Many streaming beginners may wonder, “What’s the difference between V-Live and VTuber?” Although their names are similar, their main activity locations, streaming styles, and ease of starting are actually quite different.

In this article, we will gently organize the differences between V-Live and VTuber across five axes: main activity location, streaming style, ease of starting, monetization, and naming.

Organize the Differences Between V-Live and VTuber with a Table

First, let’s compare the differences between V-Live and VTuber in a table to get an overall picture. By grasping the general differences here, the following sections will be easier to read. Note that the table below organizes major trends, and there are actual cases where both characteristics are combined.

Comparison Item	V-Live	VTuber
Meaning of the Name	People who mainly stream live in a virtual form	People who upload videos or stream live in a virtual form
Main Activity Location	Live streaming apps like IRIAM, REALITY, and 17LIVE	Video and streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch
Streaming Style	Mainly live streaming	A wide range of activities, including video uploads and live streaming
Ease of Starting	Many services make it easy to start with a smartphone	Preparation can increase depending on the expression you want to achieve
Necessary Preparation	Illustrations, avatars, streaming apps, etc.	Avatars, models, streaming software, streaming environments, etc.
Main Monetization	Gifts, donations, event rewards, etc.	Ad revenue, memberships, gifts, etc.
Suitable for	People who want to start emphasizing interaction with listeners	People who want to broaden their activities by combining streaming and videos

In short, V-Live is a style where you can easily enjoy real-time interactions via live streaming apps. On the other hand, VTuber is a style that makes it easy to broaden the scope of activities by combining video uploads and live streaming.

However, the boundary is not clearly defined. Depending on the location of your activities and the name used, you may have characteristics of both V-Live and VTuber.

If you are unsure which suits you, keep this table in mind and take a closer look at the differences in the next section.

What is a VTuber? A well-known name with the advent of Kizuna Ai

From here, we will organize the meaning of the term VTuber and the current style of activity.

Meaning and Origin of VTuber

VTuber is generally used as an abbreviation for Virtual YouTuber. It often refers to individuals who upload videos or stream live in a virtual form using 2D or 3D avatars, and one of the triggers that made this name widely known was Kizuna Ai. Kizuna Ai’s official site introduces her as the world’s first Virtual YouTuber who started activity in December 2016.

The origin lies in YouTube, but the term is no longer limited to YouTube. Twitch also has an official VTuber category, and the term VTuber has expanded to a wide range of activities, including not just video uploads but also live streaming.

Main Activity Locations and Content Trends of VTubers

Commonly cited main activity locations for VTubers include video and streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch. Their activities are wide-ranging, extending from live streaming game commentary and chats to project videos, singing activities, and live performances at real venues. Hololive Production’s official site also informs that their talents engage in a wide range of activities from live streaming game commentary and chats to live activities using real venues.

Therefore, it is closer to reality to perceive VTubers as individuals who engage in various forms of broadcasting with a virtual appearance, rather than being pinned down to activities solely on YouTube.

Representative VTubers and Agencies

Well-known agencies include Hololive Production and Nijisanji. Hololive Production’s official website states that it is a VTuber agency, while Anycolor’s official announcement, which operates Nijisanji, describes it as a VTuber / Virtual Liver group. This shows that the term is not fixed to one descriptor.

Like this, the word VTuber became widely known due to Kizuna Ai and is now used for a wide range of activities, including video uploads, live streaming, music activities, and event appearances.

What is a V-Live? A name spread centered on live streaming apps

From here, let’s look at the meaning of the term V-Live and in what situations it is used.

Meaning and Usage of V-Live

V-Live is commonly used as an abbreviated form of Virtual Liver. It often refers to individuals who perform live streaming in a virtual form using 2D or 3D avatars, and it is a term that easily connects with live streaming.

17LIVE’s official site also has a category called “Virtual Streaming (V-Live)” for live streaming, and the term V-Live is actually used within the service.

Representative Live Streaming Apps

The spread of the term V-Live has been fueled by the presence of live streaming apps that allow you to stream in a virtual form. Representative apps include IRIAM, REALITY, and 17LIVE.

For example, IRIAM is a streaming app that allows you to move characters from a single illustration. REALITY lets you become an avatar with just a smartphone, allowing you to stream live without showing your face. 17LIVE offers official OBS streaming guides in addition to its “V Create Mode” virtual streaming features.

Because there are many services that you can easily start with a smartphone, V-Live tends to carry an image of smartphone streaming. However, with services like 17LIVE that support PC and OBS streaming, it’s not necessary to assume “V-Live = people who only work on smartphone”.

There Are Groups that Use Virtual Liver as an Official Name

The terms V-Live or Virtual Liver are not exclusive to streaming apps. For instance, Anycolor’s official announcement describes Nijisanji as a “VTuber / Virtual Liver group”.

Thus, some agencies or groups officially adopt the term “Virtual Liver”. V-Live is not a concept that opposes VTuber, but rather one of the names chosen depending on where and with whom you are associating. Viewing it this way makes it easier to understand the differences with VTuber.

Compare the Differences Between V-Live and VTuber Across 5 Axes

From here, let’s view the differences between V-Live and VTuber by dividing them into five axes: activity location, streaming style, ease of starting, monetization, and proximity to fans.

① Differences in Main Activity Locations

V-Live is often centered around live streaming apps such as 17LIVE, IRIAM, and REALITY. On the other hand, VTuber is frequently seen using video and streaming platforms like YouTube and Twitch as their main activity locations.

However, this difference cannot be neatly divided. There are official VTuber categories on Twitch, and examples of activities on multiple platforms like Nijisanji. It’s closer to reality to think of this as a difference in main tendencies rather than a clear line.

② Differences in Streaming Styles

V-Live is a style centered around live streaming, allowing for enjoyable real-time interactions with listeners. There’s the joy of creating the atmosphere together by responding to comments and gifts in real time.

On the other hand, VTubers can expand into project videos, cut clips, singing activities, in addition to live streaming. The ability to enjoy archives or video content later is also one of the attractions of VTuber activities.

③ Differences in Ease of Starting and Necessary Preparation

For V-Livers, you can start with just one illustration or an avatar creation feature in streaming apps using only a smartphone. IRIAM and REALITY are prime examples of this.

For VTubers, the amount of preparation varies depending on the expression you wish to achieve. While there are simple ways to start, showing your activities in a particular way might require 3D models, a PC for streaming, streaming software, etc. Consequently, there’s likely to be a variability in preparation and learning time based on the individual.

Regarding the equipment necessary for VTuber activities, see this article for a detailed explanation.
>>Essential Streaming Gear for Aspiring VTubing: Beginner’s Guide

④ Differences in Main Monetization Mechanisms

V-Live’s main revenue sources are listener gifts and in-app event rewards. REALITY has a system where LIVE points are calculated based on gifts, and 17LIVE officially announces that you can receive gifts starting from the first stream.

For VTubers, they can easily utilize monetization features on video and streaming platforms, like YouTube’s ad revenue, channel memberships, Super Chat, etc. As activities expand, some even venture into merchandise sales.

⑤ Differences in Proximity to Fans

V-Live tends to revolve around real-time interactions during live streaming, characterized by being able to interact with listeners through comments and gifts. The charm also lies in the ease of creating a close proximity by talking with familiar listeners at each stream.

VTubers, in addition to interactions during streams, tend to broaden the channels of contact with fans to multiple venues like video comments, SNS, and events. Beyond real-time streaming, there’s a form of gradually cultivating relationships with fans through posted videos, archives, and project content over time.

When viewed across these five axes, V-Live and VTuber slightly differ in directionality regarding activity locations, styles, preparations, monetization, and connections with fans. When you’re unsure which suits you better, consider your preferred activity location and the way you’d like to engage with listeners and fans as criteria to ease your thinking.

Which Is Suitable for Me? Check by Type

Based on the differences so far, let’s organize whether it’s easier for you to start as a V-Live or VTuber. Consider what you want to prioritize in your activities, what equipment you have, and your temperament as criteria for your check.

People Suited to Be V-Live

V-Live works well with the following types of people:

• People who want to start streaming with a smartphone or easy-to-access environment
• People who want to enjoy real-time conversations and on-the-spot interactions with listeners
• People who want to enjoy streaming itself rather than editing videos or preparing extensive equipment

With services like IRIAM and REALITY, you can start with just one illustration or a single smartphone. As such, it is characterized by being easy to take on virtual streaming while minimizing initial hurdles.

People Suited to Be VTubers

VTuber fits well with individuals who want to engage in the following activities:

• People who want to broadcast a wide range of content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch
• People who want to expand their activities beyond live streaming to include project videos, song covers, highlight cuts, and more
• People who want to take their time building up videos and content

With VTubers, the preparation varies depending on the expression you wish to achieve. While there are simple ways to start, preparation and learning time may increase if you are particular about models and streaming environments. However, this flexibility in choosing how to present your activities and broaden your content is appealing.

For more details on how to start as a VTuber and the streaming flow, this article provides a detailed explanation.
>>VTuber Streaming Guide: Tips, Setup, and Steps for Beginners

If Unsure, Consider Starting as a V-Live and Expanding to VTuber

If you’re unsure which to choose, consider starting as a V-Live with streaming apps and later expanding to YouTube or Twitch as a VTuber. By getting used to streaming on your phone first and then gradually acquiring equipment as needed, you can broaden your activities step by step.

Because there are agencies like Nijisanji that list themselves as “VTuber / Virtual Liver,” the names of the two are not fixed. Begin by choosing a location and streaming style that feels easy for you to continue.

For what you need to prepare before your VTuber debut, this article outlines it. Do consider it for reference.
>>VTuber Launch Guide: Key Preparations for a Successful Debut!

What Should I Call Myself? Easy Differentiation for Profiles and Announcements

Once you understand the differences between V-Live and VTuber, the next practical question is, “What should I call myself?” Grasping the hints for easy differentiation by scene helps prevent confusion in profiles and streaming announcements.

Use “VTuber” if Primarily Conveying Via YouTube or SNS

If you want to broadly convey your activity content on streaming platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or SNS such as X, it’s easier to explain yourself by calling yourself a “VTuber.” It is also used to convey a wide range of activities including video uploads and live streaming.

For example, writing in your profile, “I am a VTuber doing game streaming and music activities,” succinctly indicates what kind of broadcasting you are engaged in.

Match “V-Live” if That’s the Official Name Used in the Streaming App or Affiliate

If the term V-Live is used in services like 17LIVE or if the affiliate uses the official name Virtual Liver, aligning with that term seems natural.

Examples like Anycolor’s official listing of Nijisanji as “VTuber / Virtual Liver” also exist. Aligning with the affiliate’s listing is a safe bet. Standardizing names during recruitment or event announcements within services helps reduce wording discrepancies.

Add “Activity Location” If Boundaries Are Blurry

There might be cases such as “mainly streaming live but also uploading videos to YouTube,” where it’s not clear whether you are a V-Live or a VTuber. In such cases, add the activity location to your title.

• VTuber focused on live streaming
• V-Live primarily active in streaming apps
• A virtual streamer active on 17LIVE and YouTube

Adding just one phrase like this makes it easier for the reader to grasp the image of your activity. There’s no need to force a tilt to one side. Combining expressions that match your real activities is the point for not getting lost in profiles and announcements.

Conclusion

V-Live and VTuber are words chosen based on differences in main activity locations or streaming styles, rather than opposing distinct names. If centered on live streaming apps, go with V-Live; if primarily on video or streaming platforms like YouTube or Twitch, why not VTuber in accordance with the activity location?

When uncertain about where to start, think about where and what style of expression you can easily continue based on your criteria. Both naming conventions and the scope of activity can gradually be expanded after starting. Take the first step and find the virtual streaming style that suits you best.