9 signature VTuber expressions we can’t look away from (2024)

VTubers, or virtual entertainers, have their limits. The digital model of any given VTuber can only mimic a human being’s movement on camera if there’s a corresponding animation for that action. A smile in real life will likely translate to a smile for the viewer, no problem — grins are usually included in a model’s repertoire of emotions. But if the camera software misjudges a movement, or if it isn’t rigged to copy certain behaviors, then things can get wonky. Sometimes, a VTuber will seemingly implode.

But if you watch any given VTuber for long enough, these brief yet unavoidable moments of chaos almost become a language of their own. And while there’s no human analogue for the ways in which these 3D models glitch out, you could still consider them expressions of sorts.

Here’s the strangest, cutest, and most unintelligible VTuber expressions out there.

VTubers are people too. They have to eat, just like us. The problem is that none of their models are created to fully show the ways lips or jaws move while snacking, resulting in some of the weirdest (and potentially ASMR-inducing) moments on stream. A fairly popular clip has sheep-girl Tsunomaki Watame munching on chips as her mouth opens and closes like the pop cat meme. As she flaps her lips, you can only hear the snap and crunch of chips.

When VTubers eat it’s like you’re being torn in two directions. On one side, you try your best to see them as the fictional character they chose to be, and on the other side you’re imagining the person behind the fictional character, sitting at their desk, tossing Ruffles into their mouth. It’s so uncomfortable and fascinating to watch you can’t look away.

best thing about VTubers is that no one bothers with the tech of "sneeze box, but for face tracking" so whenever someone drinks it's like this every time. pic.twitter.com/lWybTjn2gW

— BooDoo (@BooDooPerson) March 18, 2021

Drinking is its own nightmare, often only identifiable when a VTuber tilts their head back and opens their mouth without speaking. It almost comes across like the stream got muted somehow, except for the occasional sounds of liquid being glugged. The viewing experience is more uncomfortable than watching a VTuber eat, because of the initial confusion as you try and figure out what’s going on.

For such a rare occurrence, VTuber sneezing examples are easy to find — some people even like to make compilations of VTuber sneezes on YouTube. Maybe it’s because VTuber sneezes mirror people in a surprisingly accurate way, even if they don’t correspond one to one. They too have a long buildup as they tilt their head back, close their eyes, and let out the achoo. Even across the many, many VTubers out there, sneezes look basically the same for all of them.

Anger for VTubers is complicated. Some 3D models have the ability to show angled eyebrows and a stern look, while others are stuck looking gleeful, because they were designed that way. Take Hololive’s Uruha Rushia for example. She’s known for getting loud when something in a game is being a pain, and yet she doesn’t really have a clear angry expression. Instead, we get what looks like a face for joy while she explodes in a rage. Or you have someone like Amelia Watson who simply looks pleased while she slams her controller onto the floor.

Inugami Korone actually has the option to swap to an angry face, except sometimes that upsets viewers who only want her to be happy. But as anyone who plays games knows, it’s not always a happy time. When a boss or a challenge is being particularly annoying, you might not want to look like a cheery dog girl.

Hololive’s pirate captain Houshou Marine can do the facial gesture seen in the PogChamp emote. Marine got an updated model to increase the fidelity of her facial expressions—something that happens for a lot of VTubers over time — and one of the new features lets her orient her mouth into Twitch’s favorite emote. Of course this came up right after she told her chat that they are her little PogChamp, referencing the meme from late last year. Why Marine would need this ability is unclear, but Hololive gave it to her and we have to live with that.

Unless they have a full-on 3D model with the appropriate motion capture accessories, it’s difficult for VTubers to dance. When it’s only your upper body, you have to make do. A lot of VTubers can be seen swinging their heads back and forth, reminiscent of the video Fukkireta, which is a cover of the song “Ochame Kinou.” They also will manually move their models to the beat of the song, making for a slightly immersion-breaking moment as they zip around the screen.

The head bop is contagious, especially when it’s impromptu like Zentreya and Froot taking a rave break while playing Phasmophobia. Sometimes, music does really make you lose control.

Facial and motion capture technology is only so good. Occasionally it can’t keep up with whatever the VTuber is doing and just defaults to something neutral, even if the action isn’t.

Pikamee is a self-described “family friendly” VTuber, but last year she decided to play Super Mario Sunshine. There’s a particular surfing level that caused her to break her PG-rating promise and scream at her monitor. A cursing Amano Pikamee would be funny on its own, but it’s even better that her model reverts to its default, blank-faced look as she yells in the background.

VTubers also fall out of their chairs frequently and the models can’t handle that either. Sometimes the fall contorts them so much that it’s hard to laugh at it. But other times it’s amusing to see the models try to represent the VTubers doing things like pushups and failing spectacularly.

Several VTubers have also gotten into streaming Ring Fit and it’s consistently hilarious to watch. Depending on who you choose, the models either break and act like they’re talking while they fling their arms around in Nintendo’s exercise game, or they barely move. But while that is going on, you can hear the pants and cries of VTubers having to jog, squat, and squeeze to make it through the game.

Winks are classic. They’re the easiest cute thing a VTuber can do, except they’re clearly not always easy to pull off. Whether it’s the facial capture software or the VTuber themselves, winks can either be flawless or look as if they’re teetering on the edge of a full on blink. That doesn’t stop tons of people from asking for winks and making many, many compilations on YouTube.

Watame gets her own section because the things she does with her model are a list of their own. One of the sheep’s most iconic faces is when she goes wide-eyed, opens her mouth, and sometimes nods her head. It’s not quite the Jack Nicholson gif and it’s not quite a PogChamp face, but it’s just as unsettling. Other VTubers have even tried to replicate it, but they don’t quite nail the bizarre energy that only Watame exudes.

9 signature VTuber expressions we can’t look away from (2024)

FAQs

Why are VTuber avatars so expensive? ›

FAQ. Q: Why are Vtuber models so expensive? A: Vtuber model costs are high due to the skill and time required to create them.

What are toggles for VTubers? ›

Toggle animations are essentially movements that can be mapped to a button and turned on or off. Most VTubers will have some of these at their disposal, being able to press a button to show their sad face and then turn it off when they've gotten their point across.

What is the appeal behind VTubers? ›

On the consumption side, I find the VTuber method to be more compelling than pure voiceovers, even if it's silly. An avatar helps create a sense of engagement. It's also interesting to see what sort of characters people come up with.

What website do VTubers use to make their avatars? ›

Live2D Cubism excels as the premier 2D VTuber model maker, offering comprehensive tutorials tailored to users of all skill levels in avatar creation.

How much does a 3D VTuber avatar cost? ›

VTuber models range from $35 - $1,000 for 2D models depending on the artist's skill and the included artwork. The price range for a 3D model can be anywhere from $1,000 all the way to $15,000 depending on complexity and customization. Simple ones will cost in the $1,000-$2,000 range.

How much can a VTuber earn? ›

While earnings can vary widely based on popularity, engagement, and business acumen, some top VTubers are rumored to earn upwards of a million dollars annually. But as with any online venture, success often requires a blend of talent, luck, and a lot of hard work.

What is a rigged VTuber model? ›

Rigging is the process of adding bones and joints to custom VTuber models so that they can move. These bones follow a standard human skeletal structure and are linked to move using Inverse Kinematics (IK). Your rig doesn't have to be complex for the motion capture VTuber software uses.

Are Nijisanji members allowed to face reveal? ›

Livers must also show minimal personal details of any kind, including their face or exact location. Even when doing handcam streams, livers must wear gloves and longsleeve shirts so they avoid showing any skin, and must ensure any reflective surfaces are hidden so they don't accidentally dox themselves.

Why don't VTubers show their face? ›

Another reason why VTubers don't show their face is to preserve their anonymity. With millions of viewers and internet fame, some people might not be ready for that level of exposure. Getting recognised constantly and being a figure in the public eye can bring about more concerns for one's safety.

Can you be a VTuber for free? ›

Motion capture software will help you record your facial expressions and “teach” your virtual avatar to mimic them. Both free and paid face capture programs are available for 2D and 3D models alike, and they can copy only facial expressions, or they can repeat the movements of the full body.

How do VTubers move their avatars? ›

By wearing VR trackers, you can control 3D VR avatars just by moving your body. These models are typically in the . vrm format, which means the avatar can be brought into many virtual experiences. 3D avatars are perfect for VTubers that want to express big movements or create content in social VR apps like VRChat.

What do VTubers use for tracking? ›

VTube Studio supports face tracking via webcam (using OpenSeeFace) or by using a connected iPhone/Android device as face tracker. On iOS, you need a device with FaceID or the Apple A12 (or newer) chip.

How expensive are VTubers? ›

Expect to spend between a few hundred and a few thousand dollars. The exact amount depends a lot on what you already have and how much you want to upgrade your equipment and your avatar. At minimum, you may have to shell out a few hundred dollars for a new webcam and a program to create a 3D model.

What do most VTubers use to make their avatars? ›

VRoid Studio

Ideal for beginners entering the VTuber scene, it's the go-to maker for creating your anime character. Once the VTuber avatar is ready, it can be exported for compatibility with VRM-supported platforms and software, all while ensuring copyright compliance for commercial and non-commercial avatar use.

Can you make money selling VTuber models? ›

Yes, you can make money selling Vtuber model. There are virtually unlimited possibilities of Vtuber model designs that you can create for many content creators online.

Can you make a VTuber avatar for free? ›

Make Virtual Avatar with VTuber Avatar Maker

You can create your own 2D VTuber avatar or 3D avatar for streaming free without buying VTuber avatars or paying for avatar software.

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