Zepeto Unveils 2D Animated Avatars... Targeting the Virtual YouTuber Market

Naver Z's metaverse platform Zepeto announced on the 11th that it will introduce a new 2D animation-style avatar.

Naver Z implemented the 2D animation avatar using its own technology. Compatibility with the existing Zepeto 3D avatars was also maintained. All 56,000 Zepeto Worlds and approximately 8.65 million items created in 3D can be applied to the animation avatars.

[Photo by Naver Z]

The animation avatars are expected to attract attention in the virtual YouTuber (VTuber) market. Unlike VTubers, who appear as influencers in person, avatars allow individuals to easily manage multiple accounts and overcome expressive limitations. According to market research firm MarketWatch, the VTuber market was valued at 2.8 trillion KRW last year and is expected to exceed 17 trillion KRW by 2030.

Zepeto also possesses proprietary technology for motion recognition that enables 2D and 3D avatars to mirror users' appearances in real time. This technology provides convenient tools for users aiming to enter the VTuber market.

Kim Dae-wook, CEO of Naver Z, said, "We are honored to provide a new type of creative tool that allows anyone to easily express themselves in the virtual world in their desired form without being constrained by cost or technical skills, communicate with other users, and grow as creators." He added, "Going forward, Zepeto will continue to evolve to become a space where everyone can transcend limits, express themselves, and communicate with each other."