Virtual YouTubers, or vTubers, have exploded in popularity over the last few years. vTubers use digital avatars and advanced technology to live stream content while remaining anonymous. The global vTuber market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23% from 2022-2026.
If you want to become a vTuber, having the right software is critical. vTuber software handles rigging 3D models, facial/body tracking, speech conversion, and more. This allows you to map your movements and expressions to a virtual avatar.
In this ultimate guide, we dive deep into the 9 best vTuber software options in 2022:
What to Look for in vTuber Software
Before exploring the top vTuber software tools, let‘s overview the must-have features:
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Pre-built avatar library – The more diverse and customizable the virtual avatar models, the better. Look for anime, 3D, 2D and other avatar types.
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Accurate tracking – Precision facial and body movement tracking is vital for natural avatar animations. Advanced hand/finger tracking is a major plus.
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Customization – You‘ll want to tweak everything from outfits to emotions. Prioritize flexible editing tools.
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Interactive features – Capabilities like stream overlays, live chat, alerts and more enhance engagement.
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Multi-platform publishing – Top software works across YouTube, Twitch, Facebook and more.
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Reliability – With live streaming, stability and uptime are critical. Ensure reliable infrastructure and customer support.
Now let‘s take a closer look at the top vTuber software options on the market today.
1. Live3D
Live3D is an end-to-end vTubing solution trusted by over 1 million creators globally. It‘s designed specifically for VTubers.
The four main modules include:
- Maker – Handles virtual cameras, streaming, tracking and more.
- Editor – Fully customize appearance, outfits and emotions.
- Gallery – Discover new 3D scenes, poses and artwork.
- Extensions – Interactive stream overlays and Twitch effects.
Live3D is extremely flexible, allowing custom animations and integrations. It also has specialized tools to maximize Twitch Bit donations.
Pros
- Streamlined for vTubing
- Very customizable avatar editing
- Great third-party app integrations
- Monetization tools for Twitch
Cons
- Can have a learning curve for beginners
- Template quality varies
Pricing: Free and premium tiers available
2. VSeeFace
VSeeFace is an open-source vTuber software renowned for precise tracking. It turns your facial expressions and movements into a reactive avatar using computer vision algorithms.
VSeeFace is often compared to top Asian vTuber tools like Wakaru and 3tene. You can also connect mobile apps like iFacialMocap to enhance head/face tracking.
Pros
- Advanced facial tracking tech
- Open source with free usage
- Active developer community
Cons
- Text-based UI isn‘t beginner-friendly
- Limited avatar library/assets
- Windows only
Pricing: 100% free
3. V-Skin
V-Skin combines 2D and 3D vTubing capabilities into one Steam-based solution. It uses iPhone facial tracking for animated avatar mappings.
V-Skin lets you build custom vTubing scenes with interactive props. The software records movements precisely for fluid anime-style animations. You can try 5 minutes free before needing to purchase a license.
Pros
- Feature-packed all-in-one software
- High quality avatar tracking
- Very customizable scenes/props
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Must purchase license for full use
- Limited style avatars
Pricing: Free 5-minute trial, paid license
4. VRoid
VRoid is a free 3D character creator from Japan specifically for vTubers. It allows anyone to design a custom 3D avatar without 3D design experience.
The VRoid online studio has preset costume pieces, items and textures. You simply customize hair, outfits and features on a base model.
Completed VRoid avatars are compatible with Maya, Unity and other tools. It helps create an anime aesthetic popularized by Japanese vTubers.
Pros
- Intuitive easy-to-use studio
- Great for anime-style avatars
- 100% free
Cons
- Limited non-anime art styles
- Avatars can lack expressiveness
- No vTubing-specific tools
Pricing: Free
5. Animaze
Animaze provides advanced vTubing paired with digital avatars and creative assets. It‘s built to stream across platforms like YouTube, Twitch and virtual events.
The Animaze library has diverse original avatar designs spanning anime, cartoon and robotic sci-fi genres. You can customize emotions, gestures and more via the Editor tool.
Animaze also has solutions tailored specifically for brands and agencies leveraging vTubers.
Pros
- Broad multi-platform support
- Great avatar art variety
- Robust customization tools
Cons
- Can get pricey for premium tiers
- Asset quality varies
- Specs exclude older hardware
Pricing: Free Starter, paid Pro plans
6. VRChat
VRChat offers a unique vTubing approach by simulating life-like VR spaces. It has free avatar customizations built on motion captured animations.
Within VRChat worlds, you control adorable anime-inspired avatars. You can chat, draw, play games and more while live streaming the first-person perspective.
VRChat also has accessibility features like visual/hearing impairment accommodations. Just ensure you have a VR-ready system before diving in.
Pros
- Creative social virtual worlds
- Cute starter avatars
- Accessibility focused
Cons
- Can be distracting for young audiences
- Requires high-end VR setup
- Limited custom avatar assets
Pricing: Free
7. VTube Studio
VTube Studio enables precise facial and hand tracking for live 2D avatar animation. It uses your iPhone or webcam to mirror movements to a Live2D model.
VTube Studio has hotkeys, iOS compatibility and other vTuber-centric tools. However, you‘ll need solid hardware like an iPhone XS or better to unlock its full potential.
This is a smart pick if you want to animate a personal 2D character design from scratch.
Pros
- Robust tracking with iPhone ARKit
- Made for animating 2D art
- Professional vTuber tools
Cons
- Niche 2D focus limits style variety
- Requires high-end iPhone/webcam
- No avatar library
Pricing: Free trial, paid tiers start at $9/mo
8. Live2D Cubism
Live2D Cubism is the industry leader for 2D avatar animation. It adds depth and immersive motion to flat 2D designs.
Cubism is used by many top anime artists and vTubers in Japan. The smart auto-adjustments work great for mobile streaming too.
However, Cubism lacks the end-to-end vTubing tools of other entries on this list. It‘s best paired with a solution like VTube Studio.
Pros
- Powerful 2D character animator
- trusted by professional vTubers
- Responsive auto-adjustments
Cons
- Not an all-in-one vTubing solution
- Steep learning curve
- Requires buying additional software
Pricing: Free trial, paid licensing starting at $100/mo
9. Puppemoji
Puppemoji offers facial tracking vTubing exclusively for iPhone XS models and newer. It uses the iPhone‘s Lidar scanner and ARKit for augmented reality puppets.
The Puppemoji avatar library spans cute anime characters, aliens and more. You can also animate backgrounds or full body tracking. Background blur helps fake custom sets.
While powerful, Puppemoji limits you to the iPhone ecosystem. But it‘s a handy basic option for iOS-based vTubers.
Pros
- Leverages iPhone AR capabilities
- Cute avatars and props
- Easy to learn
Cons
- Only works on new iPhone models
- Limited avatar library
- Rigid style/customization
Pricing: Free, in-app purchases available
Final Thoughts on the Best vTuber Software
Becoming a virtual YouTuber allows you to live stream anonymously while building an audience. vTuber software unlocks capabilities like facial/hand tracking, speech analysis, and reactive avatar mapping.
For most beginner vTubers, Live3D is the best overall platform. It simplifies complex vTubing tech into one solution. Extensive customization, multi-app integration and monetization tools also set Live3D apart.
However, excellent free options also exist like VSeeFace, VRoid and VRChat. These prioritize precision tracking, anime avatar creation and social VR spaces respectively.
No matter which vTuber software you select, focus on consistency, engagement and continuing to level up your content. The future looks very bright for virtual YouTubers just getting started in 2022 and beyond!
