How Much Does It Cost to Be a VTuber in 2025?
VTubing can be both creatively fulfilling and financially rewarding, but understanding the costs involved is key to pacing your growth realistically. In 2025, starting a VTuber channel can range from about $100 to over $10,000, depending on how professional you want your setup to be (BuzzFlick 2024). This wide range exists because VTubing blends digital art, motion technology, and live entertainment—your total expenses depend on your avatar type, the tools you use, and the level of customization you pursue.
Many beginners start with free or low-cost tools to test streaming and build communities, while others invest in advanced 2D or 3D rigs, motion capture systems, and full virtual studios that rival professional productions. The flexibility of the medium allows creators to scale gradually, making VTubing accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike.
This guide draws on Zekoz’s expert breakdown in his 2024 video, “Types of VTuber Models at Every Price Point,” to help you plan your budget wisely and choose the right setup for your creative goals. Let’s take a closer look at the costs of different VTuber avatars.
Choosing Your VTuber Type and How It Affects Cost
The type of VTuber avatar you choose sets the foundation for your budget. Avatar costs vary significantly depending on whether you go with static images, animated 2D avatars, or full 3D avatars, and how you obtain or make them.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Model type | Average cost | Description |
| PNG / Starter avatar | $0–$300 | An original or template-based 2D avatar; ideal for testing the waters or casual streaming. |
| 2D Live2D model | $500–$5,000+ | Custom-made art and rigging for expressive, professional-level streams. It can scale infinitely in price depending on complexity and rigging quality. |
| 3D model (VRM) | $1,000–$2,000+ Optional: $0-$8000 | Full-body rig with physics and facial tracking; used for advanced VR setups.The total may include optional hardware costs such as mocap gear or trackers. |
| Pre-made / Base model | $100–$5,000 | Ready-to-use avatars with minimal customization. |
| VIVERSE Avatar | Free | An entry-level option for beginners or mobile VTubers. |
(Zekoz 2024; Lucas 2025; BuzzFlick 2024)
Both 2D and 3D setups may require capable PCs or smartphones for tracking and rendering. A mid-tier gaming laptop is typically enough for either, though Live2D can be performance-heavy when complex rigs are used.
Model Artwork and Rigging Costs
(Based on Zekoz 2024: “Types of VTuber Models at Every Price Point”)
Creating a VTuber avatar involves art and rigging expenses that differ by type and quality. Below is a breakdown of these costs (Zekoz 2024).
High-Quality Custom 3D Models
As these are fully three-dimensional avatars, they can be shown from any angle and are the most lifelike. Using a 3D avatar with motion trackers lets your digital self mirror your real-world movements.
- Model cost: $1,000–$2,000 or higher
- Optional equipment costs:
- Full VR setup/Motion Capture and accessories: ~$2,000 [00:27]
- Accessories like hand-tracking gloves, mocap suits, or body trackers can add $100–$500 and increase production time.
- ARKit-level face tracking (not included in this estimate) would raise the cost further.
You don’t necessarily need a great PC to use a 3D avatar, but it helps if your setup is capable of handling a high-polygon 3D model and whatever content you want to show (like gameplay).
Custom Live2D Models
These are 2D avatar images with an array of animations created through Live2D. They offer a variety of expressions while maintaining an anime-like or stylized aesthetic.
- Model cost: $1,000–$5000+ [01:31]
- A highly detailed Live2D avatar with a 70° head movement range and layered hair physics can cost around $5,000.
- Optional equipment:
- Webcam: under $100 [01:43]
- iPhone X or newer for advanced face tracking [01:55]
- ARKit-based tracking is not included in this range; adding it may significantly increase cost.
- Extra expressions, outfits, or animations: several hundred to thousands of dollars [02:01]
- Accessories and complex hand or eye movements increase both cost and production time.
PNG Models (PNG Tubers)
These are also 2D avatars made from .png files. They can be animated using sprite sheets, which contain all of the avatar’s possible poses and expressions.
- Complex PNG Models (e.g., PNGTuber Plus, animated GIF):
- PNGTuber Plus (full-body, layered, colored): ~$200–$300 [02:48]
- Animated GIF PNG: $100–$200+ [03:01]
- Customizable PNGTuber Plus on Ko-fi (by Suru Draws): $10 [03:26]
- Simple PNG Models (single static image):
- $20–$50 [03:51]
Pre-made and Free Models
Some VTuber avatar models are freely available online or sold on digital marketplaces for cheap.
- Pre-made Live2D models: ~$20 [04:07]
- Pre-made 3D models: ~$20 [04:24]
- Free model creation tools:
- VTuber Kit: $0 [04:47]
- VRoid Studio: Free 3D model creation [05:05]
You can also get them using free creation tools like VTuber Kit and VRoid Studio.
High-quality models increase engagement but come with higher costs. Starting with pre-made or free models is a low-risk way to test streaming, while custom 2D or 3D models suit creators planning a serious channel.
VIVERSE Avatar
Did you know that VIVERSE Avatar can be used to customize a character, then be exported as a VRM file for use with streaming, recording, or other platforms? It’s true! Both Stylized and Retro avatars provide different levels of customization and can be used as a VTuber model.
Please note that Stylized avatars offer less customization but have ARKit available for improved face tracking. Retro avatars offer more visual customization and have armature, but do not utilize ARKit, which may result in lower tracking accuracy.
Equipment, Software, and Streaming Tools
Hardware costs apply consistently across both 2D and 3D setups.Investing in clear audio, stable lighting, and smooth motion tracking can elevate your stream quality.
| Item | Average cost | Notes |
| Webcam or iPhone (for face tracking) | $100–$500 | FaceID-enabled iPhones provide more accurate facial tracking (Cormack and Madden 2023) |
| Lighting or background setup | $100 | Ring lights or softboxes improve visual quality significantly (Cormack and Madden 2023; Zekoz 2024) |
| PC or laptop | $1,000–$2,000+ | Strong GPU needed for 3D VTubing; mid-tier gaming laptops can suffice (Cormack and Madden 2023; Zekoz 2024) |
| Free software tools | $0 (mostly) | VSeeFace, VTube Studio, VRoid Studio, OBS (Cormack and Madden 2023; Zekoz 2024) |
| Paid add-ons | $100 | Face-tracking apps like iFacialMocap; price varies by app (Cormack and Madden 2023) |
Feature Checklist and Price Impact
| Feature | Applies to | Typical Cost Impact | Description |
| Basic facial tracking | 2D / 3D | +$0–$100 | Supported by webcams and phone apps. |
| ARKit (iPhone) tracking | 2D / 3D | +$200–$300 | Enables advanced eye and lip sync accuracy |
| Hand or full-body motion | 3D | +$100–$1,000 | Adds realism; requires extra trackers. |
| Outfit or expression pack | 2D/ 3D | +$100–$500 per pack | Customization that increases engagement. |
| Head movement range (e.g., 70°) | 2D | +$200–$1,000 | Wider movement angles cost more due to rigging complexity. |
| Lighting and studio setup | Both | +$100-$500 | Affects visual polish and viewer retention. |
Even if you start small, investing in clear audio, stable lighting, and smooth motion tracking can make a noticeable difference in your streaming quality. Free tools are great for letting beginner VTubers experiment, while optional paid software can enhance your performance and content.
Ongoing and Hidden Costs
Setting up your VTuber model and equipment is mostly a one-time investment, but creators often face ongoing or unexpected expenses.
Updating your avatar with new outfits or seasonal themes often requires both art and rigging work, making it one of the most frequent recurring costs.
Common examples include:
- Rebranding or new outfits: Updating your avatar’s design to match trends or seasonal events.
- Overlays, stream alerts, and graphics: Visual enhancements for a more professional presentation.
- Music and sound assets: Background tracks, sound effects, and licensed music for streams.
Planning for these recurring or hidden costs can help you avoid surprises and keep your content fresh and engaging over time (AnarkeeVT 2024).
Budget vs. Professional Setups
Different VTuber setups serve different goals, from hobbyist experimentation to full-time streaming. Here’s a comparison of typical setups and costs:
| Setup type | Estimated cost | What’s included | Ideal for |
| Beginner setup | $100–$500 | PNGTuber, free tools, basic microphone | Testing or hobbyists |
| Mid-tier setup | $1,000–$2,500 | Custom 2D / 3D Avatar, quality microphone, webcam, IPhone | Testing or hobbyists |
| Professional setup | $5,000–$10,000+ | Custom 2D Avatar / Full 3D or high-end Live2D with full tracking and lighting; may include DIY mocap via phone apps (~$100) | Corporate or full-time VTubers |
(BuzzFlick 2024; Zekoz 2024; Tsiaoussidis et. all 2023; ArgamaWitch 2020; Rokoko 2022)
Choosing the right setup depends on your goals, budget, and willingness to invest in customization and equipment. Beginner setups let you test and learn, and professional setups are better for creators aiming for high-quality streams and consistent audience growth.
Tips for Budgeting Smartly
Managing your VTubing costs effectively is key to building a sustainable channel. Consider adopting these strategies:
- Start small and upgrade over time: Begin with basic tools and expand your setup as your audience grows (Cormack and Madden 2023).
- Reinvest initial revenue: Use earnings to improve your audio, lighting, overlays, or other key stream elements (AnarkeeVT 2024).
- Commission in parts: Focus on your VTuber avatar art or model first, then add rigging or extra expressions later to spread out expenses (BuzzFlick 2024).
- Leverage communities: Join VTuber groups for bundle discounts, shared resources, or open-source assets.
- Prioritize consistency over cost: Regular streaming and engagement will likely get you better returns than expensive upgrades (BuzzFlick 2024; Cormack and Madden 2023).
Smart budgeting allows you to create quality content without overspending and positions you for gradual, sustainable growth.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a VTuber in 2025 can cost anywhere from $0 to $10,000, but most beginners spend under $500. This wide range reflects varied choices in avatar complexity, rigging, hardware, and software.
If that seems like a lot, here’s some good news: Thanks to free creation tools, open-source software, and community resources, starting your VTubing journey no longer requires a large budget. You can test the waters, build skills, and grow your setup as your audience expands.
TL;DR: Start small, learn as you go, and upgrade your tools and avatar gradually to match your VTuber channel’s growth.
Explore VIVERSE for beginner and advanced VTubing tools!
Zekoz is a VTuber content creator and educator recognized for his clear, data-driven breakdowns of the VTubing industry. With a focus on transparency and accessibility, Zekoz helps aspiring VTubers understand the real costs, tools, and creative decisions behind model creation and streaming setups.
Through detailed video guides, cost comparisons, and platform analyses, Zekoz demystifies the technical and financial aspects of VTubing—from choosing between PNG, Live2D, or 3D models to budgeting for hardware and software. His approachable tone and analytical presentation make his content both practical and trustworthy for newcomers and experienced creators alike.
Highlighting his commitment to “Making VTubing Knowledge Accessible to Everyone,” Zekoz continues to inspire and educate the next generation of VTubers to start their journey with confidence and realistic expectations.
References
AnarkeeVT. 2024. “How Much Did My VTuber Model Cost??” YouTube. December 3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCI-XMIg01Q.
ArgamaWitch. 2020. “How to be a Vtuber! ✩ How to get started.” YouTube. May 11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvY-CYCPfZE&t=99s.
BuzzFlick. 2024. “VTuber Model Cost: Become a Creator on a Budget!” BuzzFlick. April 19. https://buzzflick.com/how-much-does-a-vtuber-model-cost/.
Cormack, Beth and Hannah Madden. 2023. “How to Become a VTuber (Equipment, Cost, & Hololive).” WikiHow. June 12. https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Vtuber.
Lucas, David. 2025. “VTuber Model Cost: Everything You Need To Know” Prolific Studio. September 3. https://prolificstudio.co/blog/vtuber-model-cost/.
Rokoko. 2022. “How To Become a VTuber.” Rokoko. April 22. https://www.rokoko.com/insights/how-to-become-a-vtuber.
Tsiaoussidis, Alex, Cedric Pabriga, and Eva Martinello. 2023. “The best VTuber software.” Dot Esports. May 17. https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/the-best-vtuber-software.
Zekoz. 2024. “Types of VTuber Models at Every Price Point.” YouTube. October 29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW9JV7es0Mk.
