Creatorverse: Hollywood Should Pay More Attention to VTubers

"Vtubers, short for "virtual YouTubers," refers to creators who use a virtual avatar to post online instead of their real face. These animated avatars are often controlled by real people using motion-tracking software and are especially popular among gaming creators. So why are we talking about this? It's because VTubers are gaining popularity, especially with the rise of AI. And in the wake of the Tilly Norwood fiasco, the VTubing industry is one worth keeping an eye on."

"How these avatars are used varies wildly from creator to creator. While someone like Schlep (2.1 million YouTube subscribers) uses his avatar to speak to his audience in documentary-like videos, Combo Panda (2.9 million YouTube subscribers) - part of the Ryan's World ( 40 million YouTube subscribers) universe - has essentially turned Roblox videos into a scripted cartoon. Anime VTuber acts even sold out a 1,200-person Hollywood venue in July, though be warned some VTubers aren't exactly PG."

"An April report from YouTube found that a sample of 300 VTubers scored over 15 billion views. As for Twitch, VTubing is one of the fastest-growing niches on the platform with Twitch hosting 60% of VTuber channels. Brand interest has also increased for this subcategory. Cover Corporation, the company behind one of the most prominent VTuber management agencies, told Digiday that licensing and brand partnership revenue grew by about 30% in 2025."

Vtubers are creators who use virtual avatars instead of their real faces, often controlled with motion-tracking software and popular among gaming creators. Usage ranges from documentary-like audience-facing videos to scripted cartoon-style content. High-profile examples include Schlep and Combo Panda; anime VTuber acts have sold out large venues, while some VTuber spaces contain non-PG content. A YouTube sample of 300 VTubers scored over 15 billion views. Twitch hosts about 60% of VTuber channels, making VTubing one of its fastest-growing niches. Brand licensing and partnership revenue for major VTuber agencies rose roughly 30% in 2025. AI VTubers like Bloo have generated seven-figure revenues.

Read at TheWrap