Before debuting as a VTuber, many people are surprised by the sheer number of things to prepare, such as character settings, equipment, SNS communication, and the structure for their first stream.

But there’s no need to rush. The preparation time is an essential step where you can shape your ideal self. Taking the time to refine this stage will help you confidently welcome the day of your first stream.

This article organizes, step by step, what a person about to debut should start with. From how to communicate on SNS to tips for making your first stream a success, it’s structured in a way that you can proceed without feeling overwhelmed, so please use it as a reference.

What does the “Preparation” period for VTubers mean? How much should you prepare?

In the world of VTubers, many people refer to themselves as “preparing” before their debut. This stage refers to the period where they have not yet started streaming but are gradually promoting their existence on SNS.

It’s a period of “foundation building,” involving the creation of character art, profile setup, channel establishment, and tag creation.

The preparation period varies from person to person. It generally takes a few weeks to a few months, and avatar creation can take 1 to 3 months. Considering the scheduling of requests and equipment preparation, it’s best to proceed with a backward calculation well in advance.

If you’re feeling like “I don’t even have the equipment yet, and I’m not ready with SNS,” then start by creating an account,

and try posting self-introductions or progress updates on your creation. Using tags like #VTuberPreparing will make it easier for peers and listeners who are at the same stage to find you.

The preparation stage is a crucial time for channel and profile enhancement, designing streaming tags, and starting to build relationships through self-introductions and short videos.

However, you don’t need to think that you can’t start until everything is perfect.

What you need is “a minimally viable streaming environment” and “a clear direction for yourself.” It’s enough if you can outline the character setup, topics to discuss, and content for your first stream to some extent.

The preparation stage is a significant time to gradually shape your worldview.

If you use this time wisely, you can welcome your debut moment with more confidence.

Overall Roadmap to Debut (Aiming to Complete in 1 to 3 Months)

Preparing for being a VTuber may seem like a lot. However, by deciding the order and progressing a little at a time, you can steadily shape your presence.

Here, I’ll outline a rough flow to prepare everything for your first stream in 1 to 3 months. Feel free to adjust the pace according to your lifestyle and work circumstances.

Month 1: A Month for Character Design and Environment Setup

The first month is a period for “building yourself.”

Solidify your character settings, name, profile, and direction for the character art and logo. At the same time, prepare the computer, microphone, and camera for streaming and perform operation tests to feel secure.

If you’re going to commission character art or a model, it’s ideal to place the order at this time. Production can vary depending on the vendor and content, ranging from a few weeks to several months. Early orders are reassuring.

Month 2: Start Communicating and Expand Your Recognition

During this time, focus on “getting your existence known.”

Share updates about your preparation and daily life on X (formerly Twitter), utilizing tags like #VTuberPreparing. Refine your profile and header, and try to establish your channel and post short videos.

Releasing a teaser self-introduction video can help attract fans even before your first stream. It’s also reassuring to become familiar with the settings of streaming tools like OBS or VTube Studio at this stage.

Month 3: Preparing for the First Stream and Final Rehearsal

Finally, it’s time to wrap up your preparations for your debut. This month, focus on “preparing to successfully execute your first stream.”

Organize your streaming screen, waiting screen, and thumbnails, and lightly script the flow and topics for the day. If you’re planning to stream on YouTube, enable the live streaming feature as soon as possible.

Don’t forget to conduct a streaming test. Checking audio, video, and comment display will help minimize unexpected problems on the day of the stream.

Take your time and progress through one task a week; that’s a sufficient mindset. Even without aiming for perfection, the flow will become clearer, and your anxiety will naturally decrease.

First, Decide on Your Character, Name, and Worldview

What kind of VTuber do you want to be?

As a first step, carefully considering these three aspects will make your subsequent activities much smoother. Conversely, if you proceed with ambiguity in this area, it may lead to confusion in your streaming content, delivery, and visuals.

Emphasizing “Ease of Performance” in Character Settings

When considering settings, many people tend to overexert themselves, thinking they have to create a unique persona.

However, what’s actually important for longevity is “being able to perform comfortably.” It’s about adding just a little spice to your favorite things and everyday personality.

For example, if you love games, you could be a traveler from the gaming world; if you’re good at chatting, you might be a researcher who loves casual conversation. Placing your character as an extension of yourself can help you deliver talk and reactions naturally.

Creating Your Name, Tone, and Profile

When deciding on a name, first consider its “memorability and ease of pronunciation.”

Long names or difficult kanji can make it hard for fans to call you and can hinder searchability. Aim for a name that’s conscious of phonetics and character count while ideally syncing with your SNS account name.

If possible, it’s reassuring to confirm in advance whether you can secure the same handle across major platforms.

The best name is one that’s readable, callable, and searchable. Your tone and first-person narration are also critical elements that define your character’s impression.

There’s no need to over-polish from the start; it’s fine if things naturally solidify as you continue streaming. In your profile section, succinctly write about what you love, what you’re good at, and your activity policy to help newcomers understand you better.

Additionally, summing up elements that can be understood at first glance, such as the reading of your name, greeting phrases, character settings, target audience, activity genres, and worldview, and organizing them in fixed tweets or link collections can be effective.

Keeping Your Worldview Focused on One Theme

Your worldview creates your character’s “background.” If you cram too many settings together, you won’t even be able to remember them all.

It’s advisable to focus on one theme and establish a core axis. Choosing themes like “another world,” “school,” “future,” or “cafe,” in line with the atmosphere of your activities will provide a sense of unity. Keeping your worldview centered on one theme and maintaining consistency across your streaming screen, BGM, and language will make it easier to remember.

If you’re confused, try using what your character might say as a judgment standard; this will help keep your axis steady. The three aspects of character, name, and worldview are effectively the core of your brand.

By carefully refining these areas, you will naturally decide the direction of your streams, SNS posts, and design production. There’s no need to aim for extravagance. The character you can enjoy continuously will be the one loved the longest.

For a more detailed step-by-step guide on character setting, please refer to “How to Create a VTuber Character: 5 Steps for Beginners.”

Gather the Necessary Equipment and Software for Streaming

You don’t need perfect gear from the start. However, simply laying a solid foundation with sound and visuals can drastically improve the viewer experience. Here’s a summary of how to select equipment in order of priority, making it less likely to fail.

Recommended Setup for PC, Microphone, and Camera

First, let’s discuss your PC, which is the core for processing. If you’re aiming for game streaming or avatar interaction, you should aim for a CPU of at least Core i5 or Ryzen 5, with 16GB of memory, and an SSD of 500GB or more. If you’re streaming 3D or heavy games simultaneously, it’s reassuring to have a dedicated graphics card.

Audio determines the impression of your stream. Initially, a USB-connected condenser microphone might be more manageable. If you’re considering singing streams or serious recordings in the future, XLR microphones and audio interfaces should also be considered.

Using a pop filter and microphone arm, maintain roughly 6 to 12 inches from your mouth, and place the pop filter about 3 to 6 inches away to effectively reduce plosive sounds.

To reflect facial movements in your model, prepare an external webcam or use your smartphone’s face tracking. Since recognition decreases in dim rooms, adding a small ring light for illumination is a good idea.

If you’re uncertain about the PC specifications, check out “Best PC Specs for VTubers: A Genre-Specific Selection Guide.”

Streaming Software and Tracking Tools

OBS Studio is the standard for streaming. By creating scenes and managing layers for microphone audio, BGM, game screens, and holding screens, you can operate calmly even during your first stream.

If you’re using Live2D models, VTube Studio is a user-friendly entry point, while VSeeFace is suitable for 3D. It’s best to start with free trials and consider paid functions as needed to avoid unnecessary spending.

If you plan to use smartphone connectivity, confirm in advance that iOS requires a Face ID-capable device or A12 and later, while Android should support ARCore.

For video editing focused on creating short clips, free tools like DaVinci Resolve are sufficient to get started.

Tips for Setup and Test Streaming

Small preparations before the stream can significantly reduce issues on the day.

• Audio Balance Adjustment: Use the microphone as a standard, with BGM at about half the volume, and game sound positioned so it doesn’t interfere with conversation. Check to ensure it doesn’t peak into the red.
• Noise Reduction: Air conditioning or keyboard sounds can be distracting. Apply a light noise suppression filter and reconsider microphone placement.
• Video and Readability: Fix the streaming resolution at 1080p or 720p. Ensure text and UI aren’t too small by verifying with a different device. Setting at 720p or 1080p aligns with YouTube’s encoder recommendations, making it a stable starting point.
• Connection and Stability: If possible, wired LAN is recommended. The streaming platform’s guidelines also often suggest wired connections for stable transmission. If upload speeds are unstable, lowering the bitrate can help prevent video cuts.
• Comment Interaction: Integrate display tools and browser sources to ensure readable sizes and colors. Set up your waiting screen at this stage, too.

If you plan to stream on YouTube, be mindful that enabling live functionality can take up to 24 hours. Processing this a few days before your first stream and conducting a test stream in limited visibility can ease your worries.

If you’re uncertain, start with audio quality. Viewers often judge quality by sound before visuals. Tuning the three aspects of PC, microphone, and lighting, using OBS and model tools in a minimal setup is effective. Start small and upgrade step by step as needed.

Preparing Your SNS for Building a Foundation for VTuber Activities

An unexpectedly significant difference in debut prep can come from how you utilize SNS.

By sharing what kind of person you are and what activities you’re planning even before you begin streaming, you’ll likely attract more people to your first stream.

This section will guide you on how to set up the SNS platforms X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Twitch, which will become the center of your activities.

Expand Your Recognition with “Preparing” Tags on X (Formerly Twitter)

First, create your account and refine your name, header, and pinned post.

When you begin posting, it’s more effective to share your current progress, such as “I’m preparing, I’m getting my character art drawn,” rather than showing the complete picture all at once.

Utilizing tags like #VTuberPreparing or #NewVTuber makes it easier to connect with peers who started at the same time as well as supportive listeners (many VTubers actually use these tags).

If daily posting is difficult for you, even posting a few times a week is fine. Just sharing a quick note during your work breaks, a snippet of your illustration in production, or discussing a favorite game is more than enough.

What’s important is to convey that “you are an active person.” Accounts that post consistently tend to naturally gain more followers and engagement. Keep your pinned post organized with your self-introduction, streaming schedule, and a collection of useful links.

Pinned posts on your profile page can be fixed so that it’s the first thing anyone sees when they view your account.

Simultaneously Prepare Your YouTube and Twitch Accounts

Be sure to open your YouTube and Twitch accounts early, as they will be central to your video and streaming activities.

It’s easier for people to remember if your channel name and icon are consistent with those on X.

In the self-introduction section, it’s courteous to briefly list your activity content, genres of expertise, and planned streaming times.

Keep in mind that enabling live streaming on YouTube can take a maximum of 24 hours, so proceed with the enabling process ahead of your debut to avoid any last-minute panic.

On Twitch, edit the overview tab to add panels for introductions, SNS links, streaming rules, and other relevant information to enhance user-friendliness.

By standardizing designs for icons, headers, and streaming screens across platforms, it will be easier to convey “this is the worldview of this person,” thus stabilizing your brand impression.

Set the Impression with Your Profile and Pinned Post

The first things seen on SNS are the profile and pinned post. Having these well organized can significantly impact your credibility.

Summarize your activity name, how you’d like to be addressed, interests, and activity stance simply in your profile. Adding emojis can make it more approachable.

Include the self-introduction image, streaming schedule, and links in your pinned post, making it convenient. You can also replace this with announcements for your first stream, ensuring that viewers always access the most recent information.

For more on how to write your profile and key points, check out “How to Create a VTuber Profile: 12 Essential Tips and Items Explained!.”

SNS serves as the foundation for building your fanbase after debut.

It’s important to create an environment where interactions with people who watch you can flourish, rather than simply focusing on follower counts.

If you continue to share little by little during the preparation period, the number of people waiting for your activities will surely increase.

Stand Out with These 5 Preparatory Content Types!

VTubers who effectively utilize the preparation period are creating their “presence” even before debut.

To become someone who intrigues others even before you start streaming, having content you can share during the preparation phase is essential.

Here are five types of content you should prepare before your first stream for maximum effectiveness.

1. Leave an Impression with a Self-Introduction Video or Short Clips

The most effective method before debuting is a self-introduction video.

Rather than lengthy videos, a one-minute clip summarizing “who you are” and “what kind of streaming you’re planning” makes it more likely viewers will watch until the end.

Showing some movement and tone of voice can lower the barrier for your first stream.

If you use a short video format, it can be repurposed for X or YouTube Shorts, making it easier to expand your recognition.

Consider self-introduction videos as conveying “humanity,” while teasers convey “worldview.” Dividing these roles enhances your presentation.

If your character art isn’t finished yet, it’s okay to use preliminary illustrations or silhouettes. Showing the process of completion can also be an element that makes people want to support you.

For details on how to create a self-introduction video, check out “How to Create a VTuber Intro Video: Guide for Beginners.”

2. Build Anticipation with Progress Updates for Your Character Design or Model

While it’s great to unveil your model once it’s complete, sharing pieces of the process during preparation can also be effective.

Posting parts of your line art or color roughs gradually lets followers feel a “participatory enjoyment” as they await completion alongside you.

Once your character art is completed, suggesting posts introducing different expressions or the full character is also recommended.

Using tags like #CharacterArtReveal, #VTuberPreparing, or even #CharacterArtRevealChallenge can make it easier for peers or creators in the same timeframe to notice you.

For more on how to create character art, refer to “How to Create VTuber Avatars: 3 Methods Plus Essential Tips.”

3. Use Teaser Images and PVs to Preview Your “Worldview”

A 15-30 second teaser PV composed of your logo, background, and BGM can serve as a trailer for your first stream.

This is often more memorable than merely announcing in text and has a higher chance of being shared on SNS.

Using free video editing software (like DaVinci Resolve), simply fading in your character art can convey the right atmosphere.

There’s no need for complex editing. Utilizing your unique colors and motifs to convey “what kind of VTuber atmosphere you present” will make it more memorable to newcomers.

If you’re using music in your teaser, be sure to utilize royalty-free material from sources like the YouTube Audio Library and check the licensing conditions.

Teasers should aim for 15-30 seconds, while channel trailers can extend to 30-60 seconds to encourage full viewership.

4. Organize Tags and Fan Names in Advance

Having tags for streaming and posts already decided during the preparation phase can be very convenient.

For example, consider tags for your overall activity, streaming, fan art, and clip-related tags. Also, thinking of a fan name simultaneously will bring uniformity to how you call them during your first stream.

However, it’s important not to overcomplicate it; keep it to short, easily pronounceable terms. A fun approach could be to conduct a poll on SNS for your first idea, including listeners in the decision-making process.

For more on hashtags, check out “VTuber Hashtags: Beginner’s Guide to Choosing and Top Recommendations.”

5. Prepare Your Streaming and Waiting Screens

A common source of panic during the first stream is insufficient preparation of the screen layout.

It’s wise to create your streaming screen, waiting screen, and ending screen before using software like OBS.

Using template sites or free resources means that even without design confidence, you can still create quality visuals.

Check the placement of character art and comment sections for visibility, setting a waiting screen that includes the streaming title and relevant tags will greatly enhance the stream’s initial appearance.

Preparation content is your first step in “conveying your worldview.” You don’t need to create everything perfectly. By sharing little by little, you can naturally attract fans before your debut and contribute to the success of your first stream.

For ideas on creating thumbnails and streaming/waiting screens, refer to

“VTuber Beginners Guide: Crafting Standout Thumbnails & Top Tools!”

“Create a VTuber Waiting Screen: Free Tools & Tips to Captivate Audiences”

for more insights.

Ensure Success on Debut Day! Your Preparation Checklist

Finally, the day of your debut has arrived.

Many feel excited, yet simultaneously anxious about their ability to speak properly or potential troubles that might arise.

If you check in advance, your first stream can unfold much more smoothly than you might imagine. Below, I’ve organized key points to verify before your first stream.

1. Plan and Define the Flow of Your Stream

A guideline for the first stream can be about 30 to 45 minutes (adjust depending on the content).

It’s often easier to leave a memorable impression by keeping it shorter and moving at a good tempo than trying to engage for a long time from the start.

An example outline might look like:

・Self-Introduction (5 minutes)

・Introduce Character and Settings (10 minutes)

・Casual Talk / Free Talk (15 minutes)

・Future Plans / Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

This simple structure is more than enough.

It can be reassuring to jot down your talking points in bullet form ahead of time.

If you get nervous and your mind goes blank, you can easily return to your notes.

Being conscious of the atmosphere you want to create for your viewers will help unify the overall impression.

For more detailed information on first stream content, check out “VTuber Debut Stream Guide: What to Do, Talk About & Structure for Beginners.”

2. Organize Thumbnails, Streaming Screens, and Waiting Screens

Confirming the layout of your pre-created thumbnails, streaming screens, and waiting screens in OBS ahead of time can ease your mind.

Check the positions of the comment section and character art, and keep in mind the viewer’s ease of visibility.

Including the expected start time and streaming tags on your waiting screen is also kind to new viewers.

3. Use Announcements and Countdown Posts to Catch Attention

Start your announcements about your first stream a week in advance and remind followers with posts three days before, the day before, and on the day itself.

Using tags like #VTuberPreparing, #NewVTuber, or #FirstStream and attaching a thumbnail will help with spreading the word.

On X, it’s effective to fix the post with your YouTube waiting link.

Moreover, using the Space feature on X to have a “Countdown Talk: Another ◯ Days to the First Stream” can also be beneficial.

This way, fans can support you in real-time, leading to viewership on the day itself.

Note that enabling live streaming on YouTube can take up to 24 hours on your first attempt, so finalize this one week ahead and create a waiting page, sharing the link with your viewers.

4. Conduct a Test Stream to Confirm Equipment and Audio

Make sure to conduct a limited public or private test stream before the actual stream.

Here are the items to check:

• Balance of microphone volume and BGM
• Video resolution and streaming delay
• Operation of comment display
• Stability of the connection
• Whether live streaming starts and ends correctly

It’s crucial to confirm that audio isn’t distorted and video doesn’t freeze during the test.

Even a few minutes of testing before the stream can significantly reduce panic on the day of.

Your first stream is a vital time for everyone to learn about the start of your activities.

No matter how big the issues may arise, if you respond earnestly, supporters will surely appear.

Rather than aiming for perfection, the key is to prioritize enjoyment for your viewers. That feeling is the most crucial element leading to a successful first stream.

Conclusion

The journey of VTuber activities includes everything from the time spent preparing, right up to your debut.

Thinking through your character settings, refining character art and logos, and beginning interactions on SNS—each of these steps is vital in shaping your world.

In the beginning, you might feel confused by the equipment or settings, or find it challenging to receive the desired reactions.

However, as you gradually improve, you will find confidence in your voice, manner of speaking, and worldview. The connections and habits built during the preparation period will become significant support for your post-debut activities.

There’s no need to rush. Instead of aiming for a flawless debut, focus on stacking up the “things you can do now.” Continuing to share, reflect, and improve is the cycle that will promote your growth as a VTuber.

What you’ve prepared with time will surely reach someone somewhere. Don’t forget to have the courage to take that first step, and enjoy expressing yourself in your unique way from here on out.