Veadotube Mini is a lightweight, beginner-friendly software designed to transform static images into lively, talking avatars for content creators and streamers. Known popularly as a "PNGtuber" tool, it allows users to create a virtual persona using simple 2D image files—usually PNGs or GIFs—that react to microphone audio in real-time. Unlike complex 3D VTubing setups that require expensive webcams and high-end hardware, Veadotube Mini relies solely on voice input to animate characters, making it the perfect entry point for anyone wanting to stream on Twitch or YouTube without revealing their face.
Key Features
- Audio-Reactive Animation: Automatically detects voice input to toggle between "mouth closed" and "mouth open" states, creating the illusion of talking with adjustable microphone sensitivity.
- Dynamic State System: Supports four distinct images per state (Idle, Talking, Blinking Idle, and Blinking Talking) to create fluid, natural-looking character movements without advanced animation skills.
- Expression Hotkeys: Allows users to assign specific emotions (like anger, joy, or sadness) to keyboard shortcuts, MIDI controllers, or gamepads for instant expression switching during live streams.
- OBS & Streamlabs Integration: Works natively with broadcasting software via Game Capture (allowing direct transparency) or Window Capture using a chroma key (green screen) background.
- Animated Format Support: Goes beyond static images by supporting GIFs, enabling avatars to have moving elements like waving hair, blinking eyes, or sparkling effects while idle or speaking.
- Bouncy Physics: Includes built-in motion effects that make the avatar physically bounce, shake, or jump when sound is detected, adding personality and energy to the on-screen performance.
Use Cases
This software is ideal for aspiring VTubers and artists who want to stream gameplay or art commentary without a webcam, as well as users with low-spec PCs who need a performance-friendly alternative to resource-heavy 3D models. It is also widely used by Dungeon Masters in online tabletop games to represent different NPCs visually during voice chats.
Veadotube Mini removes the technical barriers of virtual streaming, offering a charming and free solution that breathes life into 2D art with just a microphone.
Version 2.1c — June 2025
- Restored microphone selection functionality at startup, eliminating the need to manually reselect audio input devices each time the application launches
- Resolved Windows shortcut creation issues that previously triggered SDL3 missing library errors
- Eliminated memory leaks on macOS and corrected microphone and hotkey permission problems, restoring full functionality to the Mac version
- Separated macOS distribution into distinct Silicon and Intel versions for optimal performance on respective hardware architectures
- Enhanced Linux library detection system to prevent missing text rendering issues
- Updated SDL framework to version 3.2.14 for improved overall stability across all platforms
