Fact Check: Are VTubers still popular?

Are VTubers Still Popular?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether VTubers, or virtual YouTubers, continue to maintain their popularity in 2023. VTubers are animated avatars used by content creators, primarily on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, to engage with audiences. This article will explore the current state of VTubers, backed by various sources, while critically assessing their reliability and potential biases.

What We Know

1. Growth in Viewership: According to a report from Gamesight, VTubers accounted for 1.4% of the active YouTube Live Gaming community and 9.6% of all viewer hours as of mid-2023. Notably, VTuber viewership grew by 28%, while non-VTuber content saw a decline of 6% during the same period 2.

2. Active Channels: The same report indicates there are approximately 21,600 active VTuber channels on YouTube, alongside 2,500 fan channels dedicated to clips of VTuber content 2.

3. Market Growth: The VTuber market is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting it will reach USD 3.99 billion in 2024 and potentially USD 44.1 billion by 2032, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 35% 510.

4. New Entrants and Trends: The landscape of VTubing is evolving, with smaller VTuber agencies gaining recognition, challenging the dominance of larger entities like Hololive and Nijisanji. This shift suggests a diversification in the VTuber ecosystem 6.

5. Popularity of Individual VTubers: Specific VTubers have gained significant traction, with some becoming top streamers shortly after their debut. For instance, Raden Ch. from Hololive's new DEV_IS branch was noted as the most popular new streamer in 2023 1.

Analysis

The evidence presented indicates that VTubers are indeed experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly in terms of viewership and market growth. However, the reliability of the sources varies:

• Gamesight: This source provides quantitative data regarding viewership and active channels, which is crucial for understanding the VTuber landscape. However, it is important to consider that Gamesight may have a vested interest in promoting the VTuber industry, which could introduce bias 2.

• Market Reports: Reports from Global Growth Insights and Business Research Insights provide projections for market size and growth. While these figures are compelling, market research reports can sometimes overestimate growth potential, especially in rapidly changing industries like digital entertainment 510.

• VTuber News Drop: This source discusses the evolving dynamics within the VTuber community, highlighting the rise of smaller agencies. However, it relies on commentary from individuals within the community, which may reflect personal biases rather than objective analysis 6.

• Streamcharts and Statista: These platforms provide data on viewer engagement and popularity rankings. Their methodologies for gathering data should be scrutinized to ensure accuracy, as discrepancies in data collection can lead to misleading conclusions 18.

Overall, while the data suggests a positive trend for VTubers, the potential for bias and the need for careful interpretation of market forecasts should be considered.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the conclusion that VTubers continue to be popular in 2023. Key indicators of this popularity include a significant increase in viewership, a growing number of active channels, and optimistic market projections. Specifically, VTuber viewership grew by 28% while non-VTuber content declined, and the market is expected to reach USD 3.99 billion by 2024.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. Some sources may have biases, particularly those with vested interests in the VTuber industry. Additionally, market forecasts can be subject to overestimation, especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Therefore, while the overall trend appears positive, the data should be interpreted with caution.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the context and potential biases of the sources when forming their own conclusions about the popularity of VTubers.

Sources

1. Streamcharts - Top VTubers of 2023
2. Gamesight - The Rise of VTubers 2023
3. Dexerto - Most Popular VTubers
4. Stream Hatchet - The Most Popular VTubers
5. Global Growth Insights - VTuber Market Size
6. VTuber News Drop - VTubers in 2023
7. Business Research Insights - VTuber Market Size
8. Statista - Top VTubers by Hours Watched
9. Pulsar Platform - The Rise of VTubing
10. Econ Market Research - VTuber Market