The Rise of VTubers: How Virtual Characters Are Taking Over Online Ent

The Rise of VTubers: How Virtual Characters Are Taking Over Online Entertainment

03/16/2023 | Johnathon Reyes

If you are a fan of online entertainment, you may have noticed a new trend in recent years: VTubers. VTubers are online entertainers who use virtual avatars generated using computer graphics to create content on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, or Bilibili. They can be seen playing games, singing songs, chatting with fans, or doing anything that a regular YouTuber or streamer would do.

But what makes VTubers different from other online personalities? And why are they so popular among millions of viewers around the world? In this blog post, we will explore the origins, characteristics, and future of this digital phenomenon.

What are VTubers?

The term "VTuber" stands for "virtual YouTuber", and it refers to any online entertainer who uses a virtual avatar instead of showing their real face. The avatar is usually designed by an online artist and animated using software such as Live2D or 3D models. The software captures the streamer's motions, expressions, and mouth movements using a webcam or other devices and maps them to the avatar in real time.

VTubers are not bound by physical limitations and can portray themselves as any character they want. Some VTubers use human-like avatars with anime-inspired aesthetics, while others use anthropomorphic avatars with animal or fantasy traits. Some VTubers also create a fictional backstory or personality for their avatars and act accordingly during their streams.

The first entertainer to use the phrase "virtual YouTuber" was Kizuna AI, who started creating content on YouTube in late 2016. She claimed to be an artificial intelligence who wanted to connect with humans through her videos. Her popularity sparked a wave of other VTubers in Japan and beyond, and soon specialized agencies emerged to promote and manage them.

Some of the most notable agencies include Hololive Production, Nijisanji, VShojo, Tsunderia, VSPO!, etc. These agencies provide support for their talents such as training, equipment, marketing, legal assistance etc., as well as creating collaborations and events among them.

Why are VTubers popular?

There are many reasons why VTubers have gained popularity among online audiences. Here are some of them:

- They offer a unique form of entertainment that combines animation, voice acting, gaming, music, comedy, and more.

- They appeal to fans of Japanese popular culture such as anime, manga, and video games with their cute and colorful designs and references.

- They create a sense of intimacy and interaction with their viewers by responding to their comments and chat messages in real time.

- They provide an escape from reality and allow viewers to immerse themselves in a fantasy world where anything is possible.

- They inspire creativity and curiosity among their fans
who want to learn more about their characters, stories, and hobbies.

What is the future of VTubers?

VTubers have shown no signs of slowing down in terms of growth and innovation. According to some estimates , there were more than 10 ,000 active VTubers by 2020 , and more are joining every day . Some VTubers have also achieved mainstream recognition by appearing in domestic advertising campaigns , breaking livestream-related world records , collaborating with celebrities , etc .

As technology advances , so does the quality and variety of VTuber content . Some examples include :

- Using virtual reality hardware or hand tracking devices to enhance motion capture accuracy and immersion .
- Using artificial intelligence or machine learning to generate realistic voices , expressions , or dialogues for their avatars .
- Using augmented reality or mixed reality to blend virtual elements with real environments .
- Creating original games , animations , music , merchandise , etc . featuring their avatars

In conclusion , VTubers are a fascinating phenomenon that has revolutionized online entertainment . They offer a new way for creators and viewers to express themselves , connect with each other , and have fun . If you are interested in learning more about them , you can check out some of these websites :

Thank you for reading this blog post ! I hope you enjoyed it, leave a comment on your favorite vtuber down below.