VTubing Glossary

Making live or recorded shows through a virtual avatar rather than a live camera so performers can play a character while staying off screen.

A Cubism based system that turns layered 2D artwork into a riggable avatar for expressive animation inside streaming software.

Real time Live2D puppeteering software that ingests tracking data and exposes hotkeys, expressions, and plugin hooks for broadcast use.

The technical setup that meshes, weights, and parameterizes PSD layers so a Live2D model reacts believably to movement and inputs.

Live2D hierarchy nodes that bend or rotate parts of the artwork and give riggers fine control over how shapes move together.

A triangular grid placed on each layer so textures can deform smoothly without tearing when the avatar moves.

Built in spring logic that adds inertia and sway to hair, clothing, and props, making a 2D avatar feel lively on stream.

Named sliders that drive head tilt, eyes, mouth shapes, and custom states and that can be connected to tracking, hotkeys, or scripts.

Hardware and software that capture facial motion in real time and turn it into data for VTubing rigs or 3D avatars.

Apple depth sensing cameras that provide detailed blendshape data, widely used for precise VTubing facial capture.

An iOS application that streams ARKit blendshapes and head rotation to desktop tools such as Unity or VTS for enhanced facial animation.

Consumer puppeteering apps that ship with ready made avatars and simple streaming integration for newcomers to virtual performance.

Lightweight Live2D control software favored for quick setups or laptops where a minimal feature set is sufficient.

Japanese tracking software known for smooth facial capture and Leap Motion hand input for creators who want expressive gesture control.

A free stylized 3D avatar creator that exports VRM files and gives artists a fast way to prototype outfits and hairstyles.

A glTF based standard that packages humanoid models, materials, blendshapes, and license metadata for cross platform avatar use.

Open source 3D software used to sculpt, retopologize, texture, and rig avatars or props before exporting to engines and streaming tools.

A game engine frequently used to configure VRM avatars, spring bones, and animation clips prior to deployment in VTubing stacks.

A long running ecosystem of anime style 3D models and dance motions that creators remix for performances and music videos.

A data transport format that sends tracking values between applications so capture devices, Unity scenes, and streaming rigs can stay in sync.

A network protocol for sending commands or continuous values, often used to trigger avatar expressions or scene changes remotely.

Infrared hand tracking sensors that deliver finger level motion data for VTubers who want gestural storytelling.

Any method that captures hand poses, such as gloves, depth cameras, or controllers, enabling avatars to use sign like motions or props.

Systems that capture hips, knees, and feet through trackers or inertial units so performers can dance or act physically in VR.

A social VR world engine where creators import avatars, run concerts, or stage cinematic shoots for promotional content.

Collaborative real time worlds where makers script custom stages, gadgets, and immersive experiences for virtual shows.

Free broadcasting software that mixes video, audio, and browser sources and encodes the final program feed to streaming platforms.

An all in one fork of OBS that bundles widget integrations, cloud overlays, and monetization utilities for simpler onboarding.

A cloud service that hosts overlays, alerts, tipping, and analytics, reducing the processing load on the local streaming PC.

A live streaming platform focused on interactive shows and monetization through subscriptions, bits, ads, and channel points.

YouTube’s live offering that combines persistent VOD replays with paid chat features and detailed performance dashboards.

A major Chinese streaming site with localized audience culture, gift economies, and moderation rules for VTuber debuts.

A Japanese video hub known for scrolling comments and remix friendly fandoms that support music covers and collaborative edits.

Emerging streaming platforms with smaller communities that some creators use for experimental formats or additional reach.

Viewer rewards on Twitch that let audiences spend earned points to trigger avatar expressions, sound cues, or interactive bits.

Automated voice playback that reads selected chat or donation messages during a broadcast so the performer can react.

Tools that let viewers trigger short audio clips as part of engagement or monetization mechanics within a stream.

A gifting service that hides personal addresses while allowing fans to sponsor gear, merch, or studio upgrades.

A support platform offering one off tips, monthly memberships, and commission handling for independent creators.

A membership system where fans subscribe to tiers that unlock behind the scenes posts, assets, or early access content.

A marketplace commonly used by Japanese artists and riggers to sell model files, outfits, textures, and digital goods.

A commission site where clients submit concise briefs and budgets and artists deliver single pass illustrations or assets.

Global freelance marketplaces for hiring illustrators, riggers, editors, or technical consultants on VTubing projects.

A document shared with artists or riggers that describes style, lore, usage rights, deliverables, and schedule expectations.

The process of preparing layered artwork with clean separations and hidden fills so the model can deform correctly when rigged.

Layer arrangements that confine shading or highlights within specific shapes, giving riggers controllable visual accents.

3D deformation targets that store facial expressions and visemes, making lip sync and emotion control possible.

A standardized bone hierarchy for human shaped characters that supports animation retargeting across engines and tools.

Procedural bones that add simulated bounce to hair, ribbons, and accessories in VRM or Unity based avatars.

The mapping of audio or phoneme detection to mouth movements so speech lines match the performer’s voice.

Hardware that converts XLR microphone signals to USB while providing clean gain, phantom power, and direct monitoring.

Dynamic mics reject ambient noise and suit untreated rooms, while condenser mics capture detailed tones in controlled spaces.

Software processing that suppresses fan hum, keyboard clicks, and room reverberation in live audio feeds.

Soft balanced lighting that keeps facial tracking sensors consistent and reduces jitter in Live2D or 3D rigs.

A uniform backdrop that allows broadcasters to replace the background with virtual sets or graphics.

Graphic layouts, frames, and transition elements that structure the visual identity of a live broadcast.

Reactive graphics and sounds that acknowledge follows, subscriptions, tips, goals, or other viewer interactions.

Automated assistants that handle repetitive commands, moderation tasks, timers, and mini games in chat.

The policies and tools that keep a channel safe, covering timeouts, bans, slow modes, and escalation plans.

Official overlays or panels that add polls, mini games, drops, or avatars to a Twitch channel experience.

Recorded broadcasts and short highlights that prolong the lifespan of a stream and feed social media channels.

Audio libraries or licensed tracks that can be used in live and recorded content without copyright strikes.

Programmable keypads that trigger scenes, audio stingers, lighting, or social posts with a single press.

Keyboard shortcuts or scripts that switch expressions, props, or camera angles during a performance.

A two state avatar that flips between idle and speaking images based on microphone input, commonly used for guests.

A desktop app for multi state reactive PNG avatars that supports blinking, bounce, and quick profile switching.

Prebuilt facial states or props that performers trigger to add emotion, jokes, or story beats to a stream.

Small graphics that represent community identity and subscriber milestones within chat platforms.

Informational graphics on channel pages that list streaming times, bios, credits, and rules for new viewers.

The narrative and visual language that define a VTuber’s personality, styling, music, and recurring themes.

Joint broadcasts where creators share scenes, audio, and reactive assets to reach overlapping audiences.

Performance metrics such as retention, click through rate, or conversions that inform programming decisions.

Statements and practices that outline acceptable behavior and protect the performer and community from harassment.

Operational habits like two factor authentication, PO boxes, and backups that shield personal data and assets.

A VTuber’s first major broadcast introducing the avatar, story hooks, and creative direction to the audience.