VTubing and Its Potential for the Streaming and Design Community: An Austrian Perspective

This paper explores the landscape of Virtual YouTubing (VTubing) in Austria, a phenomenon that gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study compares Austrian VTubers with their Japanese counterparts, emphasizing cultural and contextual disparities. Through an online survey and interviews with six VTubers, the research addresses key questions regarding the state of VTubing in Austria, the creation process of VTuber avatars, and the influence of the Kawaii phenomenon on gender roles. Results highlight the challenges faced by Austrian VTubers, including niche status and language barriers, and reveal nuanced differences in behavior, organization, and cultural influences. The impact of the Kawaii aesthetic on gender roles within the VTubing community is explored, and the step-by-step process of avatar creation is outlined. The study provides insights into the advantages and challenges of VTubing, paving the way for future research and fostering the growth of the VTubing community in Austria.