Different Types Of VTuber Models
VTubing has emerged as a legit way of creating content, building an audience, and supporting yourself financially. To be a VTuber, all you need is a VTuber model, a decent camera, and a good mic, and you are good to go.
Today, we are going to focus on the VTuber model part of the setup needed to start VTubing. Amidst so many different types of VTuber models, it can get overwhelming for a person who is looking to get a VTuber model.
Great ready to learn what VTuber models are, the different types of VTuber models, and which ones are best for you. So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Table of contents
What’s A Vtuber Model?
A VTuber model is a virtual animated avatar used by VTubers and occasionally by some regular streamers who use this animated avatar instead of showing their real faces. They capture real-time motion to move their characters when streaming.
The VTubers move their bodies in real life, and the VTuber model moves in sync with their real bodies through motion capture. Other than using motion capture, VTubers can also use hotkeys to make their VTuber model do a pre-set animation, e.g., waving or sticking the VTuber model’s tongue out by pressing a pre-set button.
There are different types of VTuber models, each with various benefits and drawbacks. We’ll discuss each one in detail.
Different Types Of VTuber Models
As a newcomer to the VTubing scene, it can be pretty mind-boggling to listen to people talk about all these several types of VTuber models. Don’t worry; once we are done explaining every kind of VTuber model, we will help you choose the best VTuber model type for you. So, read on.
PNG VTuber Model
The first one on our list is the PNG VTuber model. Using a PNG VTuber model is the most basic and simplest way of VTubing. It can’t get any easier than this. With PNG VTubing, what you need are the two images of your VTuber model that you want to use in your streams. You can draw these images yourself, or you can get them commissioned.
You can also get it for free if you are okay with using a pre-built PNG VTuber model. All you need to do is go to a site called Booth, create an account, choose a free PNG VTuber model art that you want, and download it. Just make sure that you credit the artist as most VTubers do.
Basically, you will need two images of your PNG VTuber model; one with its mouth closed and another with its mouth open. Then, you can use Discord Reactive Images, which will toggle between the mouth of the PNG VTuber model open and closed to give the illusion of your VTuber model talking. After that, you can use streaming software like OBS and VOILA! Welcome to PNGTubing!
Example Of A PNG VTuber Model
The following video is an excellent example of a PNG VTuber model. You can also learn to be a PNG VTuber using this video.
Cost Of A PNG VTuber Model
Unless you are paying for your PNG VTuber model, PNGTubing is basically free compared to using any other type of VTuber model. But if you are using a free PNG VTuber model, you need to ensure that the artist is OK with their PNG art being used for commercial use. If they are not OK with it, you might face a copyright strike on your channel, and all your hard work might go in vain. So, it’s pretty important to be clear on that front.
Who Should Use A PNG VTuber Model?
If you are someone who is looking to get into the VTubing scene and doesn’t want to put a lot of money into it, a PNG VTuber model is the way to go. You may even able able to find an adoptable PNG model which will really save you time. You can test the waters with a PNG VTuber model, see what works and what doesn’t, fine-tune your streaming skills, and learn to interact with your chat. Once you’ve learned the basics of streaming, you can then upgrade to a better VTuber model if you think VTubing is what you should commit to.
I wouldn’t recommend keeping the same VTuber model type, i.e., PNG VTuber model, for too long, as it will quickly become boring for you and your audience. You might end up losing your interest in VTubing, or your audience might get over you. Before that happens, I’d recommend upgrading to a custom 2D or 3D model, especially if you are starting to make money from VTubing.
If you think PNGTubing is something you want to do, then here’s a great video that will guide you through the process.
3D VTuber Model
A 3D VTuber model can be tracked from many angles because it is literally a three-dimensional object. There are two types of 3D VTuber models. We’ll discuss them both in detail below.
Custom 3D VTuber Model
A custom 3D VTuber model will cost you an arm and a leg. It is the most expensive method of VTubing. That’s because it takes a lot of time for the artists to rig the 3D model. They use software like Blender and spend weeks creating a custom 3D VTuber model.
However, you get a unique VTuber model made according to your instructions. So if the artist is good, you’ll get what you pay for; a dank-looking 3D VTuber model.
Example Of A Custom 3D VTuber Model
The following video is a great example of a custom 3D VTuber model made from scratch. You can also learn to make a custom 3D VTuber model from this video. For the rigging part, we have created an excellent guide that you can check out to learn how to rig a custom 3D VTuber model in detail.
Cost of A Custom 3D VTuber Model
A custom 3D VTuber model will cost you anywhere from $500 to a whopping $15,000. The price range is based on the popularity of the artists and the level of detail you are looking for.
Who Should Use A Custom 3D VTuber Model?
If you’ve already found some success in VTubing using a 2D or PNG model, you can then upgrade to a custom 3D VTuber model. Also, if you are new to VTubing and you think that you have marketed yourself well enough on Twitter and want to make a banger of a VTuber debut, a custom 3D VTuber model can be your ticket to that. However, I’d recommend using a low-cost model to dip your toes into the VTubing world and then going for an expensive option if you find VTubing worth it.
3D VTuber Model (Pre-made Base)
A 3D VTuber model with a pre-made base is a mid-range option for VTubers looking to commission a VTuber model. That’s because there are programs like VRoid where it is relatively easy to create a 3D VTuber model than in software like Blender and Unity.
There are pre-made bases loaded in software like VRoid; all you need to do is add elements like your favorite hair, change the color of your model’s eyes, etc., to make the model a bit more to your liking, and you are good to go. No rigging is involved, saving your commissioned artist’s hours, and making it cheaper than a 3D model made from scratch.
In fact, you can learn to make a 3D model just like that from the video below:
Unlike a custom 3D model or a 2D VTuber model, for that matter, a 3D model with a pre-made base is not unique at all. There’s only a limited number of VTuber model basis in software like VRoid. So many VTubers end up using the same base with similar end results, if not the same.
For VTubing, that’s not good at all. As a VTuber, you need to stand out from other VTubers, so you are more memorable to your audience. If many VTubers end up using a similar VTuber model, it would be hard for the audience to recognize you from them.
Example Of A 3D VTuber Model (Pre-made base)
The following video is an excellent example of a 3D VTuber model with a pre-made base. You can also learn to make a 3D VTuber model using VRoid Studio from this video.
Cost Of 3D VTuber Model (Pre-made base)
A 3D VTuber model with a pre-made base will cost you anywhere from $50 to $4,000. The price depends on the level of detail you want in your VTuber avatar.
Who Should Use A 3D VTuber Model With A Pre-made Base?
If you just want to test out the 3D VTuber technology, you can do so by using a 3D VTuber model with a pre-made base. As we know that wearing the tracking gear can be tiresome, so testing it out before going all in on the custom 3D VTuber model can be an option. Other than that, if you just want to try VTubing for fun, this type of VTuber model can be your choice.
If you are choosing VTubing as your long-term career choice, I wouldn’t recommend using a 3D model with a pre-made base. Because as we discussed before in the article, these types of VTuber models aren’t unique at all, and going this route can be the wrong choice for your career.
2D VTuber Model
Using a 2D model is one of the most popular choices for VTubing among the VTubers. In fact, most of the VTubers from famous VTuber agencies like Hololive, Nijisanji, and VShojo use a 2D VTuber model as their main avatar. Not only that, but indie VTubers also like to use 2D VTuber models for VTubing.
However, getting a 2D VTuber model can be expensive. It is not as expensive as a 3D VTuber model made from scratch, but be ready to pay a pretty penny if you want to go down this route. Most of the famous VTubers have a custom-made 3D VTuber model in their arsenal, but their main form is in a 2D model. The popularity of 2D VTuber models results from the aesthetics, originality, and individuality that the 2D VTuber models radiate in the popular VTuber streams.
With the popularity of anime at its peak, the anime look of the 2D VTuber model is also one reason for it being adopted by the masses.
We have another excellent guide on where to commission a 2D VTuber model, where we share some tips on what to look for in an artist when hiring them and the good and alarming signs you should watch out for. Make sure to check that out so you can get a 2D VTuber model through a seamless experience.
Example Of A 2D VTuber Model
The following video is an excellent example of a 2D VTuber model in anime style. You can also learn to rig a 2D VTuber model using Live 2D Cubism from this video.
2D VTuber Model Template
The following is an example of a 2D VTuber model template. This template is essential when you are rigging the model. First, you need an illustrated VTuber model. Then you cut that art into different pieces and layers for rigging it. This VTuber model template is what those layers and pieces look like before rigging.
Cost Of A 2D VTuber Model
A 2D VTuber model will cost you anywhere from $300 to a whopping $8,000. The cost will vary in this price range according to the popularity of the artist and your requirements regarding the artwork.
You might ask why a 2D VTuber model costs that much. Well, we can break down the process of making a 2D VTuber model into two parts. First, you need an artist to draw or illustrate a VTuber model for you, which requires a lot of skill and time. Then, you take the illustrated art to another artist who will use a program like Live 2D Cubism to rig that model and make it able to move and be trackable. This process is also time-consuming and will cost you accordingly. That’s why a custom-made 2D VTuber model will cost you that much.
Who Should Use A 2D VTuber Model?
Honestly, I think every VTuber should use a 2D VTuber model for VTubing. Before you get your panties in a bunch, hear me out. 2D VTuber models are very stylized and unique. They are aesthetically very pleasing, making you, as a VTuber, more memorable to your audience.
With a 2D VTuber model, you won’t need any tracking gear, so you won’t be tired after long hours of VTubing like you would be with a 3D VTuber model. You can get as many expressions as you want with a 2D VTuber model, making your streams more immersive for your audience.
Wrapping It Up
In this article, we took a look at all the different types of VTuber models. We discussed the pros and cons of each type of VTuber model, who should use them, and how much they cost. We hope it was helpful, and we wish you the best for your VTubing career!
