VTubing in 2026: From Live IPs to Industry Consolidation

2025 was one of the most important periods in VTubing’s history not because of any single breakout star or controversy, but because it forced the industry to confront uncomfortable structural truths. Community sentiment, particularly on platforms like X, has increasingly framed VTubing as a space where corporations are losing relevance and indies are “winning.” That narrative is loud, emotionally charged, and largely misleading. Continue reading VTubing in 2026: From Live IPs to Industry Consolidation

Vexpo 2025 – The current state of the Vtuber industry

On the weekend of the 6th, I travelled to Birmingham for the second edition of Vexpo, not just as a developing voice in the industry, but also as a fan. This was my first time attending and given how hard it’s been to find VTubing content or communities at other UK conventions, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Since returning from Japan, I hadn’t actually met any other VTubing fans in person. That’s why I was genuinely surprised and a little overwhelmed by the sheer turnout, with fans travelling from across the world to celebrate their favourite VTubers. The excitement started even before the con itself: on Friday night I met up with a group of fans, and although we didn’t have concert tickets, we crammed into a hotel room to watch it together. I ended up on the bathroom floor, but I wouldn’t have traded that moment for anything. Continue reading Vexpo 2025 – The current state of the Vtuber industry

The Collapse of VShojo

It’s hard for anyone in the VTubing world to miss the recent collapse of VShojo, arguably the biggest story in the industry’s history. In the span of a single day, an entire agency was effectively wiped out, a fallout so severe it eclipsed even the damage caused by Selen Tatsuki’s termination from Nijisanji.
Of course, this didn’t happen overnight. The cracks have been showing for some time. Allegations have surfaced that prominent talents like Kson and Henya hadn’t been paid in nearly a year, and the company reportedly failed to deliver a promised $500,000 donation to Ironmouse’s iron deficiency charity.
So how did one of the most promising VTuber agencies end up imploding so dramatically? Continue reading The Collapse of VShojo

Let’s talk about Graduation

Murasaki Shion’s impending graduation from Hololive marks a notable increase in departures, the fifth since August 2024. This trend reflects various personal reasons, shifting dynamics within Hololive, and the rise of indie VTubers. Despite the emotional impact, graduations allow talents to transition positively, while new generations and affiliations offer a fresh direction for the agency. Continue reading Let’s talk about Graduation

How a Touhou Meme Shaped Hololive’s Biggest Merch Success

The Hololive “Friends With U” plush line, introduced in late 2022, mirrors the successful Touhou Fumos, offering fans consistent collectibles of favorite characters. This in-house merchandise boosts profits significantly for Cover Corp, establishing Hololive’s unique identity. The strategy allows for enhanced branding and creativity, contributing to its commercial success. Continue reading How a Touhou Meme Shaped Hololive’s Biggest Merch Success