VTubing on Twitch

VTubing is becoming the next big trend on live streaming platforms - welcome bonus casino platforms as well. Most gamers provide running commentaries on their games as they react to the game that they’re playing or respond to comments. Now, some players are displaying a 3D anime model of themselves which they rig to follow their real-life movements. Welcome to the world of Vtubing where entertainers live stream their gaming activities as virtual animes.

VTubing isn’t new but it’s become more popular over the last few years. Currently, VTubers focus on building content for viewers. The genre is most visible on social media where accounts have popped up for viewers to watch streamers share funny VTuber moments and other influencer content. Now, VTubing has started to become popular among gamers who believe that the use of avatars helps facilitate interactions with viewers and protect them from inappropriate feedback.

What Is VTubing and Why Is It Transforming Live Streaming?

VTubing, or Virtual YouTubing, is the creation of online content where a virtual avatar represents the streamer instead of their real-life appearance. These avatars mimic human movements and facial expressions using tracking technology, allowing content creators to engage audiences while maintaining privacy.

Originating in Japan around 2016 with pioneers like Kizuna AI, VTubing is now a booming trend on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and even online casino streaming platforms. Today, it is reshaping the gaming, streaming, and influencer industries.

How Does VTubing Work?

VTubing uses motion capture software to track a creator’s facial expressions and movements, which are then mirrored by a 2D or 3D animated avatar.

Key steps in VTubing:

Create or commission a virtual avatar (costing between $500–$2,500 depending on complexity).
Set up motion-tracking hardware such as a webcam or advanced body-tracking sensors.
Use VTuber software like VSeeFace, Luppet, or FaceRig to animate the avatar.
Stream content live or upload pre-recorded videos where the avatar interacts with viewers.

By using avatars, streamers enjoy greater creative freedom and safeguard their identity.

Why Is VTubing Becoming So Popular?

VTubing offers several clear benefits that align with evolving creator and audience needs:

Privacy protection: Avoids exposing personal identity to large audiences.
Reduced appearance-related pressure: Streamers no longer feel forced to meet beauty standards.
Creative expression: Custom avatars allow endless character design possibilities.
Stronger viewer engagement: Avatars often feel more relatable or entertaining.

Recent data from Stream Hatchet and YouTube shows that VTuber-related content has seen substantial year-over-year growth, with billions of monthly views and significant increases in total hours watched across major platforms.

VTubing for Gaming

VTubing is one of the fastest-growing trends in the gaming and streaming world, blending entertainment, privacy, and creativity.
Leading the way is Kizuna AI, a popular VTuber with millions of subscribers. His wide-ranging content combines wacky humour, serious discussions about new technology, and TV-style virtual reality shows.
Another major force is the Hololive YouTuber agency, known for its line of English-speaking VTubers based on mythical creatures, which has helped drive the global rise of virtual streaming.

Gamers are increasingly turning to VTubing, especially female streamers who prefer not to broadcast their real-life faces.
One of the most well-known gaming VTubers today is Pokimane, who has drawn a significant audience while enjoying the freedom of performing through an animated avatar.
As Pokimane explained:

"No-cam streams are so comfy. Especially because, I don’t know, sometimes it gets tiring to get people comment on you. I’d rather have people comment on this cute little anime drawing of me, you know?"

For many women in gaming, VTubing offers a solution to the challenges of public scrutiny. While all gamers face criticism, female streamers often endure harsher backlash focused not just on gameplay but also on appearance and personal image.

A few years ago, Pokimane stepped away from streaming, overwhelmed by the scrutiny she faced.
When she returned to Twitch, her fans were surprised to see her appear as an anime-style avatar, rather than on camera.
VTubing gave her a way to stay connected to her audience while protecting her privacy, and it quickly became a regular part of her career.

Since Pokimane’s debut as a VTuber, interest in avatar-based streaming has surged. Gamers of all genders are now exploring virtual personas as a way to stay authentic while managing their online presence.

While Pokimane’s move drew new attention to VTubing, she was not the first to pioneer the genre.
Streamers like Kaguya Luna and Mirai Akari have been part of the VTubing community since 2017, both nearing one million subscribers.
Kizuna AI, active since 2016, remains a key figure in keeping VTubing at the forefront of online entertainment.

VTubing isn’t for everyone.
Some argue that it creates distance between streamers and audiences.
However, many gamers see it as a way to expand their reach, explore creative identities, and engage audiences more safely in a world where online visibility often comes with risks.

Why Are More Women Choosing to VTube?

More women than ever are embracing VTubing to combat the challenges of live-streaming with a face-cam.
While male streamers are often judged primarily on gameplay, women are frequently subjected to appearance-based commentary that can detract from their skills and content.

Pokimane has spoken openly about the criticism she received for appearing on streams without makeup — an unfair burden male streamers rarely face.
This double standard has made VTubing an appealing option for many women in gaming.

Other streamers like Nikatine have faced similar challenges.
A Twitch partner since 2018, Nikatine described the impact of not using a face cam:

"I have noticed a marked decrease in viewership on days I don't use a face cam, sometimes as much as 15% to 20%. It’s not always feasible to show up on-stream, and it’s challenging when there’s a heat wave to use the lights and makeup. There are plenty of days I just want to relax, not wear makeup, and just stream, but I feel a little like I opened Pandora’s box. Now when I don't use a face cam, I get messages like, 'why no cam streamer? Use cam,' and it makes me not want to do it even more."

VTubing offers an alternative that protects creators' privacy and mental wellbeing.
Through animated avatars, they can maintain viewer intimacy, showcase personality, and focus on content rather than appearance.

Is VTubing Expensive?

Starting out as a VTuber can require a significant investment.

Typical costs include:

Avatar creation: Between $500 and $2,500, depending on the artist and design complexity.
Streaming setup: Basic equipment like a webcam, with options for more advanced motion tracking.
Software tools: Free and paid options for animating and controlling avatars.

Pokimane worked with community artist Teru to design her VTuber model.
As Teru described it:

"I sorta gave it this style that makes it look like it’s a 2D image and not fully 3D when you take a screenshot or when she’s standing still."

The demand for custom avatars has surged, particularly during the pandemic, when more people turned to streaming as a creative outlet.
This rise contributed to the influx of new English-speaking VTubers joining the global scene.

For Pokimane, VTubing was never about replacing her original content. It was about giving herself more freedom.
As she explained:

"I don't want to offend anyone by using this, or make anyone feel like I'm trying to encroach any community. I just think it's such a cool thing to do for when I don't feel like being on cam."