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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

Dakyeom Ahn, Seora Park, Seolhee Lee, Jieun Cho, Hajin Lim

TL;DR

This study examines how seams—the moments when a VTuber’s virtual identity exposes or blends with the performer’s real identity—shape viewer engagement, using PLAVE as a case study. Through semi-structured interviews with 24 PLAVE fans and thematic analysis, the authors identify two primary seam sources: technical glitches and implicit disclosures, which lead fans to either embrace the real identities or maintain a virtual-only focus. The findings reveal that seams can deepen engagement and authenticity when integrated thoughtfully, but can also disrupt immersion when disclosures are abrupt or misaligned. The work offers design implications for platforms to support seam exposure preferences, enabling more personalized and resilient VTuber experiences. This contributes to broader discussions of identity, authenticity, and audience engagement in hybrid virtual entertainment contexts.

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.

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 study examines how seams—the moments when a VTuber’s virtual identity exposes or blends with the performer’s real identity—shape viewer engagement, using PLAVE as a case study. Through semi-structured interviews with 24 PLAVE fans and thematic analysis, the authors identify two primary seam sources: technical glitches and implicit disclosures, which lead fans to either embrace the real identities or maintain a virtual-only focus. The findings reveal that seams can deepen engagement and authenticity when integrated thoughtfully, but can also disrupt immersion when disclosures are abrupt or misaligned. The work offers design implications for platforms to support seam exposure preferences, enabling more personalized and resilient VTuber experiences. This contributes to broader discussions of identity, authenticity, and audience engagement in hybrid virtual entertainment contexts.

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.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 24 sections, 3 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Research Background
  3. VTubers' Dual Identity and Viewer Engagement
  4. Seams in VTubing Experiences
  5. Case Study: PLAVE
  6. Research Method
  7. Recruitment
  8. Participants
  9. Study Procedure
  10. Data Analysis
  11. Findings
  12. Making Sense of the Virtual Identities of PLAVE
  13. Recognizing Seams
  14. Embracing or Detaching Seams
  15. Embracing Seams: Bridging Virtual and Real Identities
  16. ...and 9 more sections

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: Technical glitches during PLAVE's live streaming. Members' necks and legs were twisted (left & center). They even floated in the air, penetrating another member's head (right). ©VLAST
  • Figure 2: PLAVE recommending their favorite restaurant in Seoul during live streaming ©VLAST
  • Figure 3: Overview of our findings: A fan’s experience of engaging with a VTuber, progressing to recognizing their real identity, and ultimately choosing to embrace both personas or focus solely on the virtual.