Are you starting streaming and want to make an avatar?
You are at the right place. We’ll help you with that.
How to Make a VR Avatar for Streaming?
To start streaming avatars, first, click the + button to create a new source, then select Game Capture from the list. Then, select Stream Avatars from the dropdown menu.
If you select Allow Transparency and Stream Avatars at the top of your Source List, you should be able to adjust the avatar sizes to fit your screen size.
How to VStream and Become a VTuber?
Have you ever thought about streaming as someone else?
You could be a character from a manga, a pirate, an animal (such as a dog), an alien, a cat (like Garfield), or perhaps you just don’t want to put on any clothes.
Yes! Then start a virtual streaming channel and become a virtual streamer (aka vstreamers or vtubers).
What Is VStream and Who Are Virtual Streamers?
Live streaming is simply broadcasting your content, whether it’s game footage or any other type of video, without showing your face or having an actual physical presence.
Just like any other YouTuber out there, they upload videos, interact with their audience, build communities, and work with other YouTubers.
The main differences between vstreamers and vubers are that they don’t stream live video from their own camera feeds but rather use avatars instead.
Becoming a vstreaming star doesn’t require any special skills or training, but it does take some time and effort. Let’s go through the whole process step by step.
Which Kind of Avatar Should I Choose to VStream?
Selecting which character you’d want to stream is just the beginning of the virtual streaming world.
Vstream offers an open platform where anyone can create their own content. It’s up to you to decide what kind of content you want to share.
It is a good practice to check out some basic guides for new streamers before starting to stream.
3D or 2D Avatar
After you’ve got the basics down, it’s now up to you to decide whether your avatar will be a 3D one or a 2D one. There are pros and cons to each.
3D Models
While 3D models offer a few more options for animation, facial expression, and more immersive features, it’s no surprise they’re a little harder to create, and creating them requires higher costs for set up.
2D Models
If you’re starting out with a tight budget, then 2D characters might be a good choice for you. Because they don’t require as much preparation time, you’ll be able to get started sooner.
How to Create a 2D VTuber Character?
You can either draw the first draft of your 2D avatar or get your character concept into real life.
Draw the Avatar
Create your own avatars or commission them from artists.
The vtubers subreddit wiki has some great content including a list of Twitter handles for artists who specialize in creating 2D avatars.
Software
If you think you’re ready, then the most common piece of software for it is Live 2D.
Animate Your Avatar
When you’re ready with the animation, it’s finally the moment to animate your avatar.
Common Ways
There are several ways to achieve this effect, but the most common way is by using Live2D with the Facial Rig plugin. This combination allows you to track your facial movements and apply them to your 2D drawings.
Basic Ways
If you want more advanced results, you can also use Live2D Viewers or Adobe Character Animator (ACS).
Remember though, that these techniques offer very limited animation options and are less popular than live2d, so finding guides on animating with them might be a bit harder.
How to Create a 3D VStreamer Avatar?
If you want to create a custom avatar, then the general steps to doing so are similar to those used for 2D avatars.
Vision
You need to have a clear idea of who your characters are and what they want before you start animating them. The details really count.
Drawing
When drawing a character, don’t just focus on their face; think about them from every angle.
If you want to hire an artist to create something for you, it’s best if they know what you want before starting their work.
If you want to go through the entire process yourself, then it will help you understand what you’re trying to achieve when creating a 3D model of a character.
Popular 3D Tools
You can create models using any of the popular 3D modeling programs, including Unity, Blender, and Vroid.
Animating the 3D Model
Creating animations for your video stream is a whole different pair of sneakers. Using FaceRig and pre-existing models is by far the simplest way to do that.
If you want to animate a 3D model using a webcam, you have two options: Either you’ll use webcam animation or you’ll use a camera for capturing movement.
Popular Tools for Animating the 3D Model
There are some of the most popular video editing software programs for animating your vlogger character with your webcam.
Actual Motion Capture Methods
If you want to improve your animations using real-life action figures, then the best option for you would be the VR set.
As long as it’s compatible, any VR headset on the market is fine. You might want to consider buying one that comes bundled with a motion tracker.
Use a Software
Another way to do that is to use software (V-Katsu for example), which also has a built-in character creation tool.
Unity
You may also use Unity or other software development tools to create animations. However, this requires a lot of practice and experience.
Perception Neurons
If you don’t care about the cost, then go ahead and use real-time 3D body tracking software, such as Perception Neuron.
It’s best, to begin with, a basic 2D or simple 3D avatar and then moves up from there as you gain more skill and fame.
Ready-To-Use Model
You can go for the easier option by using a pre-existing 3D face scan, which you can either download yourself or buy online.
Remember that the avatars need to be stored in VRM format.
Conclusion
So now you know how to make a virtual avatar for streaming.
But before you get started, please keep in mind that being a virtual streamer takes a lot of effort and dedication.
This is why we recommend you start small and slowly build up your channel.
We hope our guide helped you learn how to make a virtual streamer.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below
