VTUBER

The concept of VTubers originated in Japan around 2016-2017, with Kizuna AI often credited as one of the first. The format exploded in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since become a global phenomenon. VTubers create various types of content including gaming streams, chatting sessions, singing performances, and educational videos. Many are associated with agencies such as Hololive, Nijisanji, or VShojo, while others operate independently. VTubers combine cutting-edge technology with traditional entertainment, creating a new form of digital performance art where creators can express themselves through carefully crafted virtual personas while maintaining their privacy and expanding creative possibilities.

Some VTubers have massive followings, with top creators earning significant revenue through donations, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Their appeal comes from several factors, including the novelty of the technology, the creative character designs, and often the entertaining personalities behind the avatars. VTuber audiences are predominantly male (60–80%), mostly aged 18–35 (tech-savvy older Gen Z'ers and younger Millennials without girlfriends). They are often anime or gaming fans from Japan, the United States, and Southeast Asia. Many are drawn to the "charm" of female anime-style avatars, with some VTubers incorporating flirtatious or suggestive content, though explicit material remains niche. While the scene began male-oriented, it is gradually diversifying, attracting more female fans and broader global interest.