vtuber

A VTuber, short for “virtual YouTuber,” is an online entertainer who streams or makes videos as an animated avatar instead of showing their real face. The avatar moves and talks in real time using motion and face-tracking software.

What a VTuber is

Behind every VTuber is a real person, sometimes called the “voice” or the person behind the model, performing through a 2D or 3D anime-style character. Many stream games, sing, chat with viewers or do variety shows on YouTube and Twitch. Some are independent; others belong to agencies that manage dozens of talents, like companies managing idol groups.

Examples

• “My favourite VTuber is doing a 24-hour charity stream.”
• “She debuted as a VTuber with a fox-girl model.”
• “Hololive and Nijisanji are the biggest VTuber agencies.”
• “Fans never know what a VTuber looks like in real life, and that’s the point.”

Agencies and fandom

The two best-known agencies are Hololive, run by Cover Corporation, and Nijisanji, run by the company now called Anycolor. Hololive launched its English branch in September 2020, and Nijisanji’s first English group debuted in May 2021, both according to Wikipedia. VTuber fandoms can be intensely loyal, which sometimes leads to parasocial attachment.

Where VTuber comes from

Kizuna AI, a character whose YouTube channel launched in late 2016, is credited by Wikipedia with coining and popularizing the term “virtual YouTuber.” She wasn’t the first person to stream with an avatar, but she was the first to break out, and “VTuber” is now used for avatar streamers on any platform.

Related terms

• Face reveal: showing your real face online for the first time.
• Parasocial relationship: a one-sided bond with a creator.
• Kawaii: cute.
• Otaku: an intense fan.

Explore more in our anime slang dictionary.