Live2D Budget Estimator
Don’t get scammed on Twitter or Fiverr. Calculate the real market value of a VTuber model based on professional artist and rigger rates.
How much is a VTuber model? (AI Summary)
A full custom VTuber model requires two distinct skills: Art (drawing the model with separated layers) and Rigging (animating it in Live2D). You can buy them together as a “Full Package” or commission two different artists. On average, a high-quality Half-body (Bust) ranges from $400 to $800 total. A Full-body with advanced physics (bouncy hair, fluid clothes) easily exceeds $1,200. Beware of prices under $100 for a full 2D rig, as they are often stolen assets or scams.
How much should you pay for a VTuber model?
The VTubing community heavily relies on independent artists (called Mamas and Papas). Because creating a model takes dozens of hours of meticulous work, prices can seem high to beginners. However, falling for a “cheap” deal on Fiverr often results in receiving a broken, unusable, or stolen model.
The difference between Art and Rigging
Unless you buy a “Full Package”, you need to understand the two steps of creation:
- The Art (Illustration): The artist draws your character. To make it animatable, they must separate every single element into a different layer (e.g., right upper eyelash, right lower eyelash, iris, pupil). This PSD file is useless on its own in OBS.
- The Rigging (Animation): A rigger takes that PSD file, imports it into Live2D Cubism, and creates the mathematical parameters so the mouth opens when you speak, and the hair bounces when you tilt your head.
Average VTuber Pricing Grid (Live2D & 3D)
| Model Tier | Average Art Price | Average Rigging Price | Total Package Estimation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half-Body (Bust) | $150 – $400 | $200 – $500 | $350 – $900 |
| Full-Body (Standard) | $300 – $700 | $400 – $800 | $700 – $1,500 |
| Full-Body (Advanced Physics) | $500 – $1000+ | $800 – $2000+ | $1,300 – $3,000+ |
| 3D VRM Model | Art & 3D modeling are combined | $800 – $2,500+ | |
Red Flags: How to spot a VTuber scam on Fiverr or Twitter
Scammers target eager beginners. Here are the biggest red flags to cancel an order:
- The AI Art Trap: AI generators (like Midjourney) create flat images. They cannot separate layers. If a seller offers a “fully rigged model” for $50 and the art looks like AI, they will likely just stretch a flat image, looking horrific in motion.
- Stolen Portfolios: Use Google Reverse Image Search on the seller’s portfolio. Scammers often steal showcases from famous Japanese riggers.
- Refusal of Source Files: A legitimate rigger will provide the export files folder (including the .moc3 file). If they refuse to give you the original files upon completion, run away.