How to Become a VTuber (Equipment, Cost, & Hololive) (2024)

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1What equipment do you need to become a VTuber?

2Which software should I use for VTubing?

3How much does it cost to become a VTuber?

4How do I create a 3D model?

5Can you be a VTuber on mobile?

6How do I join Hololive?

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Co-authored byBeth Cormackand Hannah Madden

Last Updated: June 12, 2023References

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If you’ve been on YouTube for a little while, you’ve probably noticed the VTuber trend that’s been popping up since 2017. VTubers, or Virtual YouTubers, talk to their audience through an avatar instead of showing their faces. As this trend becomes more and more popular (and VTubers get more and more subscribers), tons of people want to know: how do they do it? We’ve answered your questions about becoming a VTuber so you can achieve your virtual dreams on YouTube.

Question 1 of 6:

What equipment do you need to become a VTuber?

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  1. 1

    Get a good quality computer with high-speed internet. No matter what kind of content you’re creating, this will be key. In general, you’ll probably want a newer desktop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM. A laptop works too, but it may run a little bit slower with the software you’ll need for VTubing. [1]

  2. 2

    You need a motion-tracking webcam. Pick out a webcam that will recognize your face and translate your expressions onto an avatar. You can find a decent webcam like this for under $100, like the Logitech Pro or the Microsoft LifeCam.[2]

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  3. 3

    You can upgrade to a VR rig if you want to later on. It’s not necessary to track all of your movements (like your hands, legs, and feet) when you’re first starting out. However, if you ever want to upgrade your avatar to a full-body one, you might consider getting a VR, or virtual reality setup. You can find a decent VR headset for around $400.[3]

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Question 2 of 6:

Which software should I use for VTubing?

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  1. Facerig, Luppet, VSeeFace, and VTube Studio are a few popular ones.[4] You can download most of these applications on both Windows and Mac. Some of them will help you create an avatar, while others are strictly for capturing motion and streaming your character.[5]

    • Wakaru, 3tene, and Puppemoji are also good options.
    • Most of these websites require a monthly or a one-time download fee. The price varies greatly depending on which one you’re using, but you can expect to spend around $100 on your software.

Question 3 of 6:

How much does it cost to become a VTuber?

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  1. Expect to spend between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars. The exact amount depends a lot on what you already have and how much you want to upgrade your equipment and your avatar. At minimum, you may have to shell out a few hundred dollars for a new webcam and a program to create a 3D model.[6]

    • Feel free to get started as a VTuber with a limited amount of equipment. Over time, as you get better and start making money, you can upgrade your situation.
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Question 4 of 6:

How do I create a 3D model?

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  1. 1

    Make your own in an online studio. If you want to customize your model, try using programs like Blender, Daz3D, or Pixiv.[7] In these studios, you can create a model from scratch, sculpting the facial features, body, and clothing items on your own. Both Blender and Pixiv have free versions, but they are slightly limited in what you can do. If you want to upgrade your account, you can pay a monthly fee of around $5 for full access.[8]

    • To become a YouTuber, you should create content.
    • Find something you are interested in and start filming.
    • Then post it on YouTube. The more you post, the more you will understand what kind of content resonates with people on YouTube.
  2. 2

    Commission an artist to make you one. If you aren’t feeling super artistic, try reaching out to an animator or a Photoshop expert to make a model for you. Find an artist in the community by searching “3D model commission” on Twitter or Google. Rates vary, but you can expect to spend around $50 to $100 for a commission.[9]

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Question 5 of 6:

Can you be a VTuber on mobile?

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  1. Yes, if you download VTube studio. This app lets you upload your 2D model directly onto your phone and track your facial movements. Keep in mind, though, that it doesn’t support 3D models just yet.[10]

Question 6 of 6:

How do I join Hololive?

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  1. 1

    Find out when they’re holding auditions. Hololive holds auditions every time they want to find new VTubers. They don’t have a set schedule, so you can check the website periodically to find out when they’re open by visiting https://en.hololive.tv/audition.[11]

  2. 2

    Submit an online application. After you hit “Apply” on the Hololive auditions page, you’ll be transferred to an online questionnaire. Usually, the questionnaire will ask you to submit a 5-minute video explaining who you are and what your online persona is.[12]

  3. 3

    Go through the interview process. If your application is accepted, you’ll be invited to interview with the Hololive team! If you live near the offices, you can head there in person; otherwise, they’ll do it over the phone. They’ll ask you questions about your YouTube experience, why you want to join Hololive, and if you can keep up with the content they require.[13]

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    Can you make money being a VTuber?

    Timothy Linetsky
    Music Producer & Instructor

    Timothy Linetsky is a DJ, producer, YouTuber, and music educator based in San Francisco, California. He has been making music for over 15 years, and is known for his YouTube channel You Suck at Producing, in which he does music production tutorials for over 330,000 YouTube subscribers. In addition to teaching music production, he releases his own music as Underbelly. He has taught at schools such as Beat Lab Academy and Pyramind. He is also an Ableton Certified Trainer, and has worked closely with the company to produce tutorial videos and educational content. His original productions have garnered millions of plays on Spotify, and in 2020, he released his debut album Machine Yearning as Underbelly to critical acclaim.

    Timothy Linetsky

    Music Producer & Instructor

    Expert Answer

    Sure! There’s always the ad revenue—it’s not a huge amount, but it's a couple hundred dollars a month—and sponsorship opportunities for YouTubers.

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  • Question

    I wear eyeglasses, and I can't use my webcam with the face capture because of the glare. Is there any way to get around this without using contact lenses?

    How to Become a VTuber (Equipment, Cost, & Hololive) (17)

    Cros Saint

    Community Answer

    If you aren’t severely nearsighted, you can probably get around not wearing glasses while streaming. Otherwise, you can try to adjust the lighting to be behind you or in a specific angle in which it doesn’t reflect onto the screen.

    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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  • Question

    Do you have to be 18 or over to be a Vtuber?

    How to Become a VTuber (Equipment, Cost, & Hololive) (18)

    David Maj

    Community Answer

    To get a sponsorship with a corporation, yes. But some popular V-Tubers on platforms are under 18.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Tips

      • Don’t feel like you have to spend a ton of money to become a VTuber. All you need is basic equipment and a standard avatar to get started!

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      Tips from our Readers How to Become a VTuber (Equipment, Cost, & Hololive) (19)

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

      • If you want, you can make your VTuber design yourself. All you need is a phone or iPad that you can draw on!
      • To start cheaply, create your own model with VTube Studio, which is free on Steam.

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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about becoming a youtuber, check out our in-depth interview with Beth Cormack.

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      About This Article

      How to Become a VTuber (Equipment, Cost, & Hololive) (36)

      Co-authored by:

      Beth Cormack

      Social Media Manager

      This article was co-authored by Beth Cormack and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Beth Cormack is a Social Media Manager based in Washington, D.C. With five years of experience, she specializes in multi-channel social media marketing and storytelling. She earned her Master of Professional Studies from Georgetown University School of Continuing Studies and her BA in Communication from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. This article has been viewed 302,893 times.

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      Co-authors: 14

      Updated: June 12, 2023

      Views:302,893

      Categories: Making YouTube Videos

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      How to Become a VTuber (Equipment, Cost, & Hololive) (2024)

      FAQs

      How much does VTuber equipment cost? ›

      Becoming a VTuber requires a significant financial investment, including expenses for avatar creation, a high-spec PC, and other equipment. Avatar Creation: Costs range from $30 to $500+. Avatar Rigging: Prices can vary from $20 to $500+. Camera: A decent camera can cost between $30 and $200.

      What equipment is required to be a VTuber? ›

      In addition to obvious things like a PC and camera, you'll also need ways to create your virtual avatar, capture your motion in real time, and broadcast to a live audience.

      How much does it cost to start VTubing? ›

      Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with becoming a VTuber: Avatar Creation: The cost of creating an avatar can range from $30 to $500 or more [1]. This cost may vary depending on the complexity and customization of the avatar.

      Can VTubers be under 18? ›

      Minors shouldn't be vtubers. The space is full of adults and largely 18+ oriented. It's way too easy to let something slip that gives away sensitive information - putting a minor into kinds of danger adults wouldn't face.

      Can you be a VTuber without a PC? ›

      What does it take to become a VTuber? You need a computer, camera or phone, microphone, and motion capture software.

      How much does it take to get a VTuber model? ›

      VTuber models range from $35 - $1,000 for 2D models depending on the artist's skill and the included artwork. The price range for a 3D model can be anywhere from $1,000 all the way to $15,000 depending on complexity and customization. Simple ones will cost in the $1,000-$2,000 range.

      What age is Gura? ›

      Gura's official history states that she is a descendant of the Lost City of Atlantis. She swam to the surface, Earth out of boredom, and decided to stay. She is somewhere between 9,000 and 10,000 years old, but she lost count.

      How to join Nijisanji? ›

      To do so, people must fill out an initial application which asks basic questions and also asks them for a sampling of the kind of content they will deliver. The Staff-san of human reality are in charge of evaluating the applications and carrying out the auditions, with sometimes Riku Tazumi himself also joining in.

      How much does VTuber design cost? ›

      VTuber models range from $35 - $1,000 for 2D models depending on the artist's skill and the included artwork. The price range for a 3D model can be anywhere from $1,000 all the way to $15,000 depending on complexity and customization.

      How much does a VTuber get paid? ›

      While earnings can vary widely based on popularity, engagement, and business acumen, some top VTubers are rumored to earn upwards of a million dollars annually. But as with any online venture, success often requires a blend of talent, luck, and a lot of hard work.

      Is VTuber profitable? ›

      VTubing can evolve into a lucrative career path or an additional income stream, blending passion with the potential for financial gain. This article will explore the various avenues available for VTubers to generate income, emphasizing the role of platforms like Streamlabs for tipping and merchandising.

      Why is VTubing so expensive? ›

      Rigging a Vtuber model is a specialized skill, and the cost reflects the time and effort required to produce a high-quality model. While the price tag may seem steep, it's a reflection of the expertise and dedication that goes into creating these virtual avatars.

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