GIFTuber

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Andrew Dickman's character Cody used in an animated streaming sequence

A GIFTuber is a streamer or content creator who streams online via a (normally animated) 2D virtual avatar depiction used to represent them on social media and gaming platforms.

Overview[edit]

Created with Graphics Interchange Format (GIF) or Portable Network Graphics (PNG) images, GIFTubers use the same methods, art tools, broadcasting software, etc, as PNGTubers, even sometimes also calling their avatars PNGTuber characters, but prefer to identify themselves as "GIFTubers" for various reasons (in the same vein as certain artists in the furry fandom identify themselves either as furry artists, anthro artist, or funny animal artists).

GIFTuber avatars move in response to the streamer’s voice through specialized software and can be set up to express different emotions, which lets the streamer develop a distinctive and fun character, separate from their real personality. It helps them feel more at ease and fully express themselves while streaming. The avatars used by streamers can be anything, ranging from robots to anime characters to furries.

Graphic design apps such as Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, and Photopea are used in creating the avatar, either via the use of drawn and scanned images, or via direct input with a graphic tablet.

Promotion is essential to keep a GIFTuber/PNGTuber audience. Stream sites such as TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels are excellent for sharing stream highlights, while social sites Discord and Reddit are useful for discussion. These platforms are ideal for connecting with other PNGTubers, exchanging ideas, making friends, and expanding the PNGTuber's network.

GIFTuber/PNGTuber Avatar[edit]

These avatars, user-created or bought via a third party, consist of two main parts: the base avatar and its expressions. The base avatar is a GIF image with a transparent background. The expressions are also GIF images, each showing the avatar with a different emotion.

At a minimum, a user needs two images for the avatar: one with the mouth open and another with it closed. Adding more pictures and expressions can make the character more lively (animation). Before creation, finding the appropriate size for the avatar images is recommended.

Tools[edit]

An internet user initially needs a computer to run the stream with a good to professional-quality microphone, as the user relies on voice input to bring the avatar(s) to life. Ideally, streaming from a PC with specs that run both the broadcasting software and the GIFTuber/PNGTuber software is the best option.

Software[edit]

Avatar animation[edit]

  • Veadotube - Veadotube mini is the most highly rated and popular of all the GIFTuber/PNGTuber software currently available. It’s available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Hotkeys can be set to activate different states that express different emotions. The software detects input from the user's voice and will open the mouth when talking. Static and animated images (GIF/PNG) are supported, which gives even more flexibility.
  • PNGTuber Plus - PNGTuber Plus offers a lot more customization and features than some other software. By using sprite sheets, you can add animations to your characters, giving them an extra dimension. It’s free and is available for Windows and Mac.
  • PNGTuber Maker - PNGTuber Maker is a popular, easy-to-use, free app on Steam, and it’s another very popular choice with GIFTubers/PNGTubers.
  • PRISM Live Studio - PRISM Live Studio is a PC and mobile PNGTubers app.

Streaming software[edit]

To broadcast via Twitch or YouTube, a user needs to use broadcasting software such as OBS Studio and Streamlabs are the most popular options, among others.

GIFTuber vs VTuber[edit]

Similar in appearance, VTubers use a lot more sophisticated technology compared to GIFTubers. The main differences between them can be summarized as follows:

  • Models: VTubers' advanced motion capture technology and intricate 3D models vs GIFTubers simple 2D media.
  • Animation: VTubers react in real-time to the streamer's movements. GIFTubers can be given premade animations but need to be triggered manually.
  • Cost: VTubing's significantly higher cost (i.e. expensive 3D models, etc) than GIFTubing.
  • Engagement: VTubers' intricate 3D model animation is a lot more engaging with the public.

GIFTuber and furry[edit]

As stated before, furry GIFTubers is just another way to self-identify themselves instead of naming oneself as a furry PNGTuber. As with PNGTubers, GIFTubing is used by such diverse furry crowds as furry fans, furry artists, furry streamers, etc.

See also[edit]

External links[edit]

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