VTubing For Free ($0)
Static PNGTuber
If you’re looking to get started for as cheaply as possible, PNGTubers have the lowest bar of entry. For some, they’re a way to start quickly, experiment, and play around with character concepts before committing to something more permanent. For others, they are their preferred model and a way of life.
A static PNGTuber model is an image that you overlay over your stream as a representation of yourself. This means your only limitations are what games your computer can run. Using a static PNGTuber model will allow you to stream with an older computer or laptop so long as you have an internet connection and a microphone.
If you need a static PNGTuber, there are over a hundred F2U PNGTuber generators that you can use to get started.
VTubing On a Budget (< $1,000)
Reactive PNGTuber
A step up from a static PNGTuber model is a reactive PNGTuber model that changes when you speak. These usually consist of 2 images (an idle image and a talking image) and can be obtained for fairly cheap.
For use in this guide, I commissioned this reactive Panda PNGTuber named Ted Honeymunch from lzrswm for ~$50 but more detailed models with more frames, toggleable poses, and full-body art can exceed $200.
The software needed to use a PNGTuber model are F2U and fairly lightweight as well. The two most popular ones are:
Premade Live2D Models
Live2D models are what many think of when they think about VTubers. They often have a higher bar of entry due to the higher hardware requirements to run VTubing software, a game, and stream at the same time.
Custom Live2D models can be expensive, but there are F2U Live2D models that you can find online, oftentimes with customization options.
3D Models (Webcam)
A 3D models may sound expensive and scary, but surprisingly, they have a low bar of entry to get started. Most people use VRoid Studio, a F2U 3D model creator that has a bunch of free customization options that is easy to use and does not require any prior modeling experience.
However, even moreso than Live2D models, you may require a high-spec computer to run VTubing software, a game, and stream at the same time.
VTubing With Funding ($1,000+)
Custom Live2D Models
Custom Live2D models can be expensive ($500 – $2,000+) due to the amount of work required to rig a Live2D model.
These are not recommended for beginners due to their high cost and, at times, high computer hardware requirements to run VTubing software, a game, and stream at the same time.
3D Models (Full Body Tracking)
3D models can range from simple webcam-based head tracking as covered above to full body motion capture. However, what they are capable of is dependent on often-pricey additional hardware.