A VTuber, an abbreviation of “virtual YouTuber,” is a content creator who presents themselves as a virtual avatar. For years, this growing category of content creators has been attracting a thriving community of fans worldwide. This is evidenced by Offkai Expo, a volunteer run convention in the Bay Area that is self described as “the first VTuber focused convention that aims to bring creators big and small from all aspects of the VTubing world to one place,” and 2025 marks the convention’s fourth annual event. In a full circle moment, Kizuna AI, who coined the term “VTuber” and who became the first VTuber to achieve breakout popularity, appeared at Offkai Expo Gen 4 as her first event and live performance since returning from a three-year hiatus. From programming and performances to meetups, Offkai Expo offers enthusiasts, old and new, various ways to enjoy the VTuber culture and community.
VTubers were popularized in Japan, and it’s common to see most VTubers use avatars, also called models, designed with an anime aesthetic. However, VTubing has since expanded in global popularity, and it isn’t limited to those who enjoy Japanese pop culture. For Vtuber Limealicious, who started out as a voice-only gaming streamer a decade ago, she experienced the evolution of streaming and transitioned to VTubing without doing a deep dive into the typical etiquette expected of Japanese-inspired VTubers. At the end of the day, It’s for anyone who wants to choose their own character representation – whether it’s a cute anime girl from the future, a giant fire-breathing dragon from medieval times, or an immobile yet sentient rock with googly eyes.
Many VTubers see the medium as a way to be a content creator without revealing their identity. Others, who have revealed their faces before, see VTubing as another way to engage with their audience. There is a misconception that a creator has to pick between being a VTuber or an IRL streamer, someone who creates content while showing their own real face, but there are content creators who do both. It gives them the freedom to express themselves as their physical selves or as their character representation, without worrying about their physical appearance, when they choose. Content creator Cakejumper, who started as an IRL streamer, shared that VTubing became an attractive medium for that reason. Depending on the content, she decides whether it would be more entertaining to stream as a VTuber or with her face cam.
Being a live 2D or 3D VTuber doesn’t mean that you don’t entirely disregard how you look, though you’re focused on something other than your physical appearance; it’s the way how your movement translates into expression on your model. While VTubing technology continues to grow more advanced, creators learn how to best express themselves through their individual models because each is designed differently. VTuber Rin Penrose said that sometimes she has to move in certain ways, like make larger movements, in order to express herself the way she wants. She’s seen other VTubers unintentionally adopt some of their VTuber movements in real life and noted how silly it can look because humans don’t naturally move that way, but it helps a lot with VTuber model expression.
While Vtubers engage with viewers behind an avatar, it doesn’t mean there’s any less connection with their audience. VTubers can “physically” attend and explore conventions too. They can be seen roaming the venue floors in the form of robots, essentially a screen on wheels, checking out booths. Everywhere at Offkai Expo there are fans not only having meetups with eachother, but there are VTuber meet & greets at various booths scattered throughout the convention. Fans can step up to a screen, put on headphones, speak into a microphone, and chat with a VTuber while seeing them on the screen. There’s also a camera set up so the VTuber can see the fan while conversing. Offkai Expo VTuber guests hold meet & greets in a dedicated area, and some came up with creative ways to make the experience more immersive. At Dooby’s session, when she raises her right hand off screen, an inflatable hand lifts up for fans to shake. Meanwhile at Mint Fantome’s session, fans can get “spit on,” with consent of course, as spurts of water are sprayed onto their faces. It’s so goofy and unserious, but that’s what makes the VTuber community so imaginative and fun. While some may think not being physically together detracts from the bonding experience, VTubing proves that there’s so many creative and meaningful ways to foster community, even through a screen.
