At this point, it really seems like the most cost-effective option is to only pay an artist for the design and just bite the bullet and learn how to rig it yourself. The prices are just ridiculous, especially for an indie who's just starting out.
That's why I always suggest for people to start 3D. But someone can rig themselves as well to save on cost, yes.
3D is also favored by more streaming fans because you can be more expressive/interactive with watchers even if said fans/watchers prefer the pretty 2D style.
2D is just more limiting unless you have lots of money to throw at it. Even if you can as a new streamer, unless you're lined up and cashed out, it's never suggested.
For a few hundred and a $42 web cam you can get a custom 3D model, plop it in Warudo (free 3D tracking program) and wave to viewers that come in. For an adult that's a feasible cost. (Roughly $300 if you get a decent artist that uses VRoid as a base with custom blendshapes [For example if a talent wants like a hair clip or unique necklace] )
If the talent doesn't care about brand recognition and wants to get into tracked streaming they can just buy a premade, and plop it into any 3D programming (or just use the stock character, so long as they're not making money off of streaming), again,
one of the best cameras that can do full body tracking with XR animator and upper body/face is $42.
Some booth artists let you make revenue while streaming but for obvious reasons you cannot have merch be made with your character design.
Silly Filly
An example of Warudo's upper body tracking and animations with it's stock character, under a minute.
You can get better with XR Animator's full tracking but you'll probably have to route into VSeeFace and nothing kills PCs as much as these two things:
1) Video editing/animation and general rendering
2) 3D vtube tracking, since it's effectively like time rendering
Most people that do full tracking streams usually use a patchwork of tech and methods to achieve what they can afford and think looks best but 3D is the cheapest to get into especially if you do the good old slap your VRM into VSeeFace.
Finally, I get to sperg out about the technical aspects of the medium, feels
greatman.
Edit: The camera is now $42 instead of the initial $60 I stated.
