{"id":556,"date":"2026-11-13T10:19:50","date_gmt":"2026-11-13T01:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.g-angle.com\/blog\/?p=556"},"modified":"2026-11-13T10:19:51","modified_gmt":"2026-11-13T01:19:51","slug":"a-guide-to-creating-a-brand-vtuber-model-creation-and-other-starting-costs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.g-angle.com\/blog\/promotion\/a-guide-to-creating-a-brand-vtuber-model-creation-and-other-starting-costs\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Creating a Brand VTuber: Model Creation and Other Starting Costs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ve ever thought, \u201cWe want to create a VTuber for our company, too,\u201d you\u2019re certainly not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll walk you through how to create a VTuber, the costs involved, and everything you\u2019ll need to get started<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a VTuber?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n
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VTuber stands for \u201cVirtual YouTuber,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kizuna AI<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She has appeared on numerous television programs, including as a commentator on news programs, and has been featured across a wide range of media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Agency and Independent VTubers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

VTubers can generally be divided into two types: those affiliated with a VTuber agency and those who operate independently.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Independent VTubers are also sometimes referred to as indie VTubers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VTubers as Brand Characters for Companies<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Examples include Umami-chan<\/strong> from Yaokin, the company behind the popular Umaibo snack, and Suntory Nomu<\/strong> from Suntory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VTuber Models and Avatars: 2D vs. 3D<\/strong> <\/h1>\n\n\n
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VTuber avatars can be created in either 2D or 3D<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2D Avatars<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2D VTubers bring illustrations to life by adding movement directly to an artwork. Compared to 3D, 2D avatars are more cost-effective to produce and offer consistent character designs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3D Avatars<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3D VTubers have a greater sense of depth and offer more realistic movements and gestures than 2D avatars. With 3D, the entire body can be viewed and moved in 360 degrees, making it possible to create dynamic videos, such as dance covers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to Create a VTuber Model or Avatar<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n
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Now, how to create VTubers? Here, we\u2019ll walk you through the process of creating one!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Decide on the Character Design<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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The first step is to define the character\u2019s design in detail, including their gender, age, hair and eye color, body type, and clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hairstyles and outfits can be changed during a VTuber\u2019s activities, but the face and body type tend to remain fixed, making them especially important aspects of the design<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When creating a VTuber for a company, it\u2019s a good idea to use established colors, such as the company\u2019s brand colors, as the main color palette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Create a Model Based on the Character Design<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a 2D Model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When creating a 2D VTuber, the model is typically animated using a software called Live2D<\/strong>, which requires a 2D illustration that has been separated into individual parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without this part separation<\/strong>, it is not possible to animate movements such as opening and closing the mouth, moving the eyes, or making the hair sway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Creating a 3D Model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Unlike 2D modeling, 3D modeling does not require part separation, but it may require knowledge of 3D modeling techniques.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having Trouble Creating Your Own VTuber? Consider Hiring a Professional!<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

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

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also commission individual creators. However, if you want a high-quality result that incorporates your company\u2019s brand colors and specific requirements, we recommend working with a production company.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Production Companies Are Ideal for Commissioning Multiple Models<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some production companies can accommodate orders for multiple models<\/strong>, making them a recommended option for these projects<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typical Costs of Commissioning VTuber Models and Avatars<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n
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Let\u2019s look at the typical costs of commissioning VTuber models, comparing individual creators with production companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Character Design<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provider<\/strong><\/td>Typical Cost<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Production company<\/td>Around \u00a5120,000
Some projects may cost as much as \u00a51,000,000<\/td><\/tr>
Individual creator<\/td>Around \u00a5100,000; costs are often in the several hundred-thousand yen range at most<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

2D Model (Live2D)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provider<\/strong><\/td>Scope of Work<\/strong><\/td>Typical Cost<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Production company<\/td>Parts separation, modeling, and setup<\/td>Around \u00a5300,000<\/td><\/tr>
Production company<\/td>Modeling only<\/td>From \u00a5200,000<\/td><\/tr>
Individual creator<\/td>\u2014<\/td>Around \u00a550,000<\/td><\/tr>
Popular individual creator<\/td>\u2014<\/td>From \u00a5100,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3D Model<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Provider<\/strong><\/td>Typical Cost<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Production company<\/td>From \u00a5700,000
Some projects may cost as much as \u00a51,000,000<\/td><\/tr>
Individual creator<\/td>Around \u00a5100,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Note: Fewer individual creators offer 3D modeling services compared to 2D modeling options.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should You Commission an Individual Creator or a Production Company to Create Your VTuber Model?<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n
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There are two main options for creating a VTuber: commissioning an individual creator (freelancer) or working with a production company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, we\u2019ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of each option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros and Cons of Hiring an Individual Creator<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
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Advantages<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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