“I want to stream on VRChat, but I don’t know how…” Do you have such concerns?

If you stream VRChat as a VTuber, you can interact with viewers in real-time or enjoy a special stream with immersive visuals.

This article explains in an easy-to-understand way for beginners how to prepare the equipment and software needed for VRChat streaming, how to set it up using OBS Studio, and even unique ways to showcase yourself as a VTuber.

If you’re thinking, “I want to start streaming on VRChat as a VTuber!” then please read to the end.

Three Benefits of VTubers Streaming on VRChat! What Makes It Immersive for Viewers?

When VTubers use VRChat to stream, they can offer viewers an immersive experience, as if they’re adventuring together. Taking advantage of the high freedom 3D space unique to VRChat makes impactful streaming possible. Here, we introduce three significant benefits of VTubers streaming on VRChat.

A Wider Range of Expressions in Various Worlds

VRChat has countless user-created worlds. By choosing spaces with various themes like fantasy castles, futuristic cities, or haunted mansions, you can let viewers feel as if they’re the protagonist in a story.

Not only streams focusing on world exploration, but also just chatting in your favorite place can create a special atmosphere.

Express Your Uniqueness by Customizing Avatars

In VRChat, you can create avatars that maximize the “character” important to VTubers. You can freely customize outfits, hairstyles, expressions, and movements to fully express yourself.

Moreover, by utilizing tracking features, expressions and gestures can be conveyed to viewers in real-time, allowing for more immersive performances compared to regular 2D streams.

Interact with Viewers in Real-Time

The biggest feature of VRChat is real-time interaction. By inviting viewers into a world and adventuring together, or conversing directly via voice chat, you can achieve communication with an immersive feel that’s beyond normal VTuber streams.

For instance, by playing games with viewers or hosting spontaneous events, you can build deeper bonds with fans.

Preparing Equipment and Software Needed for VTubers

To successfully stream on VRChat, it’s essential to prepare the right equipment and software. This section explains the environment necessary to start VTuber activities smoothly.

List of Required Equipment

PC Specifications (Recommended)

• GPU: RTX 3,060 or higher
• CPU: Intel Core i7 or higher, or an equivalent AMD processor
• RAM: 16GB or more
• Storage: SSD (for fast booting)

VR Headset

To provide a high-quality visual experience, a PCVR-compatible HMD (e.g., MetaQuest series or Pico series) is recommended.

Microphone

To deliver clear audio, using a condenser or USB microphone is recommended. While it’s possible to stream with the microphone built into the headset, if you prioritize sound quality, prepare a separate microphone.

Setting Up Software

To stream on VRChat, prepare the following software.

VRChat

Download and install from the official site or Steam. If using a PCVR environment, installing SteamVR is also necessary.

OBS Studio

Use OBS Studio, the standard streaming software. You can download it for free from the official site.

Other Tools and Plugins

To make streaming more comfortable, introducing paid plugins like XSOverlay is one method. By utilizing this, you can easily check comments and switch scenes in a VR environment.

By preparing the necessary equipment and software, you can build a comfortable streaming environment. Begin preparing by referring to the recommended specs, and proceed to install the software. In the next step, we’ll explain how to configure VRChat and OBS to work together.

Settings and Procedures to Link VRChat and OBS

From here, we’ll introduce the steps to bring VRChat’s visuals into OBS.

VRChat has a camera feature, and its visuals can be sent to OBS using a mechanism called Spout.

Enable Spout in VRChat

First, set up a camera within VRChat and enable Spout. Follow these steps.

1. Press the “Esc” key on the keyboard to open the menu.
2. Select “Camera” from the tabs at the bottom.
3. Click “Stream Camera”.
4. Switch “Spout Stream” in the camera settings to ON.

Additionally, by setting “Disable World” in the “Mask” settings of the camera menu, you can output visuals with the background transparent.

Set OBS to Use Spout

Next, configure OBS to receive visuals from Spout.

1. Install the obs-spout2-plugin. Download and run the installer from the official site or similar for the latest version (e.g., OBS_Spout2_Plugin_Install_vX.X.exe).
2. After installation, start OBS.
3. Select “Spout2 Capture” from the source addition screen.
4. Select “VRCSender1” in the “Source” item.

Once this setting is completed, VRChat’s camera visuals will begin appearing on OBS.

Setting Resolution and Frame Rate

From the OBS “Settings” menu, select “Video”, and configure as follows.

• Canvas Resolution: 1,920×1,080
• Output Resolution: 1,920×1,080
• Frame Rate: 30fps-60fps (Adjust according to PC performance)

Setting Audio Capture and Troubleshooting Streaming Issues

Audio settings in OBS are also important. Check the following points.

• Correctly Capture VRChat Audio: Add “Application Audio Capture” in OBS and ensure VRChat’s sound is captured
• Prevent Unnecessary Notification Sounds: Mute “Desktop Audio” in OBS settings to ensure sounds from other apps aren’t captured
• Conduct a Pre-Stream Test: Always test to ensure quality and audio issues are absent before streaming

Following these steps will allow for smooth VRChat and OBS integrated streaming.

Tips for Creating a VTuber-like Streaming Screen

Maximizing your charm as a VTuber requires attention to the design and presentation of your streaming screen. By being creative with visuals and camera work, you can capture viewer interest and deliver an immersive experience. Below are specific tips.

Showcase Your Avatar Attractively with Layouts

By being ingenious in showing your avatar, you can easily attract viewers’ attention.

• Utilize “Selfie Mode” to easily display your avatar.
• Fixing Camera Positions helps maintain stable visuals, providing viewers with a sense of security.
• Creative Backgrounds can make your avatar stand out more. Setting images or videos as backgrounds that match your content creates a cohesive design.

Enhancing Expressions and Movements with Camera Settings

In VRChat streaming, effectively conveying your avatar’s expressions and movements is crucial.

• Turn on “Image Stabilization” to stabilize camera visuals, reducing the likelihood of viewer motion sickness.
• Leverage “Zoom In and Out” Functions to highlight expressions and movements, enabling more immersive presentations.
• Creative Camera Angles allow for presentation suitable to the scene. For example, use a bust-up during a chat and full-body display during action scenes for effectiveness.

Enhance Presentation with OBS Plugins

Utilizing OBS plugins allows for even more attractive streaming screens.

• With Background Transparency Plugin (OBS Virtual Greenscreen), you can make the surroundings of your avatar transparent, creating unity with the background.
• By leveraging Animation Effects (StreamFX Plugin), you can add moving effects to the screen, making dynamic presentations possible.
• Introducing Comment Display Tools (StreamElements or OBS Chat Plugin) allows displaying viewer comments on the streaming screen, enabling more interactive communication.

Incorporating these improvements enables you to create unique and charming VTuber-style streaming screens. Try and establish a style that suits you gradually.

Points to Adjust Audio and BGM

In VRChat streaming, not only visual presentation but also audio and BGM adjustments significantly affect viewer satisfaction. Especially, the clarity of microphone audio and the balance of BGM are critical factors influencing audibility. Here, we explain acoustic settings for a comfortable stream.

Adjusting Microphone Audio

When streaming with OBS, optimizing the quality of microphone audio is important. Review the following settings.

Noise Suppression Settings

Utilize the audio filter function in OBS to enable “Noise Suppression.” This reduces surrounding noise, allowing clear voice broadcasting.

• Settings Method: OBS “Filters” → add “Noise Suppression”
• Recommended Settings:
  • RNNoise (AI-based, reduces noise while maintaining natural sound)
  • Speex (lightweight and configurable, adjustable according to the environment)

Gain Adjustment (Optimizing Volume Balance)

It is essential to set the microphone’s sensitivity appropriately to prevent issues with distorted or very low volume sound.

• Settings Method: OBS “Audio Mixer” → “Filters” → add “Gain”
• Recommended Settings:
  • Adjust to about +3 to 6dB in range that doesn’t cause audio distortion
  • Conduct recording tests and confirm appropriate volume

VRChat Internal Audio Settings

Settings within VRChat also influence the quality of the stream’s audio. Check the following points.

Adjust Voice Settings

• Properly set VRChat “Voice Volume” so your voice doesn’t get buried by game sounds
• Adjust “Mic Sensitivity” to pick up even soft voices

Audio Balance for the Audience

• Adjust the sound of other players and in-world effects so that they are at a comfortable level for the viewers
• Utilize “Voice Priority” to ensure important voices are not drowned out

BGM Adjustment Points

Setting up BGM to enhance the atmosphere of the stream is also important. Pay attention to the following points.

Adjust Volume

• Set BGM so it doesn’t stand out too much and interferes with conversation
• As a guideline, set the BGM volume to be approximately 30% to 50% lower than the microphone volume for easy listening

Loop Settings

• Enable loop playback from OBS “Audio Source Properties” so that BGM flows uninterrupted
• If you utilize the “Crossfade” function, track transitions become more seamless

By keeping these points in mind, you can achieve a streaming environment equipped with a comfortable audio setup that appeases viewers. Frequently conduct audio tests, find the best balance, and proceed with adjustments.

Troubleshooting Streaming Issues

If trouble occurs during a VRChat stream, it can inconvenience viewers and ruin your streaming experience. Below are common issues and their solutions.

If the Streaming Screen is Not Displayed

The streaming screen may not display due to OBS settings errors or VRChat’s display mode. Confirm the following points.

Check OBS Source Settings

• Ensure VRChat’s “Spout2 Capture” is correctly selected in “Source”.
• Ensure “VRCSender1” is selected in the “Source” item

If There’s Audio Delay or Interruption

Audio lag or interruptions can lead to viewer stress. Check these points.

Confirm Audio Device Settings

• In OBS settings, confirm that microphones and desktop audio are correctly set
• Disable unnecessary audio devices to reduce PC processing load

Adjust Audio Bitrate

• Set the audio bitrate to 320kbps in OBS “Output Settings” to improve audio quality
• If audio is interrupted, prioritizing stability by reducing to 192kbps or 128kbps is an option

Reducing PC Load During Streaming

If PC load is too high during streaming, video lag or audio trouble is more likely to occur. Try the following measures.

Optimize OBS Output Settings

• Change “Output Mode” to “Advanced” and set the encoder to hardware encoding (NVENC, etc.) to reduce CPU load

Close Unnecessary Programs

• During streaming, close unnecessary software running in the background to secure resources
• Use Task Manager to check CPU and memory usage, identify and close high-load apps

By preparing these measures in advance, streaming troubles can be minimized. Being able to quickly resolve issues leads to improved skills as a streamer, so be sure to practice.

Important Points for VTubers Streaming on VRChat

In streaming using VRChat, creativity to entertain viewers is crucial. Here, we explain points to note for smoother and more attractive streaming.

Choosing Worlds Suitable for Streaming

While VRChat contains a wide variety of worlds, selecting ones suitable for streaming can provide viewers with a comfortable viewing experience. Refer to the following criteria.

• Choose worlds with lightweight graphics settings: High-load worlds can impact PC performance and make streaming unstable.
• Select visually appealing worlds: Beautiful backgrounds or uniquely designed worlds make it easy to capture viewers’ interest.
• Choose worlds where streaming is allowed: Some worlds are restricted from streaming due to copyright, so check the rules in advance.

Interacting with a VTuber-like Character

Taking advantage of your avatar and character traits to communicate with viewers in real-time is a major attraction of VTuber streaming.

• Maximize expressions and movements: Use facial tracking and hand tracking to show realistic expressions and gestures for an immersive effect.
• Innovate camera angles: Utilizing a streaming camera, you can create a viewer-friendly screen by showing angles suitable for streaming.
• Engage with interactive ideas: Reacting to comments and organizing events that viewers can enjoy together can enhance streaming excitement.

Streaming Etiquette and Considerations

In VRChat, sharing the same space with other players requires consideration for others.

• Inform surrounding people that you are streaming: Use the “Streaming” mode of the streaming camera to easily show others that you are streaming.
• Pay attention to privacy protection: Avoid unauthorized recordings of other players’ voices or conversations. To prevent trouble, check the rules in advance.
• Prepare for trouble response: Prepare in advance to quickly respond if a problem occurs during streaming. For instance, having contingency plans for audio issues or image distortion noted in advance provides peace of mind.

By keeping these points in mind, you can deliver a comfortable and enjoyable stream for viewers. While utilizing your individuality as a VTuber, establish a style unique to you.

Take Your VRChat Streaming to the Next Level

Once you are familiar with streaming, aim to take it to the next level. To execute a top-tier VRChat stream, improvements in video and audio quality, and incorporating unique presentations are necessary. Here, we introduce specific configurations and methods to elevate the quality of your stream.

Settings for High-Quality Streaming

For a high-quality stream, optimize the encoder settings in OBS. Refer to the following points.

• Choosing the Encoder: Using a hardware encoder (e.g., NVIDIA NVENC) allows for high-quality streaming while maintaining PC performance.
• Adjust Bitrate: Set the bitrate at 6,000kbps or higher as a guideline. However, adjust according to the speed of your Internet connection.
• Optimize Resolution: While the ideal is 1080p (1,920×1,080), consider reducing to 720p (1,280×720) depending on PC specs or network condition.

Utilize OBS Scene Switching

To keep viewers engaged and deliver a smooth stream, utilizing scene switching in OBS is recommended.

• Create Multiple Scenes: Prepare scenes like “Talk,” “Gameplay,” or “Ending screen” in advance for performances suited to each situation.
• Set Hotkeys: Utilize keyboard shortcuts to instantly switch scenes with one click.

Save and Edit Streaming Archives

By editing the archive post-stream, you can expect an increase in playback counts.

• Utilize OBS Recording Feature: Conduct recording simultaneously with streaming to save high-quality footage. Even if there is an issue during streaming, editing is possible using the recording data.
• Quality Improvement with Editing Software: Use editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve to cut unnecessary parts or add visual effects. By creating shortened or highlight videos, you can reach more viewers.

Incorporating these settings and improvements will significantly enhance the quality of your stream. Optimize according to your style, aiming for a stream that viewers can enjoy.

Conclusion

Streaming as a VTuber using VRChat provides viewers with an engaging, immersive world and real-time interaction—a captivating streaming style. This article has explained the points for successfully streaming on VRChat.

Item	Overview
Benefits of Starting Streaming	Providing viewers with a unique experience and shortening distance with fans through real-time interaction
Preparing Necessary Equipment and Software	Gather a high-performance PC, VR headset, microphone, OBS Studio, etc., to create a comfortable streaming environment
Integration Settings for VRChat and OBS	Enable Spout in VRChat and properly configure OBS to achieve smooth video streaming
Creative VTuber-like Streaming Screen	Using camera angles, background presentations, and OBS plugins to create a more appealing streaming screen
Optimizing Audio and BGM	Appropriately adjust microphone audio and BGM volume to establish a comfortable audio environment for viewers
Countermeasures for Streaming Troubles	Prepare solutions for issues like non-visible visuals, audio interruptions, high PC load, and swiftly address troubles
Streaming Etiquette and Considerations	Maintain a comfortable streaming environment by considering world choices, viewer interactions, and being mindful of other players
Ways to Aim for a Higher-Level Stream	Improve streaming quality by adopting high-quality streaming settings, using scene switching, and editing archives

VRChat streaming holds infinite possibilities with just a bit of creativity. Utilize the points introduced to establish your style, aiming for streams that are fun and attractive to viewers.

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