What is PNGTubing, and how does it work in 2025?

Today, we’ll discuss:

• What is PNGTubing?
• When did PNGTubing start?
• Is PNGTubing safe?
• What’s the difference between PNGTubing and VTubing?
• How do PNGTubers get paid?
• How to start PNGTubing in 2025

What is PNGTubing?

PNGTubing is a type of live-streaming and content creation, during which the host is displayed as a virtual 2D avatar. The avatar is usually composed of a GIF or several PNG files, which change when the host speaks.

The result is charming and notably old-school, looking more like a flip-book cartoon than anything modern. Still, this approach makes it seem like the avatar is a “real” person interacting with the content they’re streaming.

Check out Saberspark, one of the world’s most popular PNGTubers, to get a feel for what we mean.

Similar to how the word “emoticon” comes from “emotion” and “icon,” PNGTubing is a portmanteau of “PNG” and “YouTubing.” It’s long outgrown its name, though — PNGTubers can be found all over Facebook, Twitch, X/Twitter, and other social media platforms.

PNGTubing is a type of faceless content creation, as the host’s “real” face is locked behind an avatar. People might use PNGTubing to express their true selves, steady their on-camera nerves, play with out-there content ideas…or they might just think it looks great.

When did PNGTubing start?

PNGTubing started gaining steam in the 2020s, but the concept’s been around for a while. The video below, from 15 (!) years ago, isn’t as sophisticated as modern-day PNGTubing, but it gives you an idea of where it all started. 

Is PNGTubing safe?

PNGTubing is no more unsafe than regular live-streaming and video creation. As always, we’d suggest you keep any personal information close to your chest, use two-factor authentication, and follow platform-specific security protocols.

Although your “real” face can’t be stolen by scammers while PNGTubing, some folks have real concerns over voice safety. The risk here’s the same for “normal” YouTube content — if your voice is in the public domain, there’s a risk that someone might steal and misuse it.

While this kind of identity theft is serious, it’s usually reserved for big-name influencers. If you are a PNGTuber with hundreds of thousands of followers, you’ll probably have legal counsel who’ve dealt with these cases before.

What’s the difference between PNGTubing and VTubing?

VTubing follows the same general idea as PNGTubing, replacing a content creator’s image with an avatar. However, VTubing is much more complex than PNGTubing, often using motion-capture software to nail the full spectrum of movements and emotions in real time. This results in a more nuanced, realistic avatar.

Here’s another example of PNGTubing from Jellybean: a streamer who uses both an animated character and a surgical mask to protect their identity. It’s not particularly life-like — the charm lies in the animation.

But just because PNGTubing is less “real” than VTubing, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worse. PNGTubing’s simplicity makes it cheaper and more accessible, which is perfect for beginners. 

PNGTubing and VTubing are just different ways to present content. If you can spin a captivating, dynamic story, it doesn’t matter if the on-screen avatar is a human, a PNG, or a 3D-rendered alien with seventeen eyes. 

Need music for that captivating, dynamic story? We’ve got you covered. Explore Epidemic Sound’s catalog of more than 50,000 tracks and 200,000 Hollywood-grade sound effects, and find the perfect match today. 

How do PNGTubers get paid?

Once they’re monetizing, PNGTubers are paid just like regular streamers and content creators. For example, if they stream on Twitch, they can generate revenue through ad revenue sharing, subscriptions, and donations.

PNGTubers can also go down third-party avenues, like affiliate marketing and merch. As we’ve mentioned a few times, most aspects of PNGTubing mirror regular content — monetization’s no different.

If you have a solid base of tech know-how, you can probably earn money through PNGTuber avatar commissions. Those wanting to start as PNGTubers might not be able to create bespoke avatars — if you have the experience, it could be worth doing.

How to start PNGTubing in 2025

Now that you know what PNGTubing is and why people do it, we’ll wrap up with a beginner’s guide. Here’s how to start PNGTubing in 2025. 

1. Prepare all of your equipment and software

Although you can’t really PNGTube for free, it’s less expensive than VTubing. If you already create or consume content, you’ll hopefully have a few of the things needed to get started.

Here’s a list of the main equipment and software you’ll need.

A computer

You’ll need something that can handle everything we’ll mention in this section, otherwise you’ll risk crashing during your streams and recording sessions. While Windows devices are usually better equipped for these tasks, PNGTubing is less intense than VTubing, and requires fewer moving parts. For example, you don’t need a webcam. 

A microphone

You don’t need the best mic in the world, but you should probably research which microphone is best for you. Consider factors like your room’s acoustics, how far you’ll sit from the mic, and the overall sound quality. After all, your PNGTuber avatar is triggered by your voice — you’ll need to make sure it’s clear.

PNGTuber tools for avatar creation

Free PNGTuber makers like Charat are great for first-timers. However, Charat’s reliance on PNGTuber templates means that someone, sometime, somewhere, may create the same avatar as yours. As long as you’re cool with that, go ahead.

Or, if you have more of a budget and really want your PNGTuber avatar to pop, you can commission someone to create it.

PNGTubing software for avatar animation

We’ll keep rolling with the free alternatives here, too. You can use PNGTuber Plus to set up, stream, and record with your avatar. Other options like PNGTuber Maker and Veadotube also allow free avatar animation.

Streaming software

Just like most of the other computer-related components on this list, you should be able to find some free streaming software. Streamlabs and OBS Studio both offer customizable, pro-level PNGTuber support that won’t cost you a dime.

2. Think about your audience

Really drill down into who your audience is. Consider niches, content gaps, new ways to spin an old idea — anything that’ll make you stand out to the people you want to reach.

While PNGTubing is popular, the audience is still comparatively specialist. For that reason, it’s worth taking inspiration from other popular PNGTubers. What do they do that works? What do they do that doesn’t?

3. Create or buy your PNGTuber avatar

This step depends on how you’ve decided to approach the avatar creation process. You can use PNGTuber avatar creation websites, assemble your own series of PNG files, or commission a professional to create one for you.

The upside of PNGTubing’s relative simplicity is that, with a little practice, you can probably create your own avatar. If you want to try VTubing, the initial creation and rigging process is much more complex.

4. Animate your PNGTuber avatar

The animation process will differ slightly depending on your software, but most should follow a similar route. Within your PNGTuber animation software, you’ll need to confirm which PNG is “silent” and which is “speaking.” These actions will be triggered by the microphone. There should be additional slots for “blinking” and other actions, too.

You can also adjust your microphone settings and establish a volume limit. This prevents your PNGTuber avatar from “speaking” if you cough away from the mic, if there’s a tiny background noise, and so on.

Once you’ve handled that, you can set your PNGTuber avatar’s background to a solid green screen. This will give your avatar a transparent background when streaming, helping it slot seamlessly into your content.

5. Open your streaming software

Like the previous step, this may vary depending on your streaming software. Most should have an option to add your avatar, though — it’s usually hidden under a “Game/Screen Capture” > “Add Source” path.

You’ll probably be prompted to select a specific tab or window. Once you’ve done that, you can drag, drop, and resize your avatar to fit your screen. 

With both your PNGTuber animation software and streaming software running, you should be good to go. Try a test stream, address any issues, and go live or pre-record your content when you’re ready. 

The first take probably won’t be perfect, and that’s OK — it’s a new format. Take the time to figure out what works best for you, tweak it where necessary, and start building your profile as a PNGTuber one step at a time.

Wrapping up our PNGTubing guide

While this article covers the basics of PNGTubing, it is just that: a basic guide. Once you nail what your avatar looks like, how it moves, and how it reacts to on-screen content, you can build a more tailored, unique experience.

And whether you’re creating content as a PNGTuber, VTuber, or just as you are, you’ll likely need music. Don’t settle for second-best. Try Epidemic Sound. 

Our catalog is high-quality, affordable, and safe. An Epidemic Sound subscription goes beyond royalty-free music, removing the headache of licensing and freeing you up to do what you do best. 

You can enjoy the safety of our license hand-in-hand with our catalog of 50,000 tracks, covering just about every genre you can think of. You’ll also gain unlimited access to our advanced search functions — finding the right sound’s never been easier. 

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