If you’re looking to start as a VTuber but are overwhelmed by the number of recommended apps and don’t know which one to use, you’re not alone.

Can you start without showing your face? Can you create an avatar for free? What do you need for monetization? It’s not uncommon to get confused about these questions at the start due to the difficulty in discerning differences between apps.

This article will explain the recommended VTuber apps for beginners, comparing them by purpose and highlighting each app’s features, target users, and important points to know before starting. If you’re looking for the best first app for you, please use this as a reference.

[Quick Comparison] Recommended Apps and Streaming Services for Beginner VTubers

From here, we have organized apps and streaming services likely to be candidates for VTubers into two tables to make them easy to choose from, depending on the purpose.

Starting with smartphone-friendly apps and platforms requiring PC setup for long-term operation changes the necessary preparations and activities. First, grasp the overall picture with the quick comparison table, and if there is a service you are interested in, please check the detailed introduction in the following chapters.

Comparison Table of VTuber Apps Easy to Start on Smartphones

We have compiled representative apps for VTuber beginners that are easy to start on smartphones. Look for one that suits you based on the ease of avatar preparation, fitting genres, and monetization mechanisms.

App	Avatar Preparation	Easy to Start on Smartphone	Suitable Genre	Main Monetization Mechanism	For Whom
IRIAM	From one illustration	○	Focused on chat and interaction	Diamonds	For those who want to start character broadcasting as soon as possible
REALITY	Create a 3D avatar in the app	○	Focused on chat and interaction	LIVE points	For those who want to try it out for free
17LIVE	Supports avatar streaming	○	Chatting, singing, events, etc.	Gifts	For those who want to use VTuber features to broadcast live within the app
SHOWROOM	Supports virtual streaming	○	Event and ranking streaming	Distribution of rating points	For those who want to aim for exposure through events
topia	Create avatars in the app	○	Singing and music streaming	Jewels	For those who want to focus on singing and music
Mirrativ	Create avatars in the app	○	Mobile game streaming	Gifts, etc.	For those who want to stream mobile games
TwitCasting	Supports 3D avatar features and OBS streaming	○	Chatting, singing, paid streaming	Tea bombs, premium streaming, membership	For those who want to combine multiple monetization schemes

Comparison Table for Platforms Aimed at Serious Broadcasting

YouTube Live and Twitch are also options for those who want to build a foundation for long-term activity and grow their channel by leveraging their PC environment.

Although they require preparation such as avatars, streaming software, and a PC environment compared to mobile apps, they are reliable platforms for when you want to continue your activities long-term, as they allow you to preserve videos and archives and have a good synergy with game streaming.

Service	Necessary Preparation	Suitable Genre	Monetization Requirements Summary	Feature of Archives and Search Traffic	For Whom
YouTube Live	Avatar, streaming software, PC, etc.	Wide range: chatting, gaming, singing, commentary, etc.	500 subscribers, 3 valid public videos in the last 90 days, 3,000 hours of public watch time in the last 12 months, or 3 million short views in the last 90 days. Different conditions apply to ad revenue	Archives remain, easy to reach from searches and related videos	For those who want to grow their channel over the long term by combining videos and shorts
Twitch	Avatar, streaming software, PC, etc.	Game streaming and collaboration streaming are the focus	25 followers, 4 hours total, 4 days streaming, an average of 3 viewers, etc.	Focused on real-time streaming. Limitations exist for VOD saving period	For those considering game streaming and overseas audiences

If you find a service or app you’re interested in here, continue reading the next chapters for more detailed introductions one by one.

7 Recommended Streaming Apps and Services for Beginner VTubers

From here, we will introduce streaming apps and services that are easy for beginners to start with mainly on smartphones, one at a time.

The ease of avatar preparation, streaming genres, and monetization mechanisms vary by service. Think about the streaming style you want, and choose the first one to try.

IRIAM | For Those Who Want to Start Character Streaming with One Illustration

IRIAM allows you to move characters for streaming based on a single prepared illustration. It’s easy to start without having to prepare Live2D or 3D models, making it a good match for chatting and interaction-focused streaming.

The monetization is centered on diamonds, which can be cashed out from 500 diamonds or more, with a conversion rate of 1 diamond = 1 yen. The application requires conditions such as streaming for 15 hours or more, streaming for 10 days or more, and accumulating 5,000 points or more.

It’s an app suitable for those who want to start VTuber activities casually with their original character’s figure.

REALITY | For Those Who Want to Try with a Free 3D Avatar

REALITY is a service where you can create a 3D avatar within the app and stream with it. It highlights the ability to use your favorite avatar for live streaming without showing your face, even according to the official site.

It’s easier to start without commissioning artwork and free of charge, making it suitable for those who want to try the atmosphere of being a VTuber. It’s also appealing as it makes it easy to try chatting and interaction streaming while creating an avatar.

Monetization is centered on the system of LIVE points, which become eligible for bank transfer if you have 6,000 or more LIVE points at the end of the month.

17LIVE | For Those Who Want to Use VTuber Functions and Events

17LIVE is a service that provides virtual streaming functions within a live streaming app. Besides using Live2D or VRM files for streaming, using the V Create Mode allows you to create avatars within the app and begin streaming as a VTuber.

The ease of selecting a streaming style according to the preparation situation and the ability to challenge various genres such as chats, singing, and game broadcasting are its features.

Regarding monetization, there is a system to receive gifts from viewers. However, getting gifts and earning stable revenue are separate matters, so initially, it is good to focus on creating a viewership by organizing your profile and content continuously.

SHOWROOM | For Those Who Want to Aim for Exposure Through Events and Rankings

SHOWROOM is a service set with a virtual category within a live streaming platform. A special page for VTubers is also prepared on the official site.

It is characterized by being able to easily collaborate with event and ranking projects and aiming for exposure opportunities triggered by high rankings. It’s suitable for those who wish to enjoy competitive projects and continue streaming steadily.

Regarding monetization, the distribution of evaluation points according to viewer support is the focus. The fundamental basis is that the distribution is settled at the end of the month and paid at the end of the next month, but be sure to check the official guidelines for details such as payment conditions and minimum amounts.

topia | For Those Who Want to Focus on Singing and Music Streaming

topia is a music-oriented service marketed as a virtual music live streaming app by the official. You can stream using avatars created within the app, making it easy to combine with VTuber activities focused on singing and music.

Karaoke functions and multiple-person collaboration streaming are available, making it a candidate for those who want to focus on singing spots and music projects.

The monetization system is centered on jewels granted according to gifts and the excitement of the stream. If you plan to do singing streams, confirming the range of available songs and the conditions for using sound sources in the official guidelines will give you peace of mind.

Mirrativ | For Those Who Want to Stream Mobile Games

Mirrativ is a live streaming app that works well with mobile game streaming. Using the Emomo avatar feature allows you to stream with an avatar without showing your face.

Being able to move an avatar while streaming games on a single smartphone makes it easier to start even for beginners unfamiliar with PC or OBS. It’s a candidate for those who want to combine game commentary, chat, and collaboration.

Regarding monetization, there are reward systems for streamers through gifts, etc. It’s suitable for those who want to center their activities on game streaming while interacting with listeners without disclosing their identity.

TwitCasting | For Those Who Want to Combine Chatting, Singing, Paid Streaming

TwitCasting has long been used for streaming chats and singing. Although it’s not an app specifically for VTubers, it supports character streaming using 3D avatar features and streaming with external tools like OBS.

It’s characterized by having multiple means of monetization, such as tea bomb gifts, paid-premium streaming, and monthly memberships.

It’s suitable for those who want to build their activities by trying multiple styles like chatting, singing, voice-centric projects, and paid events. However, as it’s not an app specifically for VTubers, a bit of ingenuity is required in how to showcase avatars and configure the streaming screen.

Above, we introduced 7 apps and services. All of them are options that easily support streaming without showing your face, but the necessary preparations and streaming methods vary by service.

Next, let’s look at options for those who want to make use of their PC environment for long-term activities.

Streaming Platforms Suitable for Long-term Operations

From here, we will introduce YouTube Live and Twitch for those who want to nurture their activities long-term or utilize their PC environment for streaming.

If apps like IRIAM and REALITY are “places to start streaming first,” then YouTube Live and Twitch are options for those who want to expand their activities including videos, archives, and game streaming.

While they require preparation like avatars, streaming software, and PC environments compared to mobile-oriented apps, they are also reliable services to use as a foundation for long-term activities.

YouTube Live | For Those Who Want to Utilize Videos, Shorts, and Search Traffic

YouTube Live is a service where you can upload videos, shorts, and publish archives from the same channel, not just live streams. As you can leave the content after streaming, there’s a possibility for it to be viewed later through search or related videos.

It’s also characterized by the ability to reutilize broadcast content as archives, clips, and short videos instead of ending it with a single live stream. It’s an option for those who want to grow their channel over the long term by combining videos and shorts.

It’s also suitable for those who want to expand their VTuber activities not with a single stream but with the overall video content.

If you consider monetization, participation in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) is a prerequisite. As the conditions for joining the expanded YPP, having 500 or more subscribers and at least 3 valid public videos uploaded in the last 90 days are required.

Additionally, conditions such as having 3,000 hours of total watch time for valid public videos in the last 12 months or 3 million views for valid public short videos in the last 90 days apply. There are different conditions for ad revenue, so it’s recommended to think from the perspective of building your content over the long haul rather than aiming for short-term gains.

Twitch | For Those Who Want to Focus on Game Streaming and Real-time Interaction

Twitch is a platform centered on live streaming and offers great compatibility with game streaming. There are non-Japanese viewers as well, so you can consider outreach to overseas users, depending on the language of the stream, tags, and titles.

As it supports streaming with external tools like OBS, it’s an option for those who want to focus on game broadcasting and collaborative streaming. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy interacting with viewers in real time.

The monetization entrance is the affiliate program, where participation is possible by fulfilling conditions like 25 followers, 4 hours of total streaming, 4 days of streaming, and an average of 3 viewers over 4 days.

On the other hand, using music or BGM without rights may lead to deletion requests or actions on your account. Additionally, the limitations on the save period for streaming archives (VOD) should be noted.

Both YouTube Live and Twitch are reliable choices for sustained activity, but the suitable streaming style differs. You should consider YouTube Live if you want to nurture it with videos, shorts, and archives included, or Twitch if you want to focus on game streaming and real-time interaction.

We provide detailed explanations on how to start streaming on Twitch, the necessary equipment, and the conditions for monetization in this article, so please refer to it.
>>How to Start Streaming on Twitch & Detailed Instructions!

We’ve reviewed apps and services one by one up to this point. Next, let’s go over the precautions to consider when starting to stream.

Precautions Before Starting VTuber Streaming

From here, we will organize three often-overlooked precautions to be aware of after choosing an app or streaming service. Confirming points like age restrictions, copyright on music/BGM, and identity protection before starting your stream can provide peace of mind.

Age Restrictions Vary by App

There may be age restrictions on the usage and streaming capabilities of live streaming apps and services. For example, in IRIAM, those under 16 cannot actively participate as streamers. Additionally, those under 15 have limitations, including both viewing and streaming.

Before using a service, minors or parents of children interested in streaming should be sure to check the latest age restrictions in the terms of use and official help section of each service.

Separate Considerations for Music and BGM: Copyright and Master Rights

For singing streams and BGM-included streams, differentiating between music copyright and master rights related to sound sources is necessary.

For services that have contract agreements with JASRAC or NexTone, there might be cases where the use of managed music is recognized within a certain scope. However, when using CD audio, streaming audio, or karaoke tracks, rights related to the sound source, such as master rights, may apply separately from music copyright.

If you’re planning to stream live singing or use BGM, be sure to check the official guidelines of the app you’re using for license usage rules and the range of permissible sound sources.

Identity Protection is Necessary, Even Without Showing Your Face

The appeal of VTuber activities is being able to operate without showing your face, but personal information could still be revealed from your voice, ambient sounds, or SNS posts.

To prevent identity exposure, it’s essential not to disclose personal information like real names, schools, or workplaces during broadcasts. Pay attention to the background and ambient sounds that appear during streaming, and when linking SNS accounts, review connections with past posts to be safe.

For detailed methods on avoiding identity exposure and personal exposure, please refer to this article.
>>How to Prevent Identity and Personal Exposure for VTubers: From Reasons to Methods

Considering these precautions can help reduce troubles after starting your stream. Next, we’ll answer common questions about selecting a streaming app or service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Finally, we have compiled frequently asked questions about selecting streaming apps and services for VTubers. Check each item you are concerned about.

Can VTubers Earn Just with Streaming Apps?

Depending on the service, there are systems like gifts, points, memberships, and ad revenue within the app that allow monetization.

However, whether you can earn stably or not depends on factors like streaming frequency, viewer numbers, content planning, and the period of continuation. Instead of aiming for a large amount of money from the start, it’s more feasible to focus on building a streaming habit as well as a fan base relationship.

Can You Operate Solely with a Free Avatar?

There are services like REALITY and Mirrativ where you can use avatars created in the app to operate.

If you want to try chatting or interaction, you might choose REALITY, or if you want to stream mobile games, you might choose Mirrativ. It’s better to select according to the genre of streaming you want to try. To start with, experimenting with the basic free range of VTuber atmosphere is recommended, and if it seems sustainable, broadening your appearance through commissioning artwork or introducing Live2D is a good next step.

Is It Better to Create Illustrations Myself or Commission Them?

If you can draw yourself, you’ll be able to prepare original characters while keeping costs down. On the other hand, if you want to pay attention to appearance and world-building, commissioning an illustrator is another option.

When commissioning, checking not just for use in streaming, but also for SNS icons, thumbnails, and eligibility for use in monetized broadcasts provides reassurance.

However, you don’t need to proceed with high-cost commissions at the beginning. It’s sufficient to first see if you can continue, and then update your appearance afterward.

Is Simultaneous Broadcasting Possible?

Simultaneous use of multiple streaming platforms, known as multi-streaming, may be possible.

However, the availability of simultaneous broadcasting depends on service regulations, monetization programs, and the streaming tools used. Beginners are first recommended to concentrate on one app and consider it if necessary after getting used to it.

Can Minors Become VTubers?

There are services available for VTubers that minors can use, but age and whether parental consent is required differ by app.

For example, some services have restrictions based on age for usage and streaming. Before starting, confirm the age restrictions and rules for minors in the terms of use or official help section of each service.

Conclusion

We’ve introduced apps and streaming services for VTubers by ease of starting and by streaming genre.

If you want to start character streaming with one illustration, IRIAM would be your choice, while if you want to try using a basic free 3D avatar, REALITY may be the option. For those wanting to center their activity on singing or music, topia, and TwitCasting are candidates. For mobile game streaming, consider Mirrativ, for emphasizing game streaming and real-time interactions, consider Twitch, and for long-term growth with videos and shorts, YouTube Live could be included in your options.

Start by choosing a service that suits your streaming genre with low preparation costs, and try streaming within a feasible range. As you continue, gradually find a style that suits you best.

For a detailed comparison of V-Livers and VTubers, please refer to this article detailed in 5 essential points.
>>What’s the Difference Between V-Livers and VTubers? Comparative Guide for Beginners!