What Equipment Do VTubers Use? | Your First Setup

A VTuber needs a PC or Mac, an avatar model, face-tracking software, a microphone, and headphones to start streaming.

Building your first VTubing setup is more straightforward than it looks. You don’t need thousands of dollars of gear, and you don’t need to be a tech wizard. The question of what equipment do VTubers use has a clear, practical answer: a decent computer, a tracking method, an avatar, and a mic. This guide breaks down exactly what you need, what you can skip, and where to spend your money first.

The Core VTuber Equipment List

Every VTuber setup, from a hobbyist to a professional, is built around the same five components. These are non-negotiable, but the quality and cost of each can vary wildly.

• Computer: A PC or Mac that meets the software’s system requirements.
• Avatar model: Your digital persona, either 2D or 3D.
• Tracking software: The program that makes your avatar mirror your expressions and movements.
• Microphone: A decent mic that captures your voice clearly.
• Headphones: To hear your stream and any audio cues without echoing to your audience.

Optional add-ons that improve the experience include a dedicated webcam, studio lighting, and hand or body tracking devices. For a beginner, a quality mic and a capable phone are often the smartest first upgrades.

How Face Tracking Software Works

The software at the heart of most 2D VTuber setups is VTube Studio. It takes data from a webcam or a phone and translates it onto your character model in real time. The tool supports Windows 7 and newer, and macOS 10.14 Mojave and newer, so most computers can run it.

There are two main ways to feed data into VTube Studio:

• Webcam Tracking: The official documentation states that “any webcam will do,” but recommends a resolution of 1280×720 or higher and a frame rate of 15–30 FPS for reliable results. This is the easiest way to start, as it requires no extra hardware.
• Phone Tracking: If you want smoother, more detailed facial capture, you can connect a smartphone. The app supports iPhones and iPads with Face ID, and Android devices that support ARCore. This uses the phone’s front camera and sensors for precise tracking.

To get started, you install VTube Studio on your PC or Mac, and if you’re using a phone, install the VTube Studio app and connect it as a tracker. For a higher-fidelity option, you can also purchase the “VTube Studio – NVIDIA Broadcast Tracker” add-on, which is available on Steam, but it requires an NVIDIA RTX graphics card to function.

One note on cameras: many popular DSLR and mirrorless cameras do not work well as webcams for tracking because of how they process video. A standard, cheap webcam will often deliver a better live-tracking experience than a high-end camera. If you’re ready to buy a dedicated camera that is proven to work, you can check our top tested cameras for VTubing to see what works before you spend money on the wrong gear.

System Requirements for VTube Studio

Before you buy anything, check that your computer can handle the software. The system requirements listed on the Steam page are specific and often stricter than people assume. If your PC is more than five years old, you should compare it against these numbers before you commit.

On macOS, the minimum is Catalina 10.15.7 with an Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM, and 2 GB VRAM, though the recommended spec is an Core i7 with 6 GB RAM. Keep in mind that these are just the requirements for the tracking software itself—you’ll need additional headroom if you are also gaming and streaming at the same time.

For the phone tracking feature, device support is strict. According to the official documentation, you need a recent iPhone or iPad with Face ID or an Android device with official ARCore support. If your phone is older, the software will likely not run, and you should stick to webcam tracking instead.

Essential Gear Priorities for New VTubers

If you’re on a budget, you do not need to buy everything at once. Start with what makes the biggest difference to your stream quality and add gear as you grow. Here is the order that makes the most impact:

1. A decent microphone: Viewers can ignore slightly worse video, but they will leave if they cannot hear you clearly. A USB condenser or dynamic mic like the ones from audio brands is often enough to start.
2. A supported smartphone: If your phone supports ARCore or Face ID, it will give you much better facial tracking than a webcam for zero additional cost.
3. A 720p+ webcam: If you do not have a compatible phone, a clean 720p webcam at 30fps is a solid fallback for tracking.
4. Acoustic treatment: A cheap foam wall or even a carpeted room will make your mic sound better than any expensive processor.

You can also join the community of VTubers who have built their channels with free 2D models and open-source software. The most important piece of “equipment” is consistency. A $50 setup used daily beats a $5,000 setup used once.