Glossary

What is PNGtuber?

A PNGtuber is a VTuber who uses a static 2D image (a PNG) as their on-screen avatar, instead of a fully tracked 2D or 3D model. The image typically toggles between a few states — such as mouth-open and mouth-closed — based on microphone input, giving a simple talking effect without face tracking.

PNGtubing is the lowest-barrier way to start VTubing. There's no rigging, no face tracking, and no 3D modeling — you just need one or more images and a small app (like Veadotube Mini or a Discord reactive-images setup) that swaps them when you speak. That makes it popular with creators who want an avatar quickly, on any budget, without learning new software.

The apps are free. Veadotube Mini (Windows, macOS, Linux) is the usual first pick: two to four PNGs, microphone input, and a window you capture in OBS (and from there Discord via OBS Virtual Camera). PNGTuber Plus adds physics, layered parts and more states; PNGTuber Maker and Pngify.me are Windows alternatives, and PRISM Live Studio does it on a phone. Whichever you choose, the format is the same: one image per state, swapped by sound.

The trade-off is expressiveness. A PNGtuber can't track your eyes, head turns, or detailed expressions; it mostly reacts to whether you're talking. For many creators that's perfectly fine to start, but as a channel grows, the lack of real-time animation can feel limiting compared to Live2D or 3D avatars.

Upgrading is common. Plenty of creators begin as PNGtubers and later move to a full 3D VRM avatar for more professional, expressive streams. VTubeMe makes that jump easy: turn a selfie into a 3D VRM avatar with real-time face tracking, and keep your PNGtuber for casual streams if you like.

PNGtuber — FAQ

What is a PNGtuber?
A PNGtuber is a VTuber who uses a static 2D image (PNG) as their avatar, usually toggling between a couple of states based on whether they're speaking, rather than using full face tracking.
What's the difference between a PNGtuber and a VTuber?
PNGtuber is a type of VTuber. The distinction is the avatar: a PNGtuber uses a static image with simple toggles, while other VTubers use tracked Live2D (2D) or VRM (3D) models that follow their facial movements in real time.
How do I make a PNGtuber?
Create one or more PNG images of your character, then use a tool like Veadotube Mini or Discord reactive images to swap them based on your microphone input.
Which app do PNGtubers use?
Most start with Veadotube Mini, which is free and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. PNGTuber Plus (free, more states and physics), PNGTuber Maker and Pngify.me are the common Windows alternatives; PRISM Live Studio works on a phone.
How do I upgrade from a PNGtuber to a 3D avatar?
Generate a 3D VRM avatar — for example from a selfie with VTubeMe — then load it into a free VTuber app like VSeeFace or Warudo for real-time face tracking.

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