National VTuber Day
National VTuber Day is a celebration dedicated to virtual YouTubers (VTubers) – online entertainers who use computer-generated avatars instead of showing their real faces. These digital performers use motion capture technology to animate their virtual characters while streaming or creating content.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: May 25th annually
- Tagged as: Entertainment, Digital Culture, Online Content Creators
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalVTuberDay
- When was it founded?: May 2021
- Who founded it?: Peter Lasalandra
History of National VTuber Day
National VTuber Day was established to recognize and celebrate the growing community of virtual YouTubers worldwide. The VTuber phenomenon originated in Japan in the mid-2010s and has since evolved into a global digital entertainment trend. The day serves as an opportunity for fans to show appreciation for their favorite virtual entertainers and for creators to network with others in the community.
Timeline
- Mid 2010s: The VTuber trend originates in Japan
- 2016: Kizuna AI becomes the first content creator to use the phrase “virtual YouTuber”
- 2018-2020: VTuber community grows from 2,000 to over 10,000 active creators
- 2021: Peter Lasalandra creates National VTuber Day
- 2022-Present: The celebration continues to gain popularity worldwide
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 25 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 25 | Monday |
| 2027 | May 25 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | May 25 | Thursday |
| 2029 | May 25 | Friday |
| 2030 | May 25 | Saturday |
How National VTuber Day is Observed
People celebrate National VTuber Day in various creative ways:
- Watching streams of favorite VTubers
- Designing their own VTuber characters
- Joining VTuber communities on social media and forums
- Organizing virtual meet-and-greets
- Creating VTuber-inspired art, food, and content
- Gathering in online chat rooms to watch VTuber content together
Fun Facts About VTubers
- VTubers can cost up to $2,000 to commission depending on the level of detail
- By 2020, there were more than 10,000 active VTubers worldwide
- Some VTubers use anthropomorphic avatars with animal characteristics
- Major agencies like Hololive Production, Nijisanji, and VShojo promote VTubers
- Some professional wrestlers have become VTubers, noting similarities between the professions
- “PNGTubers” use static images rather than animated models
Quiz
- When was National VTuber Day established?
- Who is credited with being the first virtual YouTuber?
- What technology do most VTubers use to animate their avatars?
- How many active VTubers were there by 2020?
(Answers: 1. May 2021, 2. Kizuna AI, 3. Motion capture technology, 4. Over 10,000)
FAQs
What exactly is a VTuber?
A VTuber is an online entertainer who uses a virtual avatar generated using computer graphics instead of showing their real face. They typically create content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
Why do people become VTubers?
People become VTubers for various reasons, including creative expression, privacy, overcoming physical limitations, and the ability to present themselves in ways that might not be possible in real life. Some from marginalized communities use avatars for personal comfort and safety.
What software do VTubers use?
VTubers commonly use Live2D for 2D models and programs like VRoid Studio for 3D models. For motion capture, they use specialized software that tracks facial expressions and movements via webcam or phone cameras.
Importance of National VTuber Day
National VTuber Day highlights the impact of digital entertainment innovation and celebrates a unique form of content creation that bridges technology and performance art. It recognizes how VTubers have created new opportunities for entertainers and built vibrant online communities. The day also acknowledges how virtual avatars have allowed many creators to express themselves freely without physical or social constraints.
Related Celebrations
- Anime Day
- Digital Content Creator Day
- YouTube Creator Day
- Streaming Appreciation Day
- Digital Art Day
