Interacting with Virtual Creators

Streamers using avatars in place of a webcam or showing their real face are known as VTubers. The term "VTuber" is short for "Virtual YouTuber," but this term has evolved over time to mean any content creator using a virtual avatar instead of their real/"IRL" face (facecam). Other terms for VTubers include VStreamer or VArtist. The "V" in these terms stands for "Virtual."

Many content creators choose to use an avatar for a number of reasons, such as privacy and accessibility. While Virtual Creators are real people, they are often playing characters displayed via their virtual avatar. Some of these users with avatars have "lore," a term used to define a backstory for their character or why that character exists.

Some Virtual Creators will remain strictly "in-character" (role playing) as their avatar. Others simply want to use an avatar to maintain a sense of privacy and will still be themselves, just without showing their real face. Some may even mix between the two or keep a happy medium or balance. In general, individual Virtual Creators may have their own rules, and it's best to follow them.

Etiquette for Streamers using Virtual Avatars

• Avoid asking a Virtual Streamer/Creator to do a "face reveal" (sharing their real/IRL face). Doing this is generally frowned upon when it comes to Virtual Creators (and VTubers). Some Virtual Creators do willingly show their "real/IRL" faces, and some will even alternate between using an avatar and a facecam. However, streamers that exclusively use an avatar probably do so for a reason. Please respect their boundaries and privacy!
• If a Virtual Creator does not publicly reveal any personal details about themselves, do not pry. This is considered invading their privacy. The vast majority of Virtual Creators do not make their other online identities public, much less personal information. If any personal information doesn’t come directly from the creator, it is considered doxing.
• Respect a Virtual Creator the same way you would a real person. There is still a human being behind the avatar with thoughts, feelings, and needs. They are a streamer just like any other facecam streamer, but using a virtual avatar instead.
• Don't make destructive or disparaging comment about a Virtual Creator avatar/model. Artists work hard on creating these avatars so streamers can make content with them. Virtual Creator also have personal attachments to their models, as they are that creator's form of self-expression. All types of models are their own art form, and are equally worthy of respect and love for the amount of work that goes into them.
• Don't make disparaging comments on a Virtual Creator voice, ask about their "real voice," or make comments about voice changers. Whatever a creator chooses to do with their voice, modified or not, is their business- they are allowed their own comfort and privacy. Focus on the fantastic content they make instead!