Frequently Asked Questions

Kizuna AI is a Japanese Virtual YouTuber (VTuber) who debuted on November 29, 2016. She is widely recognized as the world's first VTuber and pioneered the entire virtual content creator industry. Her character is a cheerful AI-themed persona with a distinctive pink ribbon, and she creates gaming, music, and entertainment content.

Yes, Kizuna AI is considered the first VTuber. While some virtual characters existed before her, she was the first to successfully establish the 'Virtual YouTuber' concept and format that defines the industry today. She coined the term and her success from 2016-2018 inspired thousands of other VTubers worldwide.

No, Kizuna AI is not powered by artificial intelligence technology. She is a virtual character performed by human voice actors and motion capture performers. The 'AI' in her name is part of her character concept and branding, but the performance is entirely human-driven. Recent reports suggest newer versions may incorporate some AI voice synthesis technology.

Kizuna AI went on an indefinite hiatus in February 2022 after nearly 6 years of activity. After 3 years, she returned on February 26, 2025, with a new 3D model and a renewed focus on music creation. Her comeback stream attracted nearly 50,000 concurrent viewers, demonstrating her lasting impact and fanbase loyalty.

The Kizuna AI bundle releases in the Fortnite Item Shop on January 16, 2026, at 4:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET. However, players can earn the main outfit and Wings back bling for free by participating in the Kizuna AI Cup on January 13-14, 2026, three days before the shop release.

Participate in the Kizuna AI Cup tournament on January 13-14, 2026. This is a Duos tournament where you have 3 hours to play up to 10 matches. Score points through eliminations and placement. Players who reach the threshold (estimated 200-300 points) will receive the Kizuna AI outfit and Wings back bling for free.

The complete Kizuna AI bundle is estimated to cost between 2,000-2,800 V-Bucks based on typical Fortnite Icon Series collaborations. Individual items may also be available separately, with the main outfit priced around 1,500 V-Bucks and smaller items like emotes and wraps around 500 V-Bucks each.

The bundle includes: 2 Kizuna AI outfits (standard and jersey variants) with LEGO styles, 3 back blings (Wings, Chibi AI-Chan, Lovely Kizuna), Festival instruments (microphone and guitar), Hello Morning emote and jam track, Wrapped in AI weapon wrap, and It's Kizuna AI loading screen.

To participate in the Kizuna AI Cup, you must have Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) enabled on your Epic Games account, maintain an account in good standing, and play in an eligible region. The tournament is Duos format, so you'll need a partner. You'll have 3 hours to complete up to 10 matches.

VTuber technology combines motion capture, facial tracking, and real-time 3D rendering. Performers wear motion capture suits and facial tracking equipment (often camera-based) that translate their movements and expressions onto a 3D avatar. Voice actors provide live vocals. Software like Live2D or Unity renders the character in real-time, creating the illusion of a virtual being interacting naturally.

Kizuna AI is an independent VTuber character managed by Kizuna AI Inc., while Hololive is a VTuber agency managing multiple talents. Kizuna AI pioneered the industry (2016) before Hololive's founding (2017). Kizuna AI focuses on pre-recorded content and music, while Hololive talents primarily livestream. Both have significantly influenced VTuber culture in different ways.