the same person -- in other words, an 'if you know, you know' implied approach should be fine
• Try to keep discussions surrounding a VTuber's past life or non-VTuber account to a minimum; talking about the history of things and referencing past moments when topical are fine and realistically, sometimes it's unavoidable and impossible to walk around eggshells for certain news or when discussing the more high-profile VTubers all the time, and that's okay from time to time. But the general priority should be given to the VTuber's current, active persona.
• On the other hand, bringing up a VTuber's or former VTuber's personal account, indie account, or past life without spoilers is permitted as long as you abide by the condition directly above and avoid explicitly stating that both people are the same person -- in other words, an 'if you know, you know' implied approach should be fine
• Try to keep discussions surrounding a VTuber's past life or non-VTuber account to a minimum; talking about the history of things and referencing past moments when topical are fine and realistically, sometimes it's unavoidable and impossible to walk around eggshells for certain news or when discussing the more high-profile VTubers all the time, and that's okay from time to time. But the general priority should be given to the VTuber's current, active persona.
2) In this corner of the web, the conversation will mostly be dominated by Hololive and Nijisanji -- but don't be afraid to bring up indies and other/smaller VTubers you like too! A lot of people who otherwise wouldn't be exposed to them have been introduced to other VTubers this way in past threads.
3) When watching a VTuber live, please pay attention to the VTuber's stream/chat rules if they have such a list up. List or not, the common defacto rules in JP Vtubing amounts to: stay on topic, don't converse with other viewers, avoid bringing up other VTubers unless the streamer did so first, don't spam, and, of course, be respectful. If you are unsure of how to conduct yourself, it's advisable to see what the atmosphere is like between the VTuber and their chat before jumping in.
4) Be wary of 'dramatubers' (drama focused VTuber channels) and unreliable clippers who are known for inaccurate translations (e.g. Otakmori). The latter can end up instigating drama and misinformation via their clips, while the former will rely on shock value to bait viewers/engagement.
5) Abide by the official ResetEra Terms and Conditions when posting in the thread.
⚡ [F.A.Q]3) When watching a VTuber live, please pay attention to the VTuber's stream/chat rules if they have such a list up. List or not, the common defacto rules in JP Vtubing amounts to: stay on topic, don't converse with other viewers, avoid bringing up other VTubers unless the streamer did so first, don't spam, and, of course, be respectful. If you are unsure of how to conduct yourself, it's advisable to see what the atmosphere is like between the VTuber and their chat before jumping in.
4) Be wary of 'dramatubers' (drama focused VTuber channels) and unreliable clippers who are known for inaccurate translations (e.g. Otakmori). The latter can end up instigating drama and misinformation via their clips, while the former will rely on shock value to bait viewers/engagement.
5) Abide by the official ResetEra Terms and Conditions when posting in the thread.
Want to be a VTuber? These links might come in handy:
• A bona fide, full-fledged resource guide courtesy of Faf
• A maybe out-of-date but still thorough and detailed overview from the old thread by SilentPanda (🙏 )
• VGen is a popular place for artists and VTubers to conduct commission transactions
• A maybe out-of-date but still thorough and detailed overview from the old thread by SilentPanda (🙏 )
• VGen is a popular place for artists and VTubers to conduct commission transactions
Want to watch and keep track of your favorite VTubers? Here's some stuff to help ya out:
• Holodex, as linked above, allows you to see the live status of, and tune into a plethora of VTubers as you wish and even watch multiple of the latest streams at the same time -- it also has a section for stuff like music and music-related streams for you to keep tabs on!
• VTStats tracks numbers including subscriber count, viewership, revenue, daily engagement, etc.
⚡ [INTRODUCE YOURSELF]• VTStats tracks numbers including subscriber count, viewership, revenue, daily engagement, etc.
Jumping into the thread for the first time? Feel free to use this little introduction card! It's not mandatory of course, just something you can use if you want. ^^'
_______________________________
_______________________________
INTRODUCTION CARD
- Who is/are your favorite VTuber(s)?
(Name drop them here, or if you don't have any yet, that's okay too.)
- What got you into VTubing?
(Who/what pulled you down the rabbit hole?)
- What kind of content do you mainly watch VTubers for?
(Gaming, music/singing/performances, variety, comedy, tech, etc.)
- What kind of VTubers do you prefer to watch?
(Wholesome/Spicy; Youtube/Twitch; Nijisanji/Hololive/VShojo; etcetera.)
⚡ [VTUBERS ON ERA!]- Who is/are your favorite VTuber(s)?
(Name drop them here, or if you don't have any yet, that's okay too.)
- What got you into VTubing?
(Who/what pulled you down the rabbit hole?)
- What kind of content do you mainly watch VTubers for?
(Gaming, music/singing/performances, variety, comedy, tech, etc.)
- What kind of VTubers do you prefer to watch?
(Wholesome/Spicy; Youtube/Twitch; Nijisanji/Hololive/VShojo; etcetera.)
VTubers are on Era, too! If you're a VTuber on Era and would like to be on the list, please message me your VTuber name, links, a short blurb/greeting or description of yourself, and a pic (if you'd like)! ^^'
Give 'em a look!
Give 'em a look!
Hamburger-kun
I'm just a hamburger playing video games.
YouTube
Shadowstew
"Stew stew, it's your local Sk8er Boi VStewber, Shadowstew!"
Twitch YouTube Skate Intro
Haru Zulux (though generally just go by Haru)
I'm just a non-binary person making some videos of what catches my fancy.
youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@haruzulux
introduction - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au1tKdgedL8
Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/haruzulux
bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/haruzulux.bsky.social
Schedule:
1-5ish Central (US) on weds on twitch and upload a video every Friday on youtube at 3pm central at the min
Special thanks to....
Kuro, for the corpo logo banner
Kansoku, for the original two threads (and from which this heavily borrowed)
...and the VTuber community!
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