{"id":33462,"date":"2022-07-06T10:33:14","date_gmt":"2022-07-06T10:33:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/?p=33462"},"modified":"2025-07-07T09:59:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T09:59:12","slug":"what-is-a-vtuber","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-a-vtuber\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a VTuber? Why are they so popular?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;-80px|||||&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||0px||true|false&#8221; da_disable_devices=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; da_is_popup=&#8221;off&#8221; da_exit_intent=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_close=&#8221;on&#8221; da_alt_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_dark_close=&#8221;off&#8221; da_not_modal=&#8221;on&#8221; da_is_singular=&#8221;off&#8221; da_with_loader=&#8221;off&#8221; da_has_shadow=&#8221;on&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the dawn of the metaverse fast approaches, the lines between real life and virtual reality are becoming thinner by the second. When it comes to internet glory and popularity, \u201crealness\u201d is no longer a priority for avid fans and followers. <\/span><b>From social media influencers to livestreamers, virtual avatars are taking the world by storm.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Join us for a look into the rise of virtual YouTubers, whether you\u2019re a confused parent who\u2019s stumbled right into their videos, or you simply want to learn more about this new virtual space.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>What is a VTuber? <\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VTuber is a shorter way of saying virtual YouTuber. <\/span><b>VTubers use a computer-generated avatar in videos, rather than showing their face. <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They usually choose to remain anonymous, hiding their real identity behind their avatar. This nameless, faceless approach to video content gives anyone the chance to build an online platform and following, without having to ever reveal who they truly are.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll find them:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Telling stories (often called \u201cStorytime\u201d videos)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Live streaming<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Playing video games<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hosting interviews and Q&amp;As<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking part in online challenges<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creating their own pop songs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2026just like any other YouTuber!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the term started out as a way of referring to these virtual personalities on YouTube,<\/span><b> the VTuber trend can now be found across the internet on many platforms, from <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/2022\/04\/19\/how-to-set-parental-controls-on-tiktok\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>TikTok<\/b><\/a><b> to Twitch<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Where did the virtual YouTuber trend start?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Virtual characters had already been a part of media culture long before they became popular on YouTube. Computer-generated TV presenter Max Headroom debuted on British TV all the way back in 1985, and Japanese virtual idol Hatsune Miku has been performing as a projected hologram since 2007.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It could be argued that <\/span><b>VTubers first landed on the scene in the early 2010s<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In 2011, Ami Yamato, a Japanese vlogger based in London, England, started uploading videos using a virtual character instead of her own image. Even <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/play.barbie.com\/en-sea\/videos\/vlogger\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Barbie started her own virtual YouTube channel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> back in 2015, connecting with fans through hairstyle tutorials, interviews, and quizzes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, <\/span><b>it wasn\u2019t until the mid-2010s that the VTuber genre really became popular<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with the appearance of a new Japanese avatar on the scene.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/07\/06102724\/WhatIs-a-vtuber_Insideimage.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;why are vtubers so popular&#8221; title_text=&#8221;What-s-a-vtuber&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Who was the first VTuber?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While Ami Yamato was the first YouTuber to create vlog-style content on the platform,<\/span><b> the term \u201cvirtual YouTuber\u201d was truly coined and popularized by Kizuna Ai, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a Japanese VTuber who debuted in 2016.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The popularity of Kizuna Ai\u2019s anime avatar grew quickly in Japan, thanks to her upbeat, cute personality and regular uploads. The trend took off, soon becoming a part of Japanese popular culture, with VTubers springing up left, right, and center, and being featured in marketing campaigns, TV shows, and on billboards in Shibuya.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Who are the most popular VTubers? <\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While most of the popular VTubers are Japanese, interest in English-language creators is growing fast. In June 2022, <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCoSrY_IQQVpmIRZ9Xf-y93g\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gawr Gura<\/a>, an English-speaking virtual YouTuber, became the first VTuber to pass 4 million subscribers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> on the platform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In terms of YouTube subscriber count, the most popular VTubers are:<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 138px;\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Virtual YouTuber name<\/strong><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px; text-align: center;\"><strong>Subscriber count*<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">Gawr Gura<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">4,000,300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">Kizuna Ai<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">3,000,800<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">Mori Calliope<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">2,000,800<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">Usada Pekora<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">1,960,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 23px;\">\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">Shirakami Fubuki<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%; height: 23px;\">1,890,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">*compiled on June 30th, 2022.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Why are virtual YouTubers so popular? <\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The global pandemic in 2020 certainly helped elevate and popularize virtual characters, as more viewers tuned into gaming livestreams and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/online-video-qustodio-annual-data-report-2020\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">watched more YouTube content than ever<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. While VTubers were already popular in Japan at the time, this peak connectivity helped to bring characters into the mainstream, and more VTubers began recording and streaming in English.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Virtual YouTubers also appeal to <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/is-crunchyroll-safe-for-kids\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>anime fans<\/b><\/a><b>,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> who often have crossover hobbies that VTubers cover such as gaming and Japanese pop. These avatars break the boundary between the virtual world and the real one, so <\/span><b>VTubers can be innovative and creative in the content they\u2019re able to produce<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Virtual avatars also come without any type of human \u201cbaggage\u201d, meaning that when compared to other online communities, the VTuber space is often less drama-filled and more positive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>How do you become a VTuber? <\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most popular VTubers are actually anime characters owned and produced by companies, or people who work through agencies for a company, rather than individual content creators going solo.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The number of virtual YouTubers is growing on a yearly basis, and virtual streamers are also becoming more popular as time goes by. Starting out as a VTuber,<\/span><b> you\u2019d have to develop your own avatar or invest in its creation, use a quality webcam, and spend money on software<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that helps track and capture your own movement and facial expressions to stream your character.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make it in the world of VTubing, you\u2019d need an original character teamed with a winning online personality, and an initial investment in the technology needed to be able to film or stream as your virtual avatar.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Are VTubers safe for kids to watch? <\/b><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VTubers have gotten into their own share of hot water from time to time. Popular art streamer anny was banned from Twitch for a week for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dexerto.com\/entertainment\/vtuber-anny-banned-on-twitch-for-first-time-after-adult-content-clips-resurface-1859174\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">allegedly showing \u201cexplicit\u201d content<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and, bizarrely, VTuber Rushia was involved in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dexerto.com\/entertainment\/hololive-responds-to-rushia-controversy-as-vtubers-fans-angry-over-relationship-rumors-1763154\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online drama with angry fans<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regarding her relationship status.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But for younger audiences, it gets worse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the fact that the most popular VTubers are all female could be purely coincidental, <\/span><b>you have to consider <\/b><b><i>who<\/i><\/b><b> it is that\u2019s really watching this kind of content.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A lot of VTubers use childlike, sweet images as their virtual avatar, speaking in a cutesy voice which could easily be mistaken for that of a kid.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Many VTubers are clearly depicted as minors, but they often allude to more adult themes in their content<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/AIChannel\/videos\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kizuna Ai\u2019s thumbnails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> often feature hyper-sexualized illustrations, zooming in on her rear or chest, despite her clear schoolgirl age. And that\u2019s just one creator.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=pU3iGpwKxKc&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although many avatars might seem like they\u2019re designed with kids in mind, it\u2019s important to remember that not all viewers are children. <\/span><b>Kids could easily be interacting with adults in the comments sections on livestreams<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where they could also be exposed to inappropriate content, or be asked to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-doxxing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reveal personal information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following tips can help limit your child\u2019s exposure to inappropriate content on YouTube:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Co-watching<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, where you invite them to show you the videos they\u2019ve recently been getting into so you can watch together<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Using a <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-put-parental-controls-on-youtube\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>YouTube monitoring<\/b><\/a><b> or parental control tool<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> which shows you the videos your child has been watching<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Switching off Autoplay<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so they won\u2019t fall into the rabbit hole of suggested content<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Turning on Restricted Mode<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to filter out inappropriate content<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.16.1&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As with anything on the internet, it\u2019s important to have regular discussions with your child about the content they like consuming, and the type of videos they\u2019re watching. This way, you can get more involved in your child\u2019s hobbies and interests. <\/span><b>Check in regularly with your kids, and, if necessary, delve deeper into certain videos if you have any cause for concern<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. By understanding the content they consume daily, you\u2019ll be more in tune with them, and more prepared to set up positive, healthy habits for online video platforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As the dawn of the metaverse fast approaches, the lines between real life and virtual reality are becoming thinner by the second. When it comes to internet glory and popularity, \u201crealness\u201d is no longer a priority for avid fans and followers. From social media influencers to livestreamers, virtual avatars are taking the world by storm. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":33745,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[48,47],"tags":[295,315,356],"class_list":["post-33462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-app-safety-and-reviews","category-parenting-tips","tag-online-trends","tag-online-video-streaming","tag-streaming"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.8 (Yoast SEO v25.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is a VTuber? Why are they so popular? | Qustodio<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Virtual YouTubers, or VTubers, have been growing in popularity for years. Learn all about YouTube avatars and virtual streamers.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-a-vtuber\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is a VTuber? Why are they so popular?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Virtual YouTubers, or VTubers, have been growing in popularity for years. Learn all about YouTube avatars and virtual streamers.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-a-vtuber\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Qustodio\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-07-06T10:33:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-07-07T09:59:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/static.qustodio.com\/public-site\/uploads\/2022\/07\/06103108\/WhatIs-a-vtuber_Principal.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1029\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Emily Lawrenson\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Emily Lawrenson\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-a-vtuber\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.qustodio.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-a-vtuber\/\",\"name\":\"What is a VTuber? 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