So, you want to be a 3D VTuber? Not sure what software to use or how to get started? Today, I’m going to show you all you need to know about 3D VTubing and how to go about putting it all together!
First, you’ll need an avatar to use, we’ll get to that in just a moment. Then, you’ll need some software, including VSeeFace and OBS. (I’ve included the links below in their respective sections.) So let’s dive into the wonderful world of 3D VTubing. If you’re interested in 2D VTubing or PNG Tubing instead, please see their respective articles.
First up, what is a 3D VTuber? I’m so glad that you’ve asked!
What IS a 3D VTuber?
A 3D or 3-Dimensional VTuber is a 3D model that is put together to simulate movement, talking, and emotions. It is the most complex form of VTuber in the sense of how it works, but it is also the most capable in terms of tracking, depending on what you’re looking to do with your avatar.
3D VTubers use these models as their avatars, in place of a traditional camera of their real selves. This allows for an increase in creativity and expression and may decrease things like discrimination due to physical appearance. This is true across all forms of VTubing.
For me, VTubing takes away the stress of being on camera while allowing me to express myself to my viewers in my own unique and creative style. For more on my streams, and even the assets and riggers I’ve used for my avatar, please, see my Twitch Channel.
The 3D VTubing Avatar
The first and most important and exciting thing you’ll need as a 3D VTuber is a 3D VTubing Avatar! This is the most exciting part as this will be your respective ‘face’ to your viewers when you’re live on a platform such as Twitch or doing VOD-based content for platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.
3D Avatars, due to their complexity, vary in style, selection, and price. Some 3D models aren’t formatted in a VRM format, suitable for VTubing either. If you’re looking to get started for free I’d recommend trying out VRoid Studio available for free on Steam. It will let you create a rudimentary VTuber for free! You can find many assets and other elements on sites like Booth and Etsy as well!
If you want something more custom you can hire a 3D modeler and rigger to create one for you! Otherwise, you’re going to have to learn 3D modeling yourself with something like Blender, and it will take a lot of work before your final model comes to realization.
You’re ready to complete the next steps once you’ve finally got your VRM formatted file!
Setting Up VSeeFace
Alright, you’ve gotten yourself a model for 3D Vtubing! Now, what to do with it should be your next question. Well, first, you’ll need to download VSeeFace. This software is free to download, relatively lightweight, and easy to use.
Okay, first you’ll need to open VSeeFace and import your avatar from wherever you have stored it. With me so far? Next, you’ll need to calibrate your tracking using the menu on the right-hand side. Once it is calibrated you can go into your avatar and adjust the settings to your desired specifications.
To hide the UI, simply press the button in the bottom left, this will hide all except your avatar. If you want to set expressions, you will need to calibrate expression detection, simply follow the set-up steps on the screen and you’ll be off to the races.
If you’re wishing for hand-tracking you will need a LeapMotion controller and its appropriate drivers installed before you select LeapMotion Tracking to on. You’ll likely want to turn mirror motion on as well, so let’s do that before moving into setting up OBS.
Setting Up OBS
The final piece is getting your avatar into OBS. This is as simple as creating a new scene or selecting a scene that you want your avatar to appear in. Once that’s ready, all you have to do is set up a Game Capture Source and set it to VSee Face.
Now, you’ll see your avatar in your scene but you’ll also see the little square button. The easiest way to hide this is by holding ALT on your keyboard and dragging the side in to ‘crop’ the source. Make sure you have your VSeeFace instance maximized for window size.
Resize your new 3D VTuber model to what size you’d like it to appear on your preview screen. The size of your window matters when setting this up, so always make sure that VSeeFace is maximized when you’re working on it.
Repeat this process for each different streaming scene that you’d like your VTuber to appear in. Except, once you’ve created the VSeeFace Game Capture Source, you’ll be able to select it to add to new scenes rather than creating a new one each time.
Putting It All Together
Now that you have your 3D VTuber in your scene, there’s only one thing left to decide. What kind of content are you going to create?! Mauve you’ve already got a game in mind, or maybe a niche such as horror, RPG, or card-based games. Whatever you decide, you’re all set to do it.
Happy VTubing!
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