How to Make a VTuber Model from Scratch (Free & Paid Methods)

Want to become a VTuber but don't know where to start with your model? You're not alone. Making a VTuber model is one of the most exciting steps in starting your streaming journey.

The good news: you don't need to be an artist or spend thousands of dollars. Whether you want a free 2D Live2D model, a 3D VRoid avatar, or a fully custom commission, there's a method that fits your budget and skill level.

In this guide, we'll walk you through every way to make a VTuber model from scratch — including completely free options and professional commission routes.

What Is a VTuber Model?

Three main types:

Before you start making one, decide which type fits your goals. 2D models are the most popular among VTubers, while 3D gives you more expressive freedom. 3D models have a low entry barrier—you can easily create one using VRoid Studio—but a very high ceiling, which we’ll explain in detail later.

Method 1: Make a Free 3D VTuber Model with VRoid Studio

What is VRoid Studio?

VRoid Studio is a free 3D anime character creator by Pixiv. You can design your avatar from scratch — hair, eyes, outfit, body — and export it as a .vrm file compatible with VTube Studio.

✅ Totally Free | ✅ No art skills needed | ✅ Works with VTube Studio directly

Creating Your VRoid Model

Step 1: Download VRoid Studio Head to vroid.com and download the free desktop app (Windows/Mac).

Step 2: Customize Your Avatar Use the built-in sliders and tools to design:

Face shape, eye style, skin color
Hair (color, length, physics)
Outfit and accessories

Step 3: Export as .VRM Go to Export → Save as VRM file. Keep the polygon count below 70,000 for smooth tracking.

Step 4: Import into VTube Studio Open VTube Studio → Load Model → select your .vrm file → calibrate face tracking.

💡 Tips: You can use the VRoid Hub community to download free preset parts and outfits.

You may have heard of 3D models costing tens of thousands of dollars, but now we can quickly create one for free using VRoid. So why is there such a huge gap between different 3D models?

That's because VRoid was designed with the goal of "letting ordinary people create an anime character in five minutes" and to run smoothly on most devices, which means many deep parameters had to be sacrificed. Therefore, if you want a highly detailed 3D model with lively expressions and movements—and you have a generous budget—you'll need to model it yourself or commission someone to build it using professional tools like Blender. Models created this way will be significantly better in skin texture, facial expressions, large movements, clothing, and other details.

That said, VRoid is more than enough for beginners to create a 3D avatar. If you want to take it further, you can look up tutorials on optimizing physics effects.

Method 2: Make a Free 2D VTuber Model (PNGTuber Style)

What is a PNGTuber?

A PNGTuber is a type of virtual streamer (VTuber) that uses a static PNG image as their on-screen avatar instead of a fully animated Live2D or 3D model. The image switches between different expressions (e.g., mouth open, mouth closed, blinking) based on audio input or keyboard shortcuts. It's a lightweight, budget-friendly alternative for beginners or streamers with low-end hardware.

Tools You'll Need

Veadotube Mini — free PNGTuber software (most popular)
Any image editor (Canva, Photoshop, Clip Studio Paint) to create your PNG sprites
At minimum: 1 "closed mouth" image + 1 "open mouth" image

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Create 2–4 PNG sprites of your character (natural, talking, blinking, surprised)

Step 2: Import into Veadotube Mini → assign microphone input to trigger mouth-open sprite

Step 3: Add as a virtual camera source in OBS or Streamlabs

Method 3: Buy a Premade Or Customizable VTuber Model

Don't want to make it yourself or wait for a commission? Premade models are ready-to-use VTuber models you can buy and immediately load into VTube Studio.

Customizable Model – a Live2D model that allows you to freely adjust facial and body features. There are also lightweight highly customizable models, depending on which parameters are adjustable. Prices range from cheap to moderate. You can create many different looks for your OC, offering excellent value for money.

👉Shop Customizable VTuber Model

Premade Model: comes with fixed, non-adjustable parameters. However, many of these models are very well-made, comparable to ones costing tens of thousands. They are also a great value choice.

👉Shop Premade VTuber Model

Method 4: Commission a Professional 2D Live2D VTuber Model

This is how most professional VTubers get their iconic look. If you already have a specific character in mind that you want to customize, you can commission an illustrator and a modeler. A commissioned model involves:

1.Character design — An artist draws according to your character reference sheet
2.Live2D rigging — A rigger adds movement layers and physics
3.The final result is a fully expressive 2D anime avatar that reacts to your face in real time.

What to Prepare Before Commissioning

Your character concept / reference images
A list of expressions you want (happy, sad, angry, surprised)
Your budget

Where to Find Artists

DrawMarket — a marketplace specializing in VTuber model art and rigging
X — contact your favorite artists

FAQ

1.Do I need to know how to draw to make a VTuber model?

No. VRoid Studio requires zero drawing skills. If you want a 2D model, you'll either need to learn Live2D (complex) or commission an artist.

2.How long does it take to make a VTuber model?

VRoid: 1–3 hours. PNGTuber: 30–60 minutes. Commission: 2–8 weeks depending on the artist. Premade Or Customizable VTuber Model: use immediately after purchase.

3.What software do VTubers use for their models?

Most use VTube Studio (mobile face tracking) or VSeeFace (PC, free). Both support Live2D and VRM formats.

Whether you go the free VRoid route, start with a PNGTuber, or invest in a professional commission — the most important step is to start!

👉 Ready to get your model? [Browse VTuber model commissions and premade options on DrawMarket]