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Avatars on the Rise

February 10, 2022

Avatars are stepping onto the stage and taking over the web. From the Japanese virtual pop star Hatsune Miku to ABBAtars and Lil Miquela, could avatars soon replace “real” stars?

https://p.dw.com/p/46oti
SHIFT Sendung l Konzert der Gruppe Hatsune Miku
Image: Valente Rosas/ZUMAPRESS/picture alliance

Hatsune Miku: A virtual superstar

Her high-pitched synthetic voice and petite anime avatar propelled Hatsune Miku to fame as Japan's top virtual pop export. But most of her songs were created by her fans.

 

SHIFT Sendung l computeranimierte Sängerin Hatsune Miku
Image: Daniel Reinhardt/dpa/picture alliance

THE END: An avatar opera without real-life singers

Can avatars die? This is what Japan's virtual pop star Hatsune Miku ponders in Keiichiro Shibuya's futuristic opera, THE END.

 

 

DW Shift
Image: Epic Games/Travis Scott, 2021

Virtual concerts: a gold mine or a money pit?

What do pop groups like ABBA or rappers like Travis Scott earn from virtual concerts, and how much do virtual influencers like Lil Miquela make? Who else is in the business?

 

 

DW Shift
Image: Twitch/CodeMiko

VTubers: Stars with virtual masks

They game, stream, sing and act in front of the webcam: In the battle for subscribers, VTubers are real all-rounders. But many prefer to remain anonymous.

 

 

DW Shift
Image: VSeeFace

How can you become a VTuber?

Professional VTubers typically use expensive motion capture suits when streaming. But you can also get impressive results on a low budget.

 

 

 

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