Virtual creators: six doors into a confusing category

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A route through an industry report, official talent directories, a virtual artist, a singing-voice character and avatar technology. These examples help separate related ideas rather than flattening them into one trend.

A virtual appearance does not tell you whether a performance is live, scripted or generated. Keep the performer, character, software and agency separate as you explore. YouTube’s report is dated April 2025 and describes its own measured sample; it is background reading, not a 2026 ranking. Directories change, so check individual profiles for current activities.

Try this first

Read the report, then compare a talent profile with the Piapro character page. What does each page actually identify?

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6 links/In de volgorde van de curator

Link 1Engels (Verenigde Staten)

YouTube — virtual creators report (April 2025)

YouTube’s April 2025 report provides platform-specific context. Read its dates and sample before applying its findings more widely.

blog.youtube

Link 2Engels

hololive — official talent directory

Use the official directory to find individual profiles and languages. It is an entry point, not a popularity table.

hololive.hololivepro.com

Link 3Engels

NIJISANJI — official talent directory

A second agency’s directory makes a useful comparison of profile information and how creators are presented.

nijisanji.jp

Link 4Kizuna AI official website

Kizuna AI — official artist site

An artist’s own site gives a different lens from a multi-talent directory. Check the release and activity information at its source.

kizunaai.com

Link 5Engels

Piapro — official character guide

The official character guide helps distinguish a singing-voice character from a livestream performer. Related fan cultures do not make them identical.

piapro.net

Link 6Engels

Live2D — software showcase

Look at the software showcase after meeting the creators. Avatar presentation is a technical layer, not evidence that a person has been replaced by AI.