Research Report

Live2D:20Years of Creative Impact

• *1As of July 2025. This figure does not include users of supplemental tools, plugins, or SDKs.

Live2D has become a global standard as a versatile technology for “animating illustrations.” Its usage spans games, apps, VTuber avatars, and other digital content. It integrates seamlessly with IP-based business models, providing creators with steady work and reliable income.
Recently, Live2D has also become popular as an interface for AI agents, and its applications in film and TV animation are expanding as well. The technology’s adoption continues to grow across multiple industries.

• *2Number of titles, as of September 2025, released by medium-to-large studios using Live2D Cubism SDK. Independent and small studios are not included.
• *3Market size based on 2024 data compiled by KADOKAWA ASCII Research Laboratories Inc., referencing the Famitsu Game White Paper and public sources. This figure represents the total revenue of all content utilizing Live2D and does not imply that all revenue was generated solely through the use of Live2D. Live2D is adopted as a character expression technology in these contents. All USD amounts in this report are calculated at 1 USD = 150 JPY.

• *4Percentage of top YouTube VTuber channels by subscriber count that use Live2D models for streaming as of September 2025.
• *52024 market size calculated by Live2D Inc. and KADOKAWA ASCII Research Laboratories Inc. based on Live2D usage by major VTubers, revenue models, and public statistics from Yano Research Institute and others. This figure represents the total revenue of all content utilizing Live2D and does not imply that all revenue was generated solely through the use of Live2D. Live2D is adopted as a character expression technology in these contents.

Live2D production offers creators sustained demand: after a model is delivered, clients often request additional expressions, costumes, and animations—increasing the value of commissioned projects. Since long-term client relationships are common, creators often benefit from steady repeat business.
The rise of platforms like nizima and social media has made it easier for creators to connect with clients and sell assets online, enabling even entry to mid-level illustrators to monetize their skills—not only the top “god-tier” artists. This democratization is fostering greater diversity.

• *6Based on 2024 data compiled by KADOKAWA ASCII Research Laboratories Inc. from major crowdsourcing platforms, social media data, and sales records from Live2D Inc.
• *7These figures do not include corporate-to-corporate production.
• *8Based on survey responses from individual creators undertaking Live2D production work. Survey respondents include individual creators who have recently started contract work.

Live2D Inc. provides SDKs that allow developers to integrate Live2D models and animations into their content. These tools facilitate not only end-product development (e.g., games) but also streaming and video editing tools, enabling creators to explore new frontiers, adapting to ever-evolving creative landscapes.
For independent creators and small studios, content usage is license- and royalty-free, lowering barriers to entry for indie developers worldwide.

• *PlayStation Family Mark, "PS5 logo" and "PS4 logo" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
• *Nintendo Switch logo and Nintendo Switch are trademarks of Nintendo.

Live2D production requires specialized skills including creating dedicated illustrations, models, and motions, as well as developing video content and applications using these assets. Since this work is performed on computers, collaborative and distributed production styles have spread across regions, transcending geographical boundaries.

• *9Total of figures (10), (11), and (12) below.
• *10Number of directly employed staff at Live2D Inc. as of September 30, 2025.
• *11Number of corporate employees using Live2D Cubism Editor for their work ("Direct Employment"). Calculated by Kadokawa ASCII Research Labs (Sept. 2025) based on CESA Game White Paper 2024, WIPO, EGDF, WiseGuy, Keywords Studio, Newzoo data, Live2D corporate licenses, and a survey of companies engaged in Live2D-related business. This figure does not include employees engaged in ancillary services or production processes supporting Live2D usage ("Indirect Employment"), nor those whose jobs are generated through business expansion or consumption activities driven by Live2D usage ("Induced Employment").
• *12Estimated by KADOKAWA ASCII Research Laboratories Inc. using data from major freelance platforms, social media, and Japan’s "Freelance White Paper" (2025).

Live2D Inc. is committed to developing the next generation of creative professionals through various support initiatives.
We run an online learning program “Live2D JUKU” for aspiring professionals, produce manuals and tutorials, and collaborate with online learning services such as Coloso (English & Korean) and Sodaart (Chinese), as well as top creators worldwide. We offer free and discounted licenses to educational institutions and students, and even subsidize student exhibition costs, reinvesting part of our license income to support future creators.

• *13As of September 2025, cumulative through the Live2D Educational Assistance Program (LEAP). Program count includes multiple programs or renewals within the same institution.
• *14Total free PRO-version licenses delivered through LEAP (as of September 2025).
• *15Number of Live2D educational videos on major platforms (as of October 2025), including both official and partner tutorials.
• *16Total value of PRO licenses provided free through LEAP, student discount amounts, and support funds directly paid to educational institutions by Live2D Inc. through LEAP Co-branding initiatives.