VTubers (Virtual YouTubers; or, content creators who represent themselves with digital avatars) took the world by storm from 2017 to 2018, and their numbers have continued to grow ever since.

VTubers are no longer just for individual creators or talents affiliated with agencies. Today, more and more companies are creating their own VTubers and leveraging them as part of their marketing strategies. If you’ve ever thought, “We want to create a VTuber for our company, too,” you’re certainly not alone.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create a VTuber, the costs involved, and everything you’ll need to get started.

What is a VTuber?

VTuber stands for “Virtual YouTuber,” referring to creators who use avatars to create and stream video content. By using an avatar instead of appearing on camera, VTubers can share content without revealing their real faces.

As the name suggests, VTubers originally became known primarily through YouTube. Today, however, VTubers are active across a wide range of streaming platforms, including Twitch, SHOWROOM, and Mirrativ.

Kizuna AI is widely recognized as the first person to identify as a VTuber. Developed by a company, she is also considered one of the pioneers who helped spark the popularity of VTubers.

She has appeared on numerous television programs, including as a commentator on news programs, and has been featured across a wide range of media.

VTubers can use either 2D or 3D avatars, while their content ranges from casual chats, gaming streams, singing, and even product introductions. Their streaming styles also vary widely from one VTuber to another.

Agency and Independent VTubers

VTubers can generally be divided into two types: those affiliated with a VTuber agency and those who operate independently.

Agency VTubers receive support from the company or agency they are affiliated with, while independent VTubers create their own content and manage their activities on their own.

Independent VTubers are also sometimes referred to as indie VTubers.

VTubers as Brand Characters for Companies

Some companies create VTubers as part of their marketing strategies. By turning their own original characters into VTubers, companies can use them to introduce and promote their products. 

Examples include Umami-chan from Yaokin, the company behind the popular Umaibo snack, and Suntory Nomu from Suntory.

These VTubers are used to promote products and, just like other VTubers, create and stream content such as cover song videos. By incorporating VTubers into their marketing efforts, companies can connect with audiences while promoting their brands.

VTuber Models and Avatars: 2D vs. 3D 

VTuber avatars can be created in either 2D or 3D

How to Create a VTuber Model or Avatar

Now, how to create VTubers? Here, we’ll walk you through the process of creating one!

1. Decide on the Character Design

The first step is to define the character’s design in detail, including their gender, age, hair and eye color, body type, and clothing.

Hairstyles and outfits can be changed during a VTuber’s activities, but the face and body type tend to remain fixed, making them especially important aspects of the design.

When creating a VTuber for a company, it’s a good idea to use established colors, such as the company’s brand colors, as the main color palette.

Another option is to turn an existing character into a VTuber. By using the character to create and stream content, you can help audiences more quickly gain familiarity and feel a sense of connection with the character.

2. Create a Model Based on the Character Design

Once the character design is finalized, the next step is to create a model you can animate.  Models can be created in either 2D or 3D.

Creating a 2D Model

When creating a 2D VTuber, the model is typically animated using a software called Live2D, which requires a 2D illustration that has been separated into individual parts.

Without this part separation, it is not possible to animate movements such as opening and closing the mouth, moving the eyes, or making the hair sway.

When commissioning a character illustration for a 2D VTuber model, be sure to inform the artist in advance that you intend to animate it using Live2D.

Creating a 3D Model

To create a 3D VTuber, you can use software such as Blender or the free software VRoid Studio to build a 3D character model based on an illustration.

Unlike 2D modeling, 3D modeling does not require part separation, but it may require knowledge of 3D modeling techniques.

VRoid Studio is a great option for beginners because it allows you to customize the appearance of a default model simply by adjusting its parameters.

If you want to create a unique, original model with carefully designed details and shapes, we recommend using software such as Blender to build one from scratch.

Having Trouble Creating Your Own VTuber? Consider Hiring a Professional!

Creating a VTuber on your own requires both the technical skills and time needed for tasks such as illustration and 3D modeling, as well as adding movement and animations.

If you want to become a VTuber or use VTubers for marketing but lack the necessary skills or time, you can commission a production company to handle everything from character design and modeling to creating content featuring your VTuber.

You can also commission individual creators. However, if you want a high-quality result that incorporates your company’s brand colors and specific requirements, we recommend working with a production company.

Production Companies Are Ideal for Commissioning Multiple Models

When VTuber agencies or companies plan to create VTubers, they may need to commission multiple character models for projects such as debuting a VTuber unit.

Some production companies can accommodate orders for multiple models, making them a recommended option for these projects

Typical Costs of Commissioning VTuber Models and Avatars

Let’s look at the typical costs of commissioning VTuber models, comparing individual creators with production companies.

Character Design

Provider	Typical Cost
Production company	Around ¥120,000 Some projects may cost as much as ¥1,000,000
Individual creator	Around ¥100,000; costs are often in the several hundred-thousand yen range at most

2D Model (Live2D)

Provider	Scope of Work	Typical Cost
Production company	Parts separation, modeling, and setup	Around ¥300,000
Production company	Modeling only	From ¥200,000
Individual creator	—	Around ¥50,000
Popular individual creator	—	From ¥100,000

3D Model

Provider	Typical Cost
Production company	From ¥700,000 Some projects may cost as much as ¥1,000,000
Individual creator	Around ¥100,000

Note: Fewer individual creators offer 3D modeling services compared to 2D modeling options.

These figures are estimates only. Costs vary depending on the scope of work, number of revisions, and other factors. If you have a particular creator or production company in mind, we recommend contacting them directly for a quote.

Should You Commission an Individual Creator or a Production Company to Create Your VTuber Model?

There are two main options for creating a VTuber: commissioning an individual creator (freelancer) or working with a production company.

Here, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

Pros and Cons of Hiring an Individual Creator

The biggest advantage of hiring an individual creator is the potential to keep costs down. However, the quality of the finished model can vary depending on the creator’s experience and skill level. You may find that a lower-cost creator’s work isn’t quite what you had in mind, while a highly skilled creator may charge fees comparable to those of a production company.

When it comes to delivery schedules, popular creators may also have limited availability, making it difficult to arrange a quick turnaround.

Before commissioning a creator, it’s important to review samples to assess whether their pricing and work quality meet your expectations, and confirm their delivery schedule.

Pros and Cons of Hiring a Production Company

Although production companies often cost more than individual creators, working with an established company can provide greater confidence in the quality of the finished model.

Production companies also have multiple staff members available, making it easier to adjust schedules and plan the project.

With extensive experience and expertise, production companies can work closely with you through consultations to bring your vision to life.

If you want a carefully developed character design that reflects your company’s image, a production company is a great choice.

When developing a VTuber as a corporate character, it is also important to consider copyright and other intellectual property rights.

Production companies can help prevent potential disputes by checking copyright considerations and handling rights transfers as needed.

Other Essentials and Content for VTubers

In addition to the VTuber model, there are other essential assets and types of content to prepare. Content plays an important role in helping audiences get to know your VTuber character and increasing video views.

Character Reference Sheets (Front, Side, and Back Views)

A character reference sheet is a set of illustrations showing a character from the front, side, and back.

These views may be needed when animating the character, as the side and back may also appear on screen.

Detailed views of the front, side, and back are also necessary to accurately show elements such as outfit designs, hairstyles, and facial expressions.

Custom Logos and Streaming Overlays

Having a custom logo and streaming overlay can help make your VTuber more memorable.

While free assets are also an option, original designs give your VTuber a distinctive identity and help attract viewers.

Since many platforms also support vertical livestreams, we recommend preparing overlays for vertical formats as well. Create distinctive logos and streaming overlays featuring your VTuber character to make your content more recognizable.

Video Thumbnails

Thumbnails are often the first thing viewers see, making them an important element for streamers and video creators.

Prepare thumbnails that clearly convey the character and the content of each video!

Original Music and Background Music (BGM)

Copyright is an important consideration when using music and BGM in videos.

Using commercially available CDs or downloaded audio without permission may result in copyright warnings or even cause videos to be automatically made private.

While copyright-free music and BGM are available for use in videos, creating original music and BGM is also a great way to give your content a distinctive identity.

Original music and BGM can help you avoid copyright concerns while establishing a unique atmosphere and world for your VTuber.

■ Learn More About Original Music Production for VTubers Here!

Cover Song and Dance Videos

Two popular types of video content are cover song videos and dance videos.

Cover song videos typically feature songs by other creators, such as Vocaloid producers, that are sung by the VTuber. Similarly, dance videos feature performances by the VTuber set to music by other artists.

As with the background music used in videos, many songs are managed by copyright management organizations such as JASRAC and NexTone.

YouTube has agreements with these organizations, so in general, separate permission is not required to upload cover song videos featuring songs covered by these agreements.

However, not all songs are covered by these organizations. You may need to make separate arrangements, such as commissioning a custom instrumental or karaoke track.

Voice Content

By releasing voice content, VTubers can offer audiences an enjoyable experience beyond simply watching their videos.

Voice content can also be effective for introducing products, such as snacks and other food items.

Videos can showcase not only a product’s appearance and how it is eaten, but also help convey its texture through sound. In some cases, listening to these sounds can even encourage viewers to make a purchase.

This makes voice content a great option for companies looking to promote their products.

Content for 3D Livestreams

When livestreaming with a 3D model, VTubers can perform on a stage in a 3D virtual space.

3D models offer a much wider range of movement, allowing for visual effects and performances that are not possible with 2D models.

Stage decorations and special effects inspired by the VTuber’s character can make the experience even more exciting for fans.

G-angle Can Create the Content You Need for Your VTuber Activities!

G-angle offers VTuber production services, from character design to content creation.

You can also bring in your own character design for us to help adapt for VTuber activities. We offer model production using existing character illustrations, as well as character illustration production alone.

Please note that existing illustrations may need to be redrawn for parts separation. Contact us for more details.

We support both 2D (Live2D) and 3D modeling, allowing us to create the ideal VTuber model for your brand and vision. If you’re unsure whether 2D or 3D is the better choice for your needs, feel free to consult with us.

In addition to VTuber model production, we also create the content needed for VTuber activities.

Our services include producing instrumental tracks for cover song videos, creating music videos, and designing channel logos and channel art.

If you’re considering creating a VTuber, feel free to contact G-angle!

VTuber Content Pricing

G-angle offers the following pricing packages for VTuber models and related content.

Summary

In this article, we’ve introduced how to create VTuber models and avatars.

VTubers, which experienced an explosive surge in popularity in the late 2010’s, continue to play an active role today, including in product promotion and brand image enhancement.

While it is possible to create a VTuber yourself, doing so requires technical skills, time, and money.

If you want to create a VTuber, working with a production company rather than an individual creator may be a better way to achieve a high-quality result on your desired timeline.

Production companies can also provide end-to-end services, handling not only VTuber model production but also the creation of video content and other assets needed for VTuber activities.

Reach out to G-angle today to get started on producing your own brand VTuber!