Kizuna AI plays games, cooking and even Answer questions from viewers. She also sings, shining like a pop star with millions of views on her music video. Kizuna AI is like any other YouTube influencer, except she’s not real. She is a virtual influencer.
But it’s not entirely accurate to say she’s an independent digital entity, born entirely out of the chaos of the internet. Kizuna AI is voiced by a human actress and produced by a character designer, 3D modeler, and an anonymous team.
She was created. And since Kizuna AI launched and then ascended the throne, others have followed in her footsteps—it’s a virtual avatar for streaming as a profession, hobby, or way of socializing. . VTubers stands for Virtual YouTube Users, but includes Twitch broadcasters who also use virtual avatars. Everyone can be Kizuna’s AI and there are countless ways to do so. If you’re looking for a place to start, many current VTubers recommend starting with the basics and being almost free (or as low-cost as possible).
Kyrie is a relatively new VTuber. We met through the Final Fantasy XIV scene, after I interviewed her for another article about an in-game, community-created aquarium with every fish on display. (It is called Eorzean Aquarium. Check it out, FFXIV players.) She’s down-to-earth and down-to-earth, and — just going through the avatar setup process — generously offers advice.
Kyrie started streaming in January 2022 and began her VTuber journey after having to purchase a work-from-home setup. “I think I might as well do something fun with it.” Kyrie said. “I have some history in content creation. I’ve been into college radio, podcasts, and television, as well as cosplay. But this is the first time I’ve been the central character. ” It also helps Kyrie have a huge Steam library, and the streaming provides an excuse to learn about her backlog of work. Two birds, one stone.
With the help of an artist friend, Kyrie created a 3D model of her character, Kyrie Overdrivethrough free software called Vroid. Kyrie’s character is based on her Final Fantasy XIV character, and Saga did the original model sketch as a birthday present for Kyrie. The two then spent about three months tweaking it together, diving into Booth.pm and experimenting with different character assets. Booth.pm, Kyrie notes, is a very useful site that allows her to pick up clothes and swap out outfits regularly. A Live2D model, on the other hand—software that can create a 2D model—would, on the other hand, require an artist to draw an outfit every time Kyrie wanted to change out her wardrobe.
What you need to get started
Vroid is software Fofamia longtime VTuber started streaming even ahead of schedule VTuber already exists, also recommended for beginners. Fofamit run an information Youtube Channel on all things virtual streaming, and she entered the scene initially because of the potential of cyberspace. “If I want to spend time exploring New York on a stream, I can. If I want to spend time relaxing with a stream in a comfortable setting, I can,” Fofami said. “If I want to make it so I can interact directly with the audience, then anything is possible.”
Her first model was a generic model acquired from Booth.pm for 50 dollars. Booth.pm, in addition to character assets, comes with ready-made models that anyone can buy and use. It’s a pretty affordable and easy option for beginners. The tradeoff is, of course, that your model won’t be unique, and other users who have purchased the model can also go live with it. However, like Fofamit, you can edit the model through Blender, a 3D modeling software.
But a more DIY setup doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with your streaming identity. Traffic jama person who works at itemLabel during the day and streamed as a VTuber at night, created Jam — a discrete extraterrestrial life form on Earth. Stuck has a legend videoDive into the character’s quest to learn more about humanity through Twitch.
