Publication Type

Conference Proceeding Article

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

5-2021

Abstract

Live streaming has become increasingly popular, with most streamers presenting their real-life appearance. However, Virtual YouTubers (VTubers), virtual 2D or 3D avatars that are voiced by humans, are emerging as live streamers and attracting a growing viewership in East Asia. Although prior research has found that many viewers seek real-life interpersonal interactions with real-person streamers, it is currently unknown what makes VTuber live streams engaging or how they are perceived differently than real-person streamers. We conducted an interview study to understand how viewers engage with VTubers and perceive the identities of the voice actors behind the avatars (i.e., Nakanohito). The data revealed that Virtual avatars bring unique performative opportunities which result in different viewer expectations and interpretations of VTuber behavior. Viewers intentionally upheld the disembodiment of VTuber avatars from their voice actors. We uncover the nuances in viewer perceptions and attitudes and further discuss the implications of VTuber practices to the understanding of live streaming in general.

Keywords

virtual idols, live streaming, social media, user engagement, virtual YouTuber

Discipline

Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces | Social Media

Research Areas

Intelligent Systems and Optimization

Publication

Proceedings of the 2021 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Yokohama, Japan, May 8-13

First Page

1

Last Page

14

ISBN

9781450380966

Identifier

10.1145/3411764.3445660

Publisher

ACM

City or Country

New York

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1145/3411764.3445660

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