There Are Two Ways to Become a VTuber

One method is to create your own character and independently make videos, stream, and manage your content.

The other option is to audition and join an agency. Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to choose based on your personal situation and goals.

① Create Your Character and Manage Videos, Streaming, and Operations Independently

This method offers the appeal of working at your own pace with a high degree of freedom. You can create your character and freely decide on the content of your videos. Additionally, the initial costs are lower compared to joining an agency. However, since you must handle video creation, streaming, and operations all by yourself, it requires a significant amount of time and effort. Furthermore, you’ll need your own strategies for monetization and gaining fans.

② Apply for Auditions and Join an Agency

Working with the support of an agency is a major benefit. Agencies assist with video production, streaming, and operations, allowing you to start your activities more smoothly than being independent. Furthermore, utilizing the agency’s network can promote fan acquisition and monetization. However, to join an agency, you need to pass their auditions and adhere to their rules.

6 Steps to Becoming an Independent VTuber

To work as a VTuber, you need to follow these six steps.

1. Determine Your VTuber Persona and Channel Concept

It’s essential to have a clear vision of how you’ll engage your audience, whether it’s through game commentary, singing, or chat streaming. Decide on your target audience and channel’s content theme to solidify your concept. Additionally, consider having a regular streaming schedule and how you’ll communicate with your viewers beforehand.

2. Prepare Necessary Equipment

To work as a VTuber, you need to equip yourself with essential gear for streaming. At minimum, you’ll need a computer, webcam, microphone, and earphones/headphones. Streaming software and avatar creation software are also required. You can choose these based on your budget and purpose.

3. Create or Acquire an Avatar/Model

You have the choice to create your own avatar/model or use an existing one. For self-creation, software like VRoid Studio can be used. If using an existing model, you can find one on free or paid material sites. The avatar/model is a crucial element to express your character and world, so choose carefully.

If you’re curious about how to create a 3D model, you can refer to the following article.

4. Record Videos

Use streaming software like OBS to animate your avatar and record videos. During recording, pay attention to screen layout and sound quality to produce a video that is easy to watch and listen to. It is also important to thoroughly plan your video content in advance.

5. Edit Videos

Use video editing software to edit your recorded videos. There are free software options like DaVinci Resolve and paid options like Adobe Premiere Pro. To learn how to use these editing tools, tutorials on video sites can be helpful. Video editing is crucial to making clear and engaging content by performing cuts, joins, adding subtitles, sound effects, and more.

6. Open a Channel and Post Videos

Once editing is complete, it’s time to open your channel and post videos. Create a channel on platforms like YouTube to upload your videos. Name your videos and write descriptions that attract viewer interest. A captivating thumbnail is also crucial to convey your content effectively.

Basic Equipment and Software/Tools Needed for a Solo VTuber

To work as a VTuber, you need minimum equipment and software/tools that are useful for recording, streaming, and editing videos. The specific equipment and software/tools are as follows.

Computer

VTuber activities require a high-performance computer for various tasks like video editing and streaming. To ensure smooth operation of editing and streaming software, choose a computer with a high-spec CPU and memory.

Webcam

A high-performance webcam is necessary to track avatar movements in real-time. Choose a high-quality webcam that captures smooth movements, especially important for accurately capturing facial expressions. While there are low-cost webcams with sufficient performance, choose based on your budget.

Microphone

A high-quality microphone is required to clearly record your voice. Condenser microphones are highly recommended for their ability to capture detailed nuances of voice with high sound quality. Choose a microphone that produces clear and distinct sound.

Earphones/Headset

These are needed for monitoring your own voice while streaming and communicating with viewers. Especially for gameplay commentary, choose high-quality earphones/headphones with good soundproofing to hear game audio during your stream.

Streaming Software

Streaming software is essential for video broadcasting. It offers various features for live streaming and recorded broadcasting.

Free Software like OBS Studio

OBS Studio is open-source and free for anyone to use. It includes features for live streaming, recorded broadcasting, and scene switching, making it user-friendly even for beginners.

Alive Studio, which can be used with OBS, lets you easily design your streaming interface. Check it out if you’re interested.

Alive Studio | Create Streaming Designs Easily with a Wealth of Materials

Avatar Creation Software

The avatar is the face of a VTuber and the first point of contact with viewers. Creating an attractive avatar greatly influences viewers’ impressions. If self-creating, use free software like VRoid Studio, which specializes in 3D model creation and offers beginner-friendly features and functionality.

Free Software like VRoid Studio

VRoid Studio specializes in 3D model creation, offering beginner-friendly operation and many features. Using free software, you can create your own original avatar while keeping initial costs low.

Video Editing Software

Video editing software is needed for editing recorded videos. There are both free and paid versions, each differing in functionality and ease of use. These software let you enhance videos with sound effects, BGM, cuts, joins, and text overlays.

DaVinci Resolve

Known as professional video editing software, its free version offers plenty of features. It is optimal for VTubers looking to improve video quality with extensive editing and color grading functions.

Adobe Premiere Pro

High-functioning video editing software used by video professionals, praised for its features and ease of operation, making it a favorite among many VTubers. While easy to use for beginners with abundant tutorial videos, it involves a monthly fee compared to the free DaVinci Resolve.

How Much Does It Cost to Become an Independent VTuber?

For independent VTuber activities, initial costs include equipment, software purchases, and avatar creation. These costs vary greatly with the quality of equipment, software, and avatars you choose.

Starting with minimum equipment might cost a few tens of thousands of yen to just over a hundred thousand yen, including a computer, webcam, microphone, and streaming software. However, high-quality equipment or requesting original avatar production might cost hundreds of thousands more.

Continuous costs such as editing software fees and advertising expenses also incur after starting your activities.

Steps to Become an Agency VTuber

To become an agency VTuber, you need to pass the agency’s audition. The frequency, eligibility, and judging criteria differ by agency.

① Selecting Agencies that Hold Auditions

First, identify agencies that align with your activities. Thoroughly research agency philosophies, VTuber types, and activities to choose the right fit. Gather information from websites and social media, and observe the broadcasts of current VTuber members to understand their atmosphere and activities.

② Prepare for the Audition

Since requirements vary by agency, it’s crucial to carefully review the recruitment details and prepare accordingly. Might involve submitting self-promotion videos, portfolios, or original music.

③ Attend the Audition

This is the audition itself. You will submit prepared materials and may participate in interviews or practical exams, with content varying by agency. Stay calm and showcase your appeal. Although nervous, remember your preparations and face it confidently.

What Qualities and Skills Are Needed to Become a VTuber?

Success as a VTuber requires strong communication skills and entertainment value. Especially crucial are talking and planning skills to connect with and entertain viewers.

Talking Skills

The ability to engage and entertain viewers through conversation is one of the most important VTuber elements. A key to keeping viewers interested is to use humor, explain clearly, provide relatable topics, and adapt discussions dynamically.

Communication Ability

Active interaction with viewers and building good relationships are very important for VTubers. Responding carefully to comments and questions and encouraging communication among viewers leads to community activation. This also involves planning based on viewer feedback and improving content.

Planning Skills

To create engaging content that doesn’t bore viewers, planning skills are essential. Capturing viewers’ interests with trending and engaging plans, and executing them is required. Abilities to create original plans across different formats like game commentary and singing will significantly influence VTuber success.

Knowledge About Streaming

You need to acquire various streaming-related knowledge, such as how to use streaming software, interact with viewers, and build streaming environments. Learning methods to prevent viewer boredom and handling problems is important for stable streaming.

Video Editing Skills

Mastering video editing software to create captivating videos is a considerable asset for VTubers. Using editing techniques like cuts, text insertion, sound effect addition, and BGM selection allows refining content to be engaging, coherent, and visually appealing. Especially significant is knowing the editing software capabilities and efficiently producing multiple videos.

Thumbnail Image Creation Techniques

Thumbnail images are vital in summarizing video content, drawing viewer interest, and increasing click-through rates. Creating catchy designs with clear titles and conveying video content in thumbnail images can attract more viewers. Proficiency in image editing software to create appealing thumbnails is a must for VTubers.

If interested in how to create engaging chat stream thumbnails, refer to the next article.

Social Media Operation Skills

Utilizing social networks like X, Instagram, and TikTok for active communication helps build connections and gain fans. By announcing videos, schedules, and daily updates, you can shorten the distance to viewers and increase intimacy.

Points for Success as a VTuber

Establishing a beloved persona and consistently delivering content is essential. Aim to increase fan numbers and become an enduringly loved VTuber by continually challenging new ideas and creating engaging content that captivates viewers.

Invest in Avatar/Model Creation and Equipment

High-quality avatars and streaming equipment significantly impact viewer impressions. By creating appealing avatars and adopting high-quality microphones and cameras, you can enhance streaming quality and improve viewer satisfaction.

Always Chase Trends to Keep Generating New Ideas

To thrive as a VTuber, regularly incorporating trendy games, topics, and viewer-participation concepts is crucial. Challenging new endeavors means sustaining viewer interest and creating captivating content that won’t bore them.

Use Social Media to Communicate with Fans

Fostering connection with fans is critical. Announcing streams and sharing daily events on platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok shrinks viewer distance and increases intimacy. Actively replying to comments and answering viewer questions contributes to two-way communication, cultivating deeper connections.

Engage in Collaborative Streams

Collaborating with other VTubers can expand your fan base and reach. By sharing viewer bases through collaborative streaming and developing engaging streams with multiple people, you can attract more viewers and enhance your streaming quality.

What’s Next After Starting VTuber Activities?

After starting your VTuber activities, why not add more of your unique touch to your streaming interface? With the “Alive Studio” streaming design service, you can quickly create a streaming interface that reflects your style through intuitive operation.

• Unlimited use of over 1,000 backgrounds and props from the VTuber-focused material team “Usaneko Memory”!
• Unlimited BGM from music material site “Maoudamashii” with over 100 tracks!
• Features include a topic roulette and counter!
• All functions available for 980 yen per month (tax included)!

If you want to expand your streaming world or make engaging presentations, be sure to try “Alive Studio“.

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