How to DIY: VTuber Artist / Rigger
A VTuber avatar that tracks their face and moves naturally on stream — either 2D (Live2D) or 3D
Tools used in this guide
4How to DIY: VTuber Artist / Rigger
A step-by-step guide to doing this yourself — honestly.
What you're really trying to do
A VTuber avatar that tracks their face and moves naturally on stream — either 2D (Live2D) or 3D
DIY Cost
$0-$10
4-8 hours to learn
Hire Cost
$100-$2,000
Done for you
You could save $100-$2,000 by doing it yourself
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow along at your own pace. Most people finish in 4-8 hours.
Use VRoid Studio for a 3D VTuber model
~1hVRoid Studio gives you a full 3D model with face tracking support built in. Create your character, export as VRM, and use it with VSeeFace (free tracking software). This is the fastest path to a working VTuber setup.
Set up VSeeFace for face tracking
~1.5hVSeeFace is free, works with just a webcam, and handles VRM models natively. It tracks your face, eyes, and head movement. Add it as a source in OBS with a transparent background.
For 2D: Try Live2D Cubism
~1.5hLive2D Cubism has a free tier that supports basic rigging. You'll need artwork first (draw it or commission just the art, then rig it yourself). The rigging process takes 4-8 hours to learn but there are great YouTube tutorials.
Or use AI-generated VTuber art
~2hGenerate your character design with Midjourney or similar AI tools, then use a service like Animaze or Live2D to rig it. The art is the expensive part of VTubing — AI can cut that cost to nearly zero.
When to hire instead
You want a professional Live2D model with detailed rigging (hair physics, expression toggles, multiple outfits) — that's a specialized skill. The art might be DIY-able, but high-quality Live2D rigging really isn't.
No time? Skip to hiringReal talk
For 3D VTubing, VRoid + VSeeFace gets you streaming tonight for $0. It's genuinely good. For 2D Live2D models, the rigging is the hard part — the art you can get done cheaply, but good rigging makes or breaks the model. Consider commissioning just the rigging and DIYing the art with AI.
Tools You'll Need
Hand-picked for this project. We only recommend tools we'd actually use.
Essential Tools
You need these to get started.
OBS Studio
Free
The streaming software every VTuber uses. Free, open-source, and handles VTuber avatar overlays with transparent backgrounds perfectly.
Why we recommend it
You cannot stream as a VTuber without OBS (or similar) — and OBS is free, reliable, and what 90% of VTubers use.
Nice-to-Have Tools
Not required, but they make the job easier.
Midjourney
$10/mo
Generate your VTuber character design with AI before commissioning or rigging. Get the look right with AI art, then create the actual model based on it.
Why we recommend it
AI generates your character design in minutes — saves hundreds on concept art and lets you iterate fast.
Canva Pro
$12.99/mo
Create VTuber channel assets — banners, panels, thumbnails, social media graphics. All the branding around your VTuber persona.
Why we recommend it
Your VTuber brand needs consistent graphics across Twitch, YouTube, and social — Canva makes it effortless.
Audacity
Free
Free audio editor for cleaning up voice recordings, adjusting pitch, and adding effects. Some VTubers use it for voice processing before streaming.
Why we recommend it
Fine-tune your VTuber voice or create voice-modified clips for content — completely free.
Some links are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Our Verdict
Difficulty
medium
Learning time
4-8 hours
DIY cost
$0-$10
Hire cost
$100-$2,000
Choose DIY if...
- You can spare 4-8 hours
- 3 of 4 tools are free
- You want to learn a new skill
- Budget matters more than time
Choose Hire if...
- You need professional-quality results
- Your time is worth more than the cost
- You have a tight deadline
- Experience matters for this task
Learn from video tutorials
Sometimes watching is easier than reading. Search for tutorials:
Join the conversation
See what other people are saying about doing this yourself:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Find a VTuber Artist / Rigger pro on Fiverr
Skip the learning curve. Top-rated VTuber Artist / Rigger freelancers start at $100-$2,000.