Becoming a VTuber can tap into a host of benefits, including the freedom to express themselves creatively, the ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level, and the opportunity to explore new avenues of online entertainment.
In this article, we not only explore the advantages of being a VTuber but also provide a comprehensive review of the best 10 VTuber maker software for 2023.
Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced streamer, our review will equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect software to bring your virtual avatar to life and embark on a thrilling VTuber journey.
#1 Wakaru
Wakaru is a VTube tool that allows users to animate their avatars. It is considered one of the oldest VTube tools and offers essential features for avatar animation. The main distinction of Wakaru from other VTuber software is its focus on facial motion capture.
Features
- It supports motion capture for facial features.
- Includes eyes capture, mouth shape capture, head pose capture, and facial control
- Real-time gesture and body pose control using mouse and keyboard for the upper body
- Supports import of custom MMD models (unity is required)
- Supports VRM models
Steps
- Install Wakaru software on your computer.
- Connect your webcam or mobile phone camera to your computer.
- Launch Wakaru and set up your avatar using the camera input.
- Customize your avatar’s appearance and features.
- Use the provided controls to capture and animate your avatar’s eyes, mouth, head pose, and facial expressions.
- Utilize OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) for live streaming as a Vtuber.
Pros
- No need for an expensive VR device; a webcam is sufficient.
- Provides options for capturing various facial features and expressions.
- Free to use, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Cons
- Requires additional software like OBS for live streaming functionality.
#2 Live3D
Live3D is an all-in-one VTuber software that allows users to create and customize virtual avatars for streaming and content creation.
This VTuber maker provides features such as customizable avatar poses, a Twitch extension for adding props and effects to streams, an avatar editor, motion tracking, and streaming functionality.
Features
- Rich library of public 3D VTuber avatars, VTuber assets such as backgrounds, overlays, and paints.
- Creative interactive effects for VTubers
- Integration with OBS virtual camera for seamless streaming.
- Ability to load custom VRM models and VTuber backgrounds
- Customization of 3D animations, avatar emotes, sticker effects, dance moves, etc.
Steps
- Choose the desired feature: VTuber Maker, VTuber Editor, VTuber Gallery, or VTuber Extension.
- Depending on the feature, perform actions such as face tracking, avatar customization, animation editing, or pose selection.
- Utilize the available tools and resources to create and enhance your VTuber content.
- Stream your VTuber avatar, interact with your audience, and drive engagement using the software’s features.
Pros
- Fast and high-quality face tracking for realistic VTuber performances.
- Versatile customization options for VTuber avatars, animations, and poses.
- High-resolution and high-quality VTuber live streaming capabilities.
Cons
- Advanced features or functionalities may require a learning curve for new users.
#3 V-skin
V-Skin is a VTuber software that supports both 2D and 3D models for avatar animation. It offers several features to enhance your VTubing experience.
Features
- Live2D rendering with high resolution and clear visuals.
- Props can track character movements.
- Customizable face compensation parameters for suitable expression changes.
- Developed screen capture function with no operation background displayed.
- Face capture possible with iOS devices or a webcam.
Steps
- Choose between 3D and 2D models.
- Set scenes and props with a high degree of freedom.
- Enable props to track character movements.
- Customize face compensation parameters for expression changes.
- Use the developed screen capture function for up to 5 minutes.
Pros
- High-quality face capture ensures realistic facial expressions.
- Freedom in setting scenes and props adds creativity.
- Allows commercial use on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
Cons
- The free version has a 5-minute time limit for screen capture.
#4 VRoid Studio
VRoid Studio is a popular VTuber maker used to create 3D avatars or anime characters for VTubers (Virtual YouTubers). It has advanced yet easy-to-use tools for character customization. This VTuber software is available for STEAM, Windows and Mac systems.
Features
- Option to use sample characters or start from scratch.
- Hair design tools with precise control and texture editing capabilities.
- Facial expression editor for creating a range of emotions.
- Clothing editor for designing custom outfits.
- Ability to create 3D environments and backgrounds.
Steps
- Download and install VRoid Studio
- Export VRoid Model to VRM format
- Make sure to check the box to comply with the terms of use.
- Upload your VRoid Model to VTuber Editor
- Open VTuber Maker and navigate to the ‘Avatar – Private‘ menu.
- Install ‘Virtual Camera‘ and open it
Pros
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners and experienced users.
- Provides a platform for community engagement and collaboration.
- Enables VTubers to personalize their virtual characters and express their unique style.
Cons
- VTuber software is only for designing avatars. To animate the models, you need to export them into other VTube tools
#5 VTube Studio
VTube Studio is a software tool designed for VTubers that enables users to bring their 2D VTuber avatars to life through motion capture. It offers several features and benefits for creating engaging and interactive virtual content.
This VTuber maker offers community support and Discord server for help, sharing, and feature requests. Its active development with planned features like the item system, hand and gesture tracking, collaboration, and a powerful plugin system, makes it a favorable choice for streamers.
Features
- Motion capture technology for animating 2D VTuber avatars.
- Facial tracking for accurate animation of facial expressions, including eyebrows, eyelids, and mouth.
- Tracks upper body movements and hand gestures for a more immersive experience.
- Localization in over 15 languages.
Steps
- Open the VTube Studio website and download the software.
- Launch the app and hit the top iconon the left sidebar to open the model you wish to use.
- Then, select the background icon.
- Click the background 8 for a green screen and hit the Select button.
Pros
- Easy and fun to bring Live2D models to life.
- Online multiplayer feature for collaborative sessions with low latency.
- Customizable hotkeys for easy control of scenes, microphone-lipsync, and animated PNG props during live streams.
Cons
- Some features, such as hand tracking, may require specific hardware or device compatibility.
#6 Hyper
Hyper is a relatively new VTuber software that caters to iOS users. It is a platform that allows individuals to become virtual YouTubers (VTubers) using just their iPhone or iPad.
Features
- AI Character Platform: Hyper Online allows users to create AI companions for storytelling, motivation, and entertainment purposes.
- Users can build or import avatars for their AI characters, with options for customizing the character’s appearance using the Hyper Avatar Builder.
- Users can choose a voice for their AI character, adding another layer of realism to the interactions.
Steps
- Start: Access the AI options in the app and choose to create a new AI character.
- Name Your Character: Assign a name for your AI companion.
- Define Purpose, Backstory, and Greeting: Detail the character’s purpose, backstory, and create a unique greeting.
- Set Privacy Settings and Description: Decide whether the character should be public or private, and compose a brief public description.
- Summon Your AI Companion: Meet and interact with your AI character.
Pros
- The creation process is designed to be quick and easy for users.
- The AI companions engage in dynamic and tailored conversations with users.
- The platform aims to create enchanting and immersive experiences through storytelling and engaging interactions.
Cons
- Only available for iOS users.
#7 OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a popular streaming program that is often used as part of VTuber software suites. It offers extensive customization options for users who want full control over their broadcasts.
With OBS Studio, you can adjust audio levels and configure video output to enhance the quality of your stream.
Features
- It offers extensive customization options for broadcast control.
- Customizable transitions and the ability to add stinger video files.
- Hotkey support for quick actions such as scene switching, starting/stopping streams or recordings, muting audio sources, and more.
- Studio Mode for previewing scenes and sources before going live.
- Multiview for monitoring and transitioning between different scenes.
- Support for native plugins and scripts written with Lua or Python.
Steps
- Install OBS Studio on your computer.
- Set up scenes by adding various sources such as window captures, images, text, webcams, etc.
- Configure audio settings and apply per-source filters if needed.
- Customize transitions between scenes or add stinger video files.
- Set up hotkeys for quick actions.
Pros
- High-performance video/audio capturing and mixing.
- Easy-to-use configuration options.
- Modular and customizable UI layout.
- Support for popular streaming platforms.
- Hotkey support allows for convenient control of the stream.
Cons
- Reliance on community-developed plugins and scripts for specific needs.
#8 XSplit
XSplit enables users to replace their webcam background with images or even animated videos. This feature can add creativity and visual appeal to video calls, presentations, or live streams.
Features
- Build multiple professional scenes using the Layout Wizard.
- Remove, replace, or blur your webcam background.
Steps
- Download XSplit Broadcaster or VCam on Windows.
- Install the software.
- Open the software and follow the intuitive setup wizard for XSplit Broadcaster.
- Use the Layout Wizard to create professional scenes in XSplit Broadcaster.
- Use XSplit VCam to remove, replace, or blur your webcam background.
Pros
- Helps create professional-looking live and recorded videos.
- Supports multistreaming to popular platforms.
- Intuitive setup wizard for easy scene creation.
Cons
- XSplit Broadcaster and VCam are available for Windows only.
#9 Animaze
Animaze is an all-in-one software application that allows users to create and customize virtual 2D and 3D avatars for various purposes such as livestreaming, video chatting, and recording videos.
Features
- Over 50 avatars provided and the ability to import your own 2D, 3D, VRM, or Ready Player Me models.
- Software Development Kit (SDK) available for including interactive digital characters in iOS, Android, or PC apps.
- Animaze iOS version allows users to create and control avatars using their device’s camera.
Steps
- Download Animaze Desktop from the Animaze website or Steam.
- Choose from the provided avatars or import your own 2D, 3D, VRM, or Ready Player Me models.
- Customize and animate your avatar using the enhanced face tracking and expressive animation features.
- Livestream, video chat, or record videos using your avatar.
- Explore the Animaze Editor to bring your own unique avatar creations to life.
- Export your customized avatars to be used in Animaze or supported file formats.
Pros
- Enhanced face tracking and expressive animation for realistic and engaging avatars.
- Improved graphics for visually appealing streams and videos.
- Support for various file formats, including .fbx, .VRM, Ready Player Me (.glb), and Live2D (runtime 3.0 – model3.json files).
Cons
- Limited compatibility with certain devices or operating systems.
#10 VRChat
VRChat is a platform that allows you to engage in virtual reality (VR) events and activities without the need for VR equipment.
Features
- Create Worlds using the Unity SDK
- Custom Avatars
- Full body avatars with advanced features like lip sync, eye tracking, and complete range of motion
- Hand gestures, emotes, and emoji for self-expression
Steps
- Visit VRChat and create an account.
- Download the VRChat client or play directly on supported platforms.
- Set up your account
- Experiment with your identity by trying different avatars.
- Interact with people from all over the world and make friends.
Pros
- Opportunities for self-expression and experimentation with identity
- 3D spatialized audio for realistic sound experiences
Cons
- Pricing not readily available on the website
FAQs
What software is commonly utilized by VTubers?
VTubers typically utilize various software applications to stream online with their avatars.
Initially, they require vTube broadcasting software like Live3D vTuber Maker and Animaze. These software programs enable them to live stream on platforms such as Twitch, Facebook Gaming, YouTube, and others.
Some VTubers may also incorporate voice changers, model rigging software, or VR games to enhance their streaming experience.
Which application do VTubers use to create their avatars?
VTubing software generally offers a selection of pre-designed avatars for VTubers to choose from.
However, if they wish to create their own avatars, they will need specialized software like VRoid Studio. This software allows them to design virtual characters entirely from scratch.
Which program do VTubers employ for face tracking?
Accurate face tracking necessitates advanced motion sensing technology that operates in conjunction with webcam input. Only a few VTubing software options provide precise face tracking capabilities, such as Animaze and Live3D vTuber Maker.
Summary
The concept of vTubing, or virtual YouTubing, has been introduced, along with a selection of user-friendly software tools utilized by virtual live streamers worldwide. This technology allows individuals to create virtual personas and engage with audiences through live streaming.
To embark on your own vTuber journey, you can download or access the mentioned software tools, enabling you to explore the captivating realm of virtual content creation and interaction.
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