/vt/ - Virtual Youtubers

>>20826079
The biggest advantages are the fact that you're starting with an already existing fanbase and a real Live2d / 3D model right off the bat.
Good Live2D design + rigging / good 3D models can quickly get VERY expensive, this isn't something a lot of people can afford to pay, especially if they're not even sure if they're going to get that money back.
Even worse, there's plenty of indie getting scammed for thousands of dollars these days.
Also, starting from 0 followers - 0 viewers is tough... talking and streaming to no one is depressing, many streamers got stuck there for a long time only to eventually give up.
There's also the business side that you don't have to handle yourself, since they will be the one finding opportunities for you, applying to them, taking care of legal matters and fees, etc...
They will also be the ones shilling you and paying for marketing when needed on various platforms.
And of course as you said, handling merch : Getting in touch with other industrial companies to design the merch, then produce and sell them.
But then, there's the black company issues and the fact that your character usually isn't yours (unless you somehow manage to keep it).