Thinking of becoming a V-Liver but not sure what you actually need to get started? It is easy to wonder whether streaming from your smartphone is enough, whether you need to commission an illustration, or whether a PC and microphone are necessary.

This article walks through how to become a V-Liver via three different routes — a smartphone-only app, a single-illustration setup, or a full PC streaming setup — so you can pick the path that suits you and move all the way to a test broadcast.

How to become a V-Liver: start by picking one of three routes

There are roughly three ways to become a V-Liver: a smartphone-only app, a single-illustration setup, and a full PC streaming setup. Which one you pick affects how much you need to prepare, how much it costs, and what streaming style suits you. The sections below break down each route so you can decide where to start.

Smartphone-only route | for people who want to try it first

The smartphone-only route lets you stream using an in-app avatar on your phone. Apps like REALITY let you build a 3D avatar inside the app and start streaming right away. Because you do not need to prepare an illustration or install desktop software, this is one of the easiest ways to take the first step.

Some apps let you try streaming for free, but paid items and monetization rules vary by service. Check each app’s terms and official guides before signing up.

Single-illustration route | for people who want to perform as an illustrated character

With the single-illustration route, you upload one illustration of yourself to an app, and the app animates the eyes and mouth as you stream. IRIAM is a well-known example: its FAQ explains that you can upload a single illustration and the app detects the eyes and mouth and animates them automatically for live broadcasting.

This route fits people who want a distinctive character, those who can draw their own illustration, or those who plan to commission an original. If your illustration and account are ready, you can often run a test stream on the same day.

If you want to learn more about animating illustrations and the tools you can use, our guide on how to get started as a PNGTuber covers it in detail.
>>PNGTuber Guide: How to Start, Recommended Tools & Differences from Vtubers

Full PC streaming route | for people who want to use a Live2D or 3D model

The full PC streaming route uses a Live2D or 3D avatar with streaming software on a PC. It suits people who want to stream on YouTube Live, Twitch, or similar platforms, or who want a wider range of facial expressions and movement.

The trade-off is that there is more to prepare, from avatar production to streaming software setup. Specific equipment and avatar production methods are covered in detail in the sections further down.

Not sure which route to pick?

If you cannot decide, starting with the smartphone-only route or the single-illustration route is usually the easiest path. Both keep your setup costs low, so you can confirm whether streaming is something you want to keep doing.

Once you start feeling that you want a wider range of expression, or that you want to commit to long-term activity on YouTube and similar platforms, you can expand into the PC streaming route.

The difference between V-Livers and VTubers

When researching V-Livers, you may run into the question, “How is this different from a VTuber?” Rather than getting into precise definitions, this section explains the practical differences in activity style as broad tendencies.

V-Livers are usually virtual broadcasters focused on live streaming

“V-Liver” is commonly used as a shortened form of “virtual liver” (virtual live broadcaster). There is no industry-wide standard definition, but the term often refers to people who use an illustration or a 2D/3D avatar and focus mainly on live broadcasting.

You will often see the term used for people who stream via smartphone streaming apps, although some people who stream from PCs or on multiple platforms also call themselves V-Livers.

The difference with VTubers shows up in where they stream and how

“VTuber” is generally used as a short form of “Virtual YouTuber.” Discussions around VTubers tend to center on YouTube uploads and live streams, while V-Livers tend to be talked about in the context of streaming apps.

The line between the two is fuzzy and you cannot cleanly split them in two. Some V-Livers focus on YouTube, and some VTubers focus on IRIAM, so the label is not solely defined by where they stream.

For a deeper look at the difference, see our related article: VTuber vs VStreamer: A Beginner’s Guide Comparing 5 Key Aspects.

Which term should you call yourself?

If you are active as an individual, you can usually pick whichever fits where you stream and how you present yourself. If a service uses its own term, going along with it tends to make your profile and social media introductions feel more natural.

For example, if you stream mainly on apps like IRIAM or REALITY, calling yourself a V-Liver tends to communicate your activity more clearly.

If you want to grow on YouTube through uploads and live streams, calling yourself a VTuber may make your activity easier to picture. If your agency has an official designation, it is natural to go with that as well.

A 5-step guide to getting started as a V-Liver

The flow for getting started as a V-Liver is easier to follow when you break it into five steps. This section covers the overall picture from streaming style to your first test stream; later sections go deeper on apps, avatars, and equipment.

For a broader look at streaming as a VTuber, see our guide on VTuber streaming methods.
>>VTuber Streaming Guide: Tips, Setup, and Steps for Beginners

Step 1 | Decide on your streaming style

The first thing to decide is what kind of streams you want to do. Casual chat, singing, gaming, reading-aloud, viewer-participation events — picking themes you actually enjoy or that you find easy to talk about makes it easier to keep going.

You do not need a perfect concept right at the start. Picking one or two themes that feel doable or like things you could talk about day to day is more than enough.

Step 2 | Pick your streaming app or platform

Next, decide whether to start with a smartphone app or with a PC streaming setup. Apps like IRIAM or REALITY are easy to launch from your phone. IRIAM has you upload an illustration to stream, while REALITY uses an in-app avatar.

If you want to stream as an avatar on YouTube Live or Twitch, you will usually combine a PC with streaming software. The “How to pick a streaming app or platform” section below covers this in detail, so for now it is enough to roughly decide whether to start with a phone or a PC.

Step 3 | Prepare your avatar

Step 3 is preparing the avatar you will use on stream. The options include in-app avatars, a single illustration, a Live2D model, and a 3D VRM model.

Costs and production methods are covered in the “Avatar production methods and rough costs” section. You do not need to prepare a fully built model from day one — starting with an in-app avatar or a single illustration is perfectly fine.

Step 4 | Set up your equipment and streaming environment

Step 4 is your equipment. For smartphone streaming, a phone, earphones, and a quiet space are usually enough. For PC streaming, you will set up a microphone, streaming software, and a webcam or tracking device if needed.

You do not need expensive gear right at the start. The “Equipment you need to become a V-Liver” section covers gear selection in more detail.

Step 5 | Build your profile and run a test stream

Finally, set your streamer name, profile text, broadcast title, and social media accounts, and run a test stream. You do not need to aim for a long broadcast right away — start with a short session where you can confirm your audio, network, and avatar movement.

By this point, you will have the basics in place to start streaming as a V-Liver. The next sections go into the steps that are especially worth focusing on, one by one.

For more on what to take care of before your debut, see our article on what VTubers do during the preparation phase.
>>VTuber Launch Guide: Key Preparations for a Successful Debut!

How to pick a streaming app or platform

This section walks through the main streaming apps and platforms V-Livers can use, organized by goal. Whether you want to try it as fast as possible, do game streams, or build up videos and archives, there is a direction that fits.

V-Liver apps | IRIAM and REALITY

For V-Liver beginners, IRIAM and REALITY are usually the first apps to consider. Both are easy to start on a phone, but their internals are different. IRIAM uses an illustration, while REALITY uses an in-app avatar.

IRIAM detects the eyes and mouth on your uploaded illustration and animates them automatically for streaming. REALITY lets you build a 3D avatar inside the app and start streaming directly, making it a good entry point if you cannot prepare an illustration.

For a side-by-side comparison of their features and use cases, see our related article: Top 9 Vtuber Apps and Streaming Services: A Guide by Purpose and Tips.

Apps for gaming, casual chat, and live interaction | Mirrativ, TikTok LIVE, 17LIVE

If you want to focus on gaming, casual chat, or live interaction, Mirrativ, TikTok LIVE, and 17LIVE are worth considering. Mirrativ is officially positioned as a phone-only game-streaming app, and it has an avatar feature called Emomo.

TikTok LIVE is TikTok’s in-app live streaming feature, and there are age and other requirements to use it. 17LIVE also supports virtual broadcasting (V-Livers) with avatars or original characters, and it supports streaming with Live2D and VRM files.

Age limits, monetization mechanics, and streaming rules vary from app to app. Check each app’s official guides and terms before getting started.

For serious PC streaming | YouTube Live, Twitch, Niconico Live

For serious PC-based streaming, YouTube Live, Twitch, and Niconico Live are common choices. YouTube Live lets you keep an archive after the stream, which makes it easier to build a path for viewers who watch later. Depending on the content, you can also turn clips into Shorts.

Twitch fits gaming and real-time interaction well, with a chat culture that makes it easy to talk with viewers. Niconico Live has a strong comment culture and a vibe that makes it easy to get excited together with viewers.

To live stream on YouTube Live, your channel must be verified and you must not have received live-streaming restrictions in the past 90 days. Mobile streaming has additional requirements such as 50+ subscribers, so check the latest information in the official YouTube help before starting.

How to choose based on your goals

Here is the same set of options organized by goal:

Goal	Examples
Try it as fast as possible	Smartphone apps like REALITY
Perform as an illustrated character	Single-illustration apps like IRIAM
Build up videos and archives	YouTube Live
Game streaming	Mirrativ, Twitch, YouTube Live
Casual chat and interaction	IRIAM, REALITY, TikTok LIVE, 17LIVE, etc.

An easy way to decide is to combine your first step with your future direction — if you want to start casually on a phone, pick an app, and if you want to build long-term activity, factor in PC streaming as well.

Avatar production methods and rough costs

How to prepare your avatar is one of the parts that tends to feel hardest when starting out. This section walks through the four common options — in-app avatars, a single illustration, a Live2D model, and a 3D VRM model — and the things to check when commissioning. Costs vary widely depending on the work and specifications, so the numbers here are rough guides rather than fixed rates.

For more detail on how to create Live2D and 3D avatars at low or no cost, see our VTuber avatar production guide.
>>Beginner’s Guide to Creating VTuber Avatars: Free Live2D & 3D Tools

Use an in-app avatar | for people who want to start without an illustration

REALITY, Mirrativ, and similar apps have built-in avatar creation features. 17LIVE also supports virtual broadcasting with avatars or Live2D / VRM models. Since you do not have to draw an illustration yourself or commission one, this fits people who just want to try streaming first.

That said, if you want to use the avatar you built in one app on another service, or use it on monetized content or merchandise, check each service’s terms before doing so.

Prepare a single-illustration avatar | for people who want a distinctive character

For a single original illustration, the options are drawing it yourself, commissioning an illustrator, or using free or paid stock assets.

When commissioning, the cost varies widely based on the brief, whether commercial use is permitted, delivery timing, and revision rounds. On crowdsourcing platforms and individual commissions, public listings sometimes show prices from a few thousand to tens of thousands of yen or more — but these are just public examples, and actual prices vary depending on the artist and the usage scope.

Prepare a Live2D model | for people who want more facial expression and movement

A Live2D model is a common choice when you want a wider range of facial expressions and movement. With Live2D, you prepare an illustration that is separated into parts such as face, hair, and body, and then add motions like blinking and mouth movement. This rigging work makes the model move, and you display the model during streams with software like VTube Studio.

Costs are easier to think about when you break them into separate components:

• Illustration production fee (with parts separation)
• Live2D modeling fee
• Add-ons such as expression and outfit variations
• Add-ons for commercial use or merchandising

In public listings, simple models sometimes appear in the tens of thousands of yen range, while detailed expression and outfit variations can run into the hundreds of thousands. The total also varies depending on whether you commission everything as a package or split the steps across different creators.

Prepare a 3D VRM model | for people who want full-body movement

If you want to stream with full-body movement, a 3D VRM model is one option. VRoid Studio is a free 3D character creation tool that lets you customize the face, hair, and clothing to build your own original 3D model.

To animate a VRM model for streaming, software like VSeeFace or 3tene is commonly used. Different software supports different VRM versions, so check each tool’s official site for supported formats before using them. For example, VSeeFace supports the VRM0 standard only, while 3tene’s official page documents support for VRM (VRM0.x) models.

Building your own model with VRoid Studio is essentially free to try, but additional outfit parts, outsourcing the finishing work, or paid editions of dedicated software will add costs.

Things to check before commissioning: copyright, commercial use, delivery format

When commissioning an illustration or model, it pays to confirm the usage scope at the contract or quote stage — not just price and delivery date — to avoid issues later.

• Is streaming use permitted?
• Is monetized streaming or video use permitted?
• Can it be used as a social media icon or thumbnail?
• Can it be used for merchandise or in clipping videos?
• How many revision rounds are included?
• Delivery format (PSD, cmo3, VRM, etc.)
• Whether credit is required

Usage is generally limited to what is defined in the contract. Public resources such as Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs copyright contract template system can be useful references. There is no need to overthink it — treat this list as a pre-commission checklist.

What equipment do you need to become a V-Liver?

This section covers the equipment you need to become a V-Liver, split between smartphone-based and PC-based setups. You do not need to spend a lot from the start — adding gear in stages as your style develops keeps things manageable.

What you need to start with just a smartphone

For phone-based streaming, you can usually get going with a phone you already own, earphones, a stable internet connection, and a quiet space. Apps like REALITY let you stream using the phone’s built-in camera and microphone, so there are services where you can try streaming without buying additional gear.

That said, apps like IRIAM that work by uploading a single illustration require you to prepare an illustration you have the right to use. Even with phone-friendly services, you may still need to set up an account and prepare your assets, so check official guides in advance.

Before buying anything extra, focus on making your space sound good. Picking a room with less ambient noise and echo, or one with curtains, rugs, or fabric furniture, can change how your voice sounds. Lighting and phone stands can wait until you actually feel the need for them.

What you need for PC-based streaming

For PC-based streaming, there is more to set up compared to phone streaming. The basics are a streaming PC, a microphone, earphones or a headset for monitoring, and streaming software.

You also need tracking software that matches your model format — VTube Studio for Live2D, VSeeFace for 3D VRM, and so on. To read facial movement, some setups use a webcam or a compatible smartphone.

PC specifications depend on what you stream. For mostly chatting with a light avatar setup and streaming software, a simpler configuration is fine to start with.

For high-quality 3D game streaming, since the PC handles both game rendering and stream encoding at the same time, choosing a PC with comfortable headroom in GPU performance and memory makes life easier. Specific models are better picked based on the genre you stream.

For more details on PC specs by streaming style and price range, see our guide on recommended PCs for VTubers.
>>Best PC Specs for VTubers: Choosing by Streaming Style and Price Range

OBS Studio is the go-to streaming software

One of the most widely used streaming applications for PC is OBS Studio. It is a free, open-source recording and live-streaming tool that works with platforms such as YouTube Live and Twitch.

OBS Studio is handy when you want to combine your screen, audio, and avatar into a single output for the stream. Streaming requirements and settings vary by platform, so check those separately.

Scene switching, BGM and sound effects, and avatar overlay layouts are all things V-Livers tend to set up frequently in OBS. Starting with the basic streaming settings and adding more polish as you get comfortable is a smooth approach.

For setting up VTube Studio together with OBS, including troubleshooting when the model does not appear, see our dedicated guide.
>>Vtube Studio & OBS Setup Guide: Troubleshooting Tips & Solutions

Three setup levels: try it, polish it, build for the long run

Finally, here is a three-stage view of the equipment you might prepare:

Stage	Who it suits	Example gear / services
Free to low-budget: just try it	People checking whether they can keep streaming	Smartphone app, in-app avatar, earphones you already own
A bit more polish	People who want some character or audio quality	Single-illustration art, external microphone, phone stand, basic streaming setup
Built for long-term activity	People also considering PC streaming or Live2D models	Live2D model, streaming PC, microphone, tracking setup, thumbnail and logo production

You do not need to buy premium gear and a fully built model on day one. Starting cheap, getting used to streaming, then upgrading illustrations, equipment, and your PC environment once you feel “I can keep doing this” or “I want more expressive range” is the smoother path.

Independent vs. agency: which fits beginners?

Broadly, V-Liver activity falls into two formats: working independently, or being signed to an agency. Rather than one being better than the other, the difference is in how much creative freedom you have versus how much support you get.

Trying it independently first is a valid path

For beginners, trying it independently first is a valid path. Independent V-Livers can decide on content, schedule, and character setup themselves, which suits people who want to set their own pace and shape their style gradually.

The flip side is that you have to make more decisions yourself — gear, marketing, rights management for commissions, handling issues during streams, and so on. The first stretch can be feel-your-way-through, but actually streaming is how you discover which genres and frequencies suit you.

Things to check before applying to an agency

If you go the agency route, depending on the agency you may receive support such as streaming know-how, illustration and model production, manager-led activity consultations, and event participation. For people who want support from the start, this is a strong option.

However, terms and contracts vary by agency. Before applying, things you want to verify include broadcast frequency, compensation and revenue split, contract length, rights over models and illustrations, and what happens if you leave.

If you are unsure, trying it independently first and then considering an agency later is perfectly fine. Do not decide based on the listing alone — talk it through in an interview, confirm the details that matter to you, and pick the path that fits.

Tips for keeping it going after you start

This section covers tips for keeping your V-Liver activity going without burning out. You do not need to chase perfection from day one — pick the ones you can incorporate and try them one at a time.

For the first few streams to about a month, focus on getting used to streaming, not monetization

In the early period, it is easier to keep going if you do not stress too much about monetization or viewer counts. For the first few streams up to about a month, set goals like getting used to speaking, responding to chat, and operating your stream layout.

Some services have gift or tip mechanisms, but monetization conditions and payout systems vary by service, and stable revenue is rarely immediate. Prioritizing “a setup you actually enjoy keeping going” first usually leads to longer activity.

Set a sustainable streaming schedule

Daily streaming is not a requirement. Starting at a sustainable cadence like once or twice a week is perfectly fine. Fixing your days and times somewhat helps viewers remember your schedule.

If you also have school or work, aligning your schedule with your daily rhythm and starting at a manageable cadence is the safer move. Prioritizing what you can keep going generally leads to longer activity.

Build a recurring format

Coming up with a fresh topic every time gets exhausting fast. Even just once a week, having a recurring format you can lean on saves you from having to brainstorm from scratch.

Examples of recurring formats include:

• Newcomer-friendly chat streams
• Vocal practice streams to grow your repertoire
• Weekend recap streams
• Viewer-participation streams
• Recurring game streams

Try several formats casually, then keep the ones you can sustain.

Use social media and clips so people can find you

Having places where people can discover you outside of streams helps new viewers find their way in. Common moves include posting on X (formerly Twitter) for stream announcements and everyday updates, or uploading clips to TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

That said, trying to run every social platform at once is a fast track to burnout. Starting with one and expanding once you are comfortable is the more sustainable approach. Mind the usage rules around BGM, gameplay footage, and avatar assets, and confirm each service’s policies before posting.

Common pitfalls for beginners

It is worth knowing the common pitfalls beginners run into. Some typical examples:

• Buying expensive models or gear up front, then burning out before you settle into streaming
• Commissioning an avatar without checking usage scope, and finding out later you cannot use it for merch or videos
• Cramming too many streams into your schedule and harming your mental or physical health
• Putting off chat moderation and policy settings until something goes wrong
• Not clearly labeling promotional or paid posts, leading to stealth-marketing rule violations

All of these are easier to mitigate with a bit of upfront awareness. Going through these during preparation tends to make your activity easier to sustain.

Frequently asked questions

Here are common questions people have before starting as a V-Liver, revisiting some of the points covered above.

Can I really become a V-Liver with just a smartphone?

With smartphone-friendly streaming apps, you can start mostly from your phone. That said, what you need to prepare varies by service. IRIAM uses an uploaded illustration; REALITY uses an in-app 3D avatar — the mechanics are different.

Available features and monetization rules differ by app too, so check each service’s official guides before signing up.

Can I start as a V-Liver without an illustration?

Services like REALITY and Mirrativ let you stream using avatars built inside the app. If you want to try chat and interaction, REALITY is a good pick; for phone game streaming, Mirrativ fits — choose based on the kind of streaming you want to do.

If you want a stronger sense of originality later, you can consider a single illustration or a Live2D model down the line.

Should I call myself a VTuber or a V-Liver?

If you are active as an individual, picking whichever fits your platforms and presentation usually works. If you stream mainly on apps like IRIAM or REALITY, “V-Liver” communicates well; if you want to grow on YouTube via uploads and lives, “VTuber” tends to communicate your activity more clearly.

If your agency or the service you use has an official term, going along with that is the natural option.

Can I monetize without showing my face?

Even without showing your face, you can aim for monetization through in-app gifts and points, memberships, ad revenue, or sponsorships depending on the service.

That said, monetization conditions and reviews vary by service, and stable income is rarely instant. Prioritize building a profile and stream lineup that people want to keep watching, while you grow.

Can minors become V-Livers?

Age limits and parental consent rules vary by service. For example, IRIAM’s official guidance says that users aged 15 or under cannot use the app, including watching and streaming, and that those aged 16–17 have restrictions on late-night and early-morning streaming and point purchases.

For minors, parental consent is often required. Always check each service’s terms of use and talk it through with a guardian when needed.

What to watch out for with sponsored content and PR posts

If you are asked to promote a product or service, you need to clearly label your content as advertising or PR. From October 1, 2023, Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency has stated that stealth marketing violates the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations.

The regulation primarily targets advertiser businesses, but streamers should still confirm the brief and disclosure approach to make the ad/PR nature clear. Check contract terms and disclosure rules before taking on the work.

Summary

Getting started as a V-Liver is easier to think about when you split it into three routes: a smartphone-only setup, a single-illustration setup, and a full PC streaming setup. You do not necessarily need expensive equipment or a fully built model from day one — depending on the service, a phone plus a streaming app is enough to take you all the way to a test broadcast.

Pick one app, prepare your profile and avatar, and try a short test stream first. Starting small and building familiarity gradually is more sustainable than trying to set up everything perfectly before going live. Stream by stream, you will find the style that fits you.