If you’re considering starting a stream as a VTuber but are unsure which streaming software to use, you’re not alone.

With so many software options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. For VTuber streaming, you typically combine “tracking software,” which reflects your expressions on your avatar, and “streaming software,” which delivers the video to your audience. This article provides a comparison of major software options with recommendations tailored to different purposes, making it easy for beginners to choose.

What Software is Needed for VTuber Streaming? Recommended Software Comparison Table

First, let’s organize the types and roles of the software used in VTuber streaming.

Differences Between Tracking Software and Streaming Software

There are mainly two types of software needed for VTuber streaming.

The first is “tracking software.” This software reflects your expressions read by a webcam or smartphone onto a Live2D model, with notable options including VTube Studio and Animaze.

The second is “streaming software.” It layers game screens and background music (BGM) over the avatar video moved by the tracking software and then delivers it to platforms like YouTube or Twitch. OBS Studio serves this purpose.

Essentially, “move the avatar” with tracking software → “deliver to the audience” with streaming software. Combining these two makes VTuber streaming possible.

Comparison Table of Major Software Features

Here are characteristics of four major software options that are easy for beginners to consider.

Software Name	Type	Live2D Support	Price	Supported OS
VTube Studio	Tracking	◎	Free (Watermark removal ¥1,520 one-time purchase)	Win / Mac / iOS / Android
nizima LIVE	Tracking	◎	Free (Paid version from ¥550/month)	Win / Mac / iOS
Animaze	Tracking	◎ (3D also supported)	Free (Plus version ¥3,900 one-time purchase)	Win
OBS Studio	Streaming	− (No tracking function)	Completely free	Win / Mac / Linux

Each software will be introduced in detail in the following sections.

VTube Studio｜The Go-to Free Live2D Software for Beginners

VTube Studio is the most popular choice among VTuber streaming software. Let’s take a closer look at its features and pricing.

Features and Supported Environment of VTube Studio

VTube Studio is a tracking software specially designed for Live2D models. It can reflect real-time facial expressions captured by a webcam to your avatar, making it a favorite among many individual VTubers.

It supports Windows, macOS, and even mobile versions (iOS / Android). The ease of downloading from Steam and loading Live2D models right away makes it beginner-friendly.

Tracking Accuracy (Webcam and iPhone ARKit Support)

Even with just a webcam, it can accurately track blinking and mouth movements. For higher precision, using an iPhone is recommended. The iPhone’s TrueDepth camera (ARKit) can even capture detailed expressions like winks and cheek puffs, which are difficult with just a webcam.

You can start streaming even without an iPhone, taking a step-by-step approach: “Try with a webcam first, then use an iPhone if you want more detail.”

Pricing Plan (Differences between Free and Paid Versions)

All features are available in the free version of VTube Studio. The only difference is whether a small watermark logo is displayed on the screen. To remove the watermark, you can purchase the “Watermark Removal DLC” for ¥1,520 on Steam for permanent removal with a one-time payment.

With no monthly fees, it’s cost-effective for long-term use.

Advantages and Disadvantages of VTube Studio

Advantages:

• Even the free version has no feature restrictions, allowing immediate start of professional streaming
• Overwhelming user base offers abundant tutorials and videos
• Comprehensive plugins, with Twitch integration and viewer-participation effects
• Supports Japanese, making it easy to navigate

Disadvantages:

• Limited to Live2D and does not support 3D models
• There are many settings, and initial adjustments may take time
• Without an iPhone, a webcam’s expression detail is limited

Highly recommended software for beginners. Next, let’s explore nizima LIVE, developed by the creators of Live2D.

nizima LIVE｜High-Precision Tracking Software Developed by Live2D

nizima LIVE, developed by Live2D Co., the company behind Live2D, offers unique benefits. Let’s delve into what makes it stand out.

Features and Supported Environment of nizima LIVE

Its greatest advantage is the reassurance that comes with software developed by the Live2D official team. It can fully reproduce parameters created in Live2D Cubism, faithfully executing movements intended by model designers.

Supported operating systems include Windows and macOS. While a smartphone version is only available for iOS (iPhone), there’s no Android version. By using the “nizima LIVE Tracker” iPhone app, you can also benefit from high-precision tracking using ARKit, similar to VTube Studio.

Tracking Accuracy and Live2D Model Compatibility

The tracking leverages an AI engine independently developed by Live2D Co., enabling stable expression tracking even with a webcam. When linked with an iPhone, it also detects actions like single-eye winks and tongue movements.

Its model compatibility is top-class among software, reproducing even minor settings such as physics behavior and custom parameters, which are otherwise difficult to replicate. It’s an ideal choice if you want to maximize the expression capabilities of a self-made or custom-ordered model.

Pricing Plan (Differences between Free and Paid Versions)

While the free version allows basic tracking and streaming integration, there are some limitations. These include a 40-minute limit for continuous camera usage, a 5-minute limit for collaboration features, and the display of a watermark logo on the screen.

The paid version “for Indy” plan is available for ¥550 per month or ¥5,280 per year (¥440 per month). This removes the watermark, eliminates camera time restrictions, and provides full access to collaboration features with up to eight people.

Advantages and Disadvantages of nizima LIVE

Advantages:

• High compatibility with Live2D models, unique to official Live2D software
• Simple, intuitive UI, easy to operate even for beginners
• Collaboration features are built-in
• Seamless model import from the nizima marketplace

Disadvantages:

• No Android version, with smartphone tracking only available for iPhone
• Community size and available plugins are smaller compared to VTube Studio
• Has a subscription-based paid version, which may be more costly long-term than VTube Studio

If prioritizing model expression power is your goal, be sure to check it out. Next, we introduce Animaze, which supports both 2D and 3D.

Animaze｜The All-Rounder Supporting Both Live2D and 3D Models

Animaze, developed as the successor to the once-popular “FaceRig,” uniquely positions itself as the only tracking software that handles both Live2D and 3D models.

Features and Supported Environment of Animaze

The most notable feature is its ability to manipulate both Live2D and 3D models with a single tool. This flexibility allows users to stream with Live2D typically and switch to a 3D model for special events.

Support is limited to Windows, with no macOS or smartphone versions. It comes with dozens of preset avatars, making it easy to start experiencing VTubing right after installation, even if you don’t have your own model.

Tracking Accuracy and 2D/3D Support

The tracking, based on webcam technology, is compatible with real-time tracking using its own AI engine. While lip movements and blinking are smooth, it does not support iPhone’s ARKit, making it slightly less capable of capturing intricate expressions compared to VTube Studio or nizima LIVE.

On the other hand, its support for importing 3D models (such as VRM format) allows for lip-syncing and simple upper body movements. For those considering transitioning from Live2D to 3D in the future, it offers the advantage of not needing to switch software frequently.

Pricing Plan (Differences between Free and Plus Versions)

The “Basic” free plan allows the use of custom avatars and basic tracking features. However, it includes a watermark on streaming videos and limits the frame rate to 30fps.

Purchasing the “Plus” license for ¥3,900 on Steam removes the watermark, increases output to 60fps, and provides a dedicated clean output window. Previously subscription-based, it has since switched to a one-time purchase.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Animaze

Advantages:

• Allows management of both Live2D and 3D models within one software
• Rich preset avatars enable easy initial use, even without a personal model
• Includes AI background removal, eliminating the need for a green screen
• Virtual camera output can be used for video conferencing tools like Zoom

Disadvantages:

• Limited to Windows, with no macOS or smartphone support
• Not compatible with iPhone ARKit, making expression tracking less precise compared to VTube Studio or nizima LIVE
• Limited Japanese information and an English-centric UI may cause confusion
• Heavy operation recommended for GPUs above GTX1060

This software is suitable for those who say, “I’m using Live2D now, but I want to try 3D in the future.” Next, we introduce the essential free streaming software, OBS Studio, for VTuber streaming.

OBS Studio｜Essential Free Streaming Software for VTuber Streaming

After using tracking software to animate avatars, the next requirement is streaming software. OBS Studio is a staple among many streamers for VTuber streaming.

Roles and Capabilities of OBS Studio

OBS Studio (Open Broadcaster Software) is a completely free, open-source streaming software. It combines animated avatar videos created in VTube Studio with game screens, BGM, and widgets for comment sections to be delivered on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.

It stands out with its ability to switch scenes, adjust audio levels using an audio mixer, and edit screen layouts freely. Its wide operating system support (Windows/macOS/Linux) and high extensibility through plugins make it a powerful tool.

How to Link with Tracking Software (Spout2 and Virtual Camera)

There are primarily two ways to integrate OBS with tracking software.

The first is using “Spout2.” By installing the Spout2 plugin on OBS and enabling Spout2 output on VTube Studio, high-quality, low-latency avatar videos can be captured. This method is recommended when prioritizing image quality.

The second is using a “virtual camera.” Turning on virtual camera output on the tracking software and capturing it with OBS’s “video capture device” offers a straightforward method. This simple setup makes it a good starting point.

The abundance of tutorials and videos available on how to use OBS means you can quickly find help if you encounter issues.

For detailed instructions on how to use OBS, refer to this article:
>>OBS Studio Guide: Basics to Streaming & Recording for Beginner

Recommended Tools to Enhance VTuber Streaming

While tracking software and OBS are sufficient to start streaming, adding handy tools can significantly enhance the quality. Here, we introduce four tools widely used by VTubers.

Alive Studio (Service for Easily Designing Streaming Screens)

Alive Studio is a web service that links with OBS to design your streaming screens. By selecting materials like frames, backgrounds, and icons, you can create stylish streaming layouts effortlessly.

The free plan provides over 400 materials, which is ample for initial screen design. The premium plan (¥980/month) unlocks access to more than 1,700 materials, allowing for even more unique screen designs. Its intuitive interface is user-friendly, even for those without design knowledge.

For a detailed guide on Alive Studio, check out this article:
>>Create Free & Easy OBS Streams with Alive Studio – No Setup Hassle!

One Comment (App for Displaying and Managing Comments)

One Comment is an app that retrieves and displays comments from multiple streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and NicoNico Douga. It is compatible with Windows and macOS.

OBS comes with various comment templates, and its settings are simple. It includes essential comment management features like comment read-out and word filters, and it’s free to use.

VOICEVOX (Text-to-Speech Software for Reading Comments)

VOICEVOX, a free tool that converts text to natural voice, offers voiceover for more than 40 characters, allowing streamers to choose voices that match their stream’s mood.

When integrated with One Comment, it can automatically read viewer comments, allowing you to keep track without taking your eyes off the screen during gameplay, thus improving the flow of the stream.

VDO.NINJA (Free Tool Convenient for Collaboration Streaming)

VDO.NINJA is a free tool that retrieves video and audio from collaborators using only a browser. No installation is needed; simply share a link to start collaboration streaming promptly.

By importing it as a “browser source” into OBS, you can directly display your collaborator’s avatar in your streaming screen. Known for high-quality, low-latency video handling compared to communication apps like Discord, it’s a standard tool widely used in VTuber collaboration streaming.

It’s important to choose tools that match your needs from the software and tools introduced here. The next section will suggest recommended combinations tailored to different purposes.

For more details about VDO.NINJA, refer to this article:
>>Complete Guide to Using VDO.Ninja (OBS Ninja): Tips for High-Quality Streaming

Recommended Selection of VTuber Streaming Software Based on Purpose

For those contemplating which software to choose from those introduced, here are recommendations based on specific goals.

For Those Who Want to Start VTuber Streaming for Free

The tried-and-true combination of VTube Studio + OBS Studio is unbeatable. VTube Studio allows access to all functionalities in its free version, and OBS Studio is entirely free. If the watermark is not a concern, you can commence professional VTuber streaming without any initial costs.

Their extensive user base offers abundant tutorials and videos, ensuring comfort during settings dilemmas. Begin with this combo and incrementally add tools as needed for an optimal flow.

For settings regarding using Vtube Studio with OBS, refer to this compilation:
>>Vtube Studio & OBS Setup Guide: Troubleshooting Tips & Solutions

For Those Who Value Expression Tracking Precision

If maximizing the expressive capabilities of Live2D models is important, nizima LIVE should be your first choice. As it’s developed by Live2D, the parameter reproduction level stands out among all software.

For further enhanced precision, iPhone ARKit integration is recommended. Using the TrueDepth camera with VTube Studio or nizima LIVE can capture intricate expressions not possible with merely a webcam.

For Those Who Want to Use 3D Models in the Future

For those considering using Live2D now but aiming to explore 3D models later, Animaze is a suitable option. As it supports both types within one software, it simplifies model transitions without frequent software adjustments.

Note, however, that for Live2D-specific tracking precision, Animaze falls short compared to VTube Studio or nizima LIVE. If Live2D remains the primary choice for an extended period, opting for VTube Studio first and considering Animaze upon transitioning to 3D may be effective.

For Those Concerned About PC Specs

For PCs with limited specifications, the VTube Studio + OBS Studio combo is the most lightweight and stable option. Caution is advised with Animaze, as it tends to impose higher GPU loads, recommending a GTX1060 or higher.

If performance remains a concern, lowering OBS’s output resolution to 720p or limiting the frame rate to 30fps can often induce improvements, so reviewing settings should be the first course of action.

Summary

This article introduced three essential tracking software options (VTube Studio, nizima LIVE, Animaze) and the streaming software OBS Studio necessary for VTuber streaming, along with handy tools to enhance the streaming experience.

For first-time VTuber streaming, the combination of VTube Studio and OBS Studio is recommended. Both are free to use, with abundant tutorial resources for easy troubleshooting should any issues arise.

There isn’t a definitive answer to software selection. Begin by installing interesting software and start experimenting to discover what works best for you.