Live streaming is a proven marketing tactic for gaining more followers and customers. It works well for outgoing personalities, but what about shy and introverted marketers?
Instead of becoming a YouTuber, some opt to be a vTuber. vTubers, or virtual YouTubers, are someone who streams on platforms with an avatar instead of their real self. With the best vtuber software, anyone can remain anonymous and produce engaging content for their followers without feeling camera shy.
vTubing was once a complicated practice as it involved putting together different equipment. For example, you needed motion sensing trackers, high-fidelity video camera, avatar rigging software, and voice modification apps.
Thankfully, advancement in AI has made vTubing more accessible to the public. Instead of investing in costly equipment, you can use vTuber software to stream on popular platforms almost immediately.
I have tested and shared everything from the top vtuber platforms so you can choose one to help you grow your online audiences.
What is the Best vTuber Software?
Here is a breakdown of the top five vTuber companies out there. I did find a few more, but honestly, they didn’t make the cut for your time.
Best vTuber Software
1. Animaze
Editor’s Choice with voice mod
Animaze (formerly known as Facerig) is a popular vTuber software with every possible feature a virtual YouTuber needs. Besides broadcasting to Twitch, Youtube, Facebook Gaming, and other platforms, it allows vTubers to customize 3D avatars with easy-to-use tools.
With an in-app virtual camera, vTubers can connect and live stream via OBS in just a few clicks.
After reviewing the platforms, it’s arguably one of the best vTuber broadcasting software I’ve reviewed. The software runs smoothly, with an attention-grabbing 3D avatar laid out against an organized dashboard.
If you need advanced features to make vTubing much easier, Animaze offers these:
Animaze Experience
Animaze didn’t disappoint as I navigated the software’s features. Thanks to the step-by-step guide for first-time users, I managed to configure my virtual avatar effortlessly.
Animaze Pros & Cons
Pricing
Animaze users can start with the free plan and pay $19.99 monthly to remove watermarks and unlock more features.
Verdict
Animaze is a powerful software that covers every area of vTubing. It offers state-of-the-art motion sensing, user-friendly tools, and a good range of visually appealing avatars to create virtual videos.
2. Live3D vTuber Maker
Live3D vTuber Maker is one of the best vTuber software for Twitch streamers. It boasts advanced facial tracking technology, which allows the avatar to replicate the streamer’s facial movement in real-time.
Moreover, users can choose from a rich collection of animated 3D avatars to interact with their audience. It’s important to note, Live3D vTuber Maker runs on Windows. Once launched, the screen shows the default avatar, a miniaturized webcam panel, and a menu at the right.
You use the menu to choose and customize an avatar and set up the live-streaming workflow. These are basic features that help you to stream right away.
Live 3D vTuber Maker Experience
I downloaded and signed up for a Live 3D account, hoping to learn if it is the ultimate vTuber software as it claimed.
Once launched, I saw an avatar with a lively and bright backdrop.
What impressed me was the precise and responsive facial tracing technology the software uses.
Live3D vTuber Maker Pros & Cons:
Pricing
Live3D vTuber Maker has a free plan, with monthly premium subscriptions starting at $3.90. You’ll get access to advanced features, including hand tracking in the premium plans.
Verdict
Live3D vTuber Maker is a beginner-friendly vTubing software for Twitch streamers. It offers a good range of features, advanced motion tracking, and visually-appealing avatars.
3. Vroid Studio
Vroid Studio is a free software for creating stunning unique 3D characters. It packs extensive design tools and features that let vTubers add precise touches to the avatar model.
Then, users export the finished 3D avatar in the supported format and upload them in vTubing broadcasting apps.
Vroid Studio installs on Windows, Mac, and Steam. You’ll find a minimalist studio canvas with well-organized designer controls when launched.
Besides creating a unique and mesmerizing 3D avatar, Vroid Studio has a Photobooth. There, you can:
Vroid Studio Experience
Using Vroid Studio is surprisingly straightforward, despite the expansive tools and features available.
I tested Vroid Studio by creating my own avatar from a base vTuber model. To start, it prompts me to choose a body structure. Then, the software renders an anime-like figure on the canvas.
Finally, I tried showcasing the avatar in the Photobooth to get a glimpse of how the model looks as an animated vTubing character.
Vroid Studio Pros and Cons
Pricing
Vroid Studio is free; you can use the created avatars freely on any platform.
Verdict
Vroid Studio lets vTubers creates their own virtual character without complex design skills. It comes with intuitive controls and plenty of presets.
4. Restream
Restream is an online software that allows vTubers to broadcast to multiple streaming platforms simultaneously, including Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and Steam.
You can connect Restream to OBS and stream to the selected channels with your vTuber avatar. It also consolidates messages from all platforms into a chatbox to simplify communications with followers.
Restream works from a browser. Upon logging in, it provides you several ways to stream or record from your computer. vTubers can use the Studio or connect Restream to a 3rd party streaming software. At the moment, Restream supports OBS, Zoom, and VMix.
Restream Pros and Cons
Pricing
Restream is affordable, with paid plans starting from $19 per month. Alternatively, you can try Restream for free.
Verdict
If your followers are spread across different platforms, Restream’s multiplatform broadcasting helps optimize engagement.
5. VRChat
VRChat is a virtual world that allows users to partake in an immersive virtual reality experience. Users can participate in the simulated worlds with or without a VR device.
The VR platform is downloadable on Steam, Quest, Rift, and Viveport. It allows vTubers to create virtual worlds and invite their followers to private events. Then, vTubers can stream the events to Twitch or other platforms.
VRChat provides first-person and runs on selected gaming platforms. When launched, you start on the homeworld and choose a vTuber avatar that you use to interact with other players.
The premise of VRChat is to visit worlds created by other players or the ones you made.
Despite its classic visuals, VRChat bundles in extensive features and configurations essential for vTubers.
VR Chat Experience
My experience with VRChat was overwhelming initially. It lacks an in-game guide, with tutorials and a controls list accessible from the settings menu.
It took me a while to familiarize myself with the gaming environment and navigation. Then, I explored several VR worlds.
VRChat Pros and Cons:
Pricing
VRChat is free, but signing up for VRChat Plus ($9.99/month) provides access to enhanced features.
Verdict
VRChat is a classic VR platform that helps vTuber engage followers with custom-created VR worlds. You can hold parties, play games, or have casual conversations and stream the events to online platforms.
What is vTuber Software?
vTuber software is a computer program that lets you broadcast content to audiences with a digitally-created avatar instead of your actual self. It’s almost similar to a video generator but meant for socials and gaming.
The software uses advanced AI technologies to track your movement and replicate them with the avatar. This way, the vTuber avatar will speak, move and deliver facial expressions like the real person behind the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What software do most VTubers use?
vTubers use one or several software to stream with their avatars online. First, they’ll need vTube broadcasting software like Live3D vTuber Maker and Animaze. These software programs let them stream to Twitch, Facebook Gaming, YouTube, and other platforms in real-time. Some may opt for a voice changer, model rigging software, or VR games to enhance their streaming.
What app do VTubers use to make their avatars?
Most vTubing software allows vTubers to choose from a pre-designed avatar. To create their own avatars, they’ll need specialized software such as VRoid Studio, which lets them design virtual characters from scratch.
What program do VTubers use for face tracking?
Face tracking requires advanced motion sensing technology that works with the webcam input. Only several vTubing software provides precise face tracking, including Animaze and Live3D vTuber Maker.
What is VTuber rigging?
vTuber rigging describes modeling an avatar and synchronizing its voice, facial expression, and movement with a human streamer. Streamers use broadcasting software, avatar creators, voice mod software, and motion tracking software to rig and control the vTubers.