VTubers!
Answering the question "What if anime was real?" once and for all.
What is a VTuber?
A VTuber, short for "Virtual Youtuber", is very similar to the standard Youtuber or livestreamer. The big difference is that, instead of using a webcam to show their face, or having no camera at all, they use face-tracking and/or motion-capture technology to rig their movements to a virtual avatar. Some of them play a character, some don't, others start out playing a character but in the end change what they do to something completely different.
Of course, the easiest way to get an idea of what they are is to...
watch
some
clips
...and that's just barely scratching the surface!
So it's just anime girls playing video games?
Well yes but actually no. There's tons of VTubers out there, and while a good number of them stream video games, there's others who sing, or draw, or just chat. If there's something you want to watch, chances are someone does it. Of course, there's anime boys doing these things too! Probably some enby anime people too! Maybe.
Alright, you've got my interest, where do I start?
Well, currently there's two big groups that most people are talking about, Hololive and Nijisanji. Sadly I know very little about Nijisanji, so I can't help there.
Hololive does the vtuber thing more like an idol agency. In fact, the creator of Hololive once famously said that Hololive is like a vtuber AKB48.
Or at least, that was the plan. In reality it's a crazy, chaotic circus that is so much more than just a bunch of idols. They've done a few liveshows, so the idol thing isn't completely gone, and a lot of them are great singers who have made some amazing covers and original songs. But at it's core, it's really just a bunch of hardworking, likeable people having fun streaming. With over 50 members so far, there's a good chance someone there will appeal to you.
For starters I'd recommend Inugami Korone if you like games and cute doggos.
or Houshou Marine if you like horny pirate boomers
There's a very welcoming community around Hololive. And memes. So many memes.
Last year they started an English-speaking branch with five amazing members so far. It's a great place to start if you don't know Japanese but want to be able to watch them stream live instead of just watching translated clips. Additionally,everyone in their Indonesian branch speaks great English. There's also usually people in the chats of the JP streamers voluntarily doing live translations, and there's useful browser extensions that work with the translations they provide (such as LiveTL, which I highly recommend).
Anything else I should know in advance?
Indeed there is! The rules. Always read the rules, there's generally overlap between all VTubers in them, but always read the rules just to be sure. And then, after you read the rules, follow them.
Keep in mind that this is not Twitch, and what is acceptable behavior there is often unacceptable here. Be polite, be on your best behavior, treat everyone with respect, and you'll be just fine.
Also, if you see someone being a dingus, spamming, or trolling, don't respond to them, just block them and report them.
A handy-dandy PSA courtesy of fellow forum-goer Rye:
Reposting PSA just in case.
Due to the ridiculous amount of negativety I've seen lately in other sites, I feel like I need to drop a short PSA/Q&A before newbies comes across it. Apologies for any errors, I will edit this if necessary. Wrote this a few days ago but forgot to post.
• Always remember they are here to entertain us. It's very rare for a genuine streamer to do or say things with malicious intend.
• Most of the "info" you see floating around is fake, the crazier it sounds the easier it is to identify as fake. Most of the fake news come from haters who want to ruin a streamer's reputation...for some reason.
• YouTube is a horrendous accomplice for this toxicity. Only follow credible sources.
"Hero hei" is the main reason why I'm making this post, he is a clickbait master and a leech to the community. Please block him from appearing in your feed or just ignore him. "Woohoolad" is the superior option for Vtuber news if you want to follow a "news channel".
• Related to the note above, there seems to be an obsession with some people revealing Vtubers identities. Try to avoid these channels too, they are filled with misinformation as well. If you're curious about them for whatever reason, Google is far more effective. I can't prevent anyone from doing research but I can at least encourage avoiding toxic parts of the community. Not to mention it's completely unnecessary to enjoy the streams and the community. They always reveal personal information in their streams anyway, you really don't need more than that.
• Have fun.
Q1: is -insert name- a -insert adjective-
A: No, the answer is usually no. They are all very normal people a few are gorgeous, just worry about their streams not their personal lives.
Q2: Is research worth?
A: No. All you will find is them doing the same thing they do now...and a couple of sob stories.
Q3: Haachama?!
A: Yes! And she eats everything she cooks!
Q4: Gayest girl?
A tough question...Flare? Sukoya? Tomoe? Kiara? I honestly have no idea.
Q5: best girl? And don't say Yagoo smartass!
A: Suisei.
OP's edit: Don't believe these lies. It's Yagoo. It's always Yagoo.
Q6: Where can I find old clips?
A: Patience. Some madlads are slowly re uploading them.
Thanks Rye!
That just about does it for the OP. If anyone has something to add just say so.
Welcome to the rabbit hole, remember to simp responsibly!
last edited at Mar 17, 2021 8:28PM
