Why It Matters
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 are a way to start quickly, experiment, and play around with character concepts before committing to something more permanent. For others, they are the preferred model for some VTubers and a way of life.
At its most basic, a static PNGTuber model is a static image that you overlay over the content you’re streaming as a representation of yourself. This means your only limitations are what games your computer can run. Given that, you should be able 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 – $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.
