The Ultimate PNGTuber Guide

Streaming with a PNGTuber avatar is the latest way to bring your gaming experience to the next level. This innovative technology emerged in 2020 and quickly gained popularity among live streamers on platforms such as Twitch. Since then, the concept of a PNGTuber has become more widespread, with a massive community being built up around it.

What Is a PNGTuber?

A PNGTuber is a specific type of streamer that uses virtual avatars to represent them during their streams through social media and gaming platforms. The avatar responds to the streamer’s voice via special software in addition to their standard broadcasting software. These avatars are basically created using simple PNG graphics and frame-by-frame animations.

Avatars allow PNGTubers to remain anonymous if they choose to do so, giving them the freedom to make videos without worrying about their personal information being revealed. Some viewers also find the novelty of engaging with virtual characters to be appealing. Gorillaz, a band whose members’ virtual avatars have won over fans throughout the world, is a great example of this tendency.

A PNGTuber vs VTuber

Many people don’t understand the fundamental difference between a PNGTuber and VTuber. Let’s find out what distinguishes them from one another.

1. Image Source

A PNGTuber is an animated avatar that uses static image files, such as PNGs, to represent the character while a VTuber is a virtual YouTuber that uses 3D modeled avatars and motion capture technology.

2. Animation Style

PNGTubers rely on traditional animation techniques such as tweening and frame-by-frame animation while VTubers utilize realistic body movements created through motion capture data or realtime facial expressions generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

3. Cost

The cost of creating a PNGTuber avatar is considerably lower than that of making a VTuber avatar since it does not require motion capturing equipment or sophisticated software. The reason that creating a VTuber avatar is more expensive is due to the need for motion capture systems, facial animation technology, and other technical elements.

4. Reach

While both offer engaging experiences for audiences, a VTuber’s movements and facial expressions are much more realistic than those of a PNGTuber. This makes it easier to create high-quality content that resonates with viewers, leading to a better reach and engagement rate compared to a static image-based avatar.

5. Interactivity

A PNGTuber’s interactivity is limited as there are no realtime physical actions that the audience can interact with while watching the avatar on screen. On the other hand, VTubers allow for greater interactivity with viewers through features like video chat, live streaming, and polls.

Overall, PNGTubers and VTubers provide two different types of experiences for audiences. While a PNGTuber avatar is often easier to create due to its lower cost, it lacks the realism of a VTuber’s movements and facial expressions.

What’s more, the interactivity level between viewers and a VTuber avatar is much higher compared to that with a PNGTuber. Therefore, both can be great options depending on one’s budget or desired outcome.

How to grow an audience as a PNGTuber

If you are completely new to this industry, read our step-by-step guide on how to become a PNGTuber and start streaming.

1. Research and Choose a Platform

The first step to becoming a PNGTuber is researching which streaming platform best suits your needs. Popular platforms for streaming include Twitch, YouTube Gaming, and Facebook Gaming. Each one has its own unique features, pros and cons, so it’s important to research each one thoroughly before making a decision.

2. Create an Account

Once you have decided on the platform that works best for you, it’s time to create an account. Signing up is easy and usually doesn’t require much more than providing some basic information like your name and email address. Additionally, many platforms also require you to verify your identity by linking social media accounts or providing proof of age