I Stan Alien Idols and Also the People Behind Them: Understanding How Seams Between Virtual and Real Identities Engage VTuber Fans -- A Case Study of PLAVE

TL;DR

This case study of the Korean VTuber group PLAVE explores how seams between virtual and real identities influence fan engagement, highlighting the role of glitches and identity collapses in shaping viewer perceptions and interactions.

Contribution

It provides new insights into how seams affect fan experiences by analyzing real fan reactions to virtual-identity inconsistencies in a popular VTuber group.

Findings

Seams include technical glitches and identity collapses.

Fans value authenticity and coherence differently.

Seams significantly influence fan engagement.

Abstract

Virtual YouTubers (VTubers) have recently gained popularity as streamers using computer-generated avatars and real-time motion capture to create distinct virtual identities. While prior research has explored how VTubers construct virtual personas and engage audiences, little attention has been given to viewers' reactions when virtual and real identities blur-what we refer to as "seams." To address this gap, we conducted a case study on PLAVE, a popular Korean VTuber Kpop idol group, interviewing 24 of their fans. Our findings identified two main sources of seams: technical glitches and identity collapses, where VTubers act inconsistently with their virtual personas, revealing aspects of their real selves. These seams played a pivotal role in shaping diverse fan engagements, with some valuing authenticity linked to real identities, while others prioritized the coherence of virtual personas. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of seams in shaping viewer experiences.