A huge thank you to our amazing IRIAM community!
It's hard to believe it's already been six months since IRIAM US beta launch kicked off last November. Thanks to your support and participation, we've built something truly special together.
In this update, we're excited to share our vision for IRIAM's next chapter.
Where We Are, Thanks to You
Six months ago, our mission for IRIAM US was simple: "to make IRIAM a warm and welcoming place for as many people as possible."
Now, when we ask streamers and viewers the question, "What kind of place is IRIAM to you?", the answers we receive vary from person to person.
It's a comforting place to return to after a long day. It's a community that feels more real than the outside world. It's a space where you can truly be yourself.
We're thrilled that this app, built hand-in-hand with you—yes, everyone reading this!—has become a place where these meaningful moments happen every day.
While the IRIAM team provides the stage and the initial spark, it's truly the daily energy and contributions of our Streamers and Viewers that bring this warm, welcoming atmosphere to life. We're incredibly grateful for everything you do.
Even if you think, "I'm just here to have fun!" or "I don't really think about it that hard when I watch streams, lol," we want you to know how much we appreciate it. Your everyday interactions are the magic ingredient that makes these vibrant daily streams possible.
Thank you, sincerely.
Reflecting on Our Roadmap
Remember this roadmap we shared back in August, before the beta launch?
For some, this might be a trip down memory lane; for others, it might be the first time seeing it.
Currently, IRIAM is navigating the BETA LAUNCH phase, described as the time when "We’ll collaborate with the Founding Streamers and Viewers to lay the foundation for IRIAM US.”
And collaborate we have! We feel confident that, together, we've built a fantastic foundation during this beta period.
(Of course, we know IRIAM isn't perfect yet! We deeply value all the feedback, direct and indirect, that you share with us daily, and we're constantly working to improve.)
The roadmap also noted, "The beta period lasts about six months to a year." That time is approaching – it's nearly time to gear up for our official launch!
Paving the Way for Official Launch
Like many of you, perhaps, we on the IRIAM team believe there are countless others out there who would appreciate the warm, genuine atmosphere we've built together on IRIAM.
While these potential new members will naturally include both future Streamers and Viewers, our priority right now is to address the challenges aspiring Streamers face – specifically, the high barrier to entry and the complex process of getting started.
Becoming a Founding Streamer currently involves a detailed application and significant preparation.
To tackle this, we're introducing two key updates designed to lower the barrier to entry:
1. Introducing: PNG Streaming!
This feature lets you stream on IRIAM using static PNG images you upload.
Imagine uploading four PNG images like these:
...and being able to stream like this!
This example uses a chibi character, but full-body or standard-proportion character images work perfectly too.
We know that obtaining a stream-ready model can be a major challenge for aspiring virtual streamers. We believe this feature offers a much simpler starting point, which is why it's one of our top priorities.
- Rollout Plan: We plan to test-release PNG Streaming in late May, initially supporting single PNG image uploads.
- Next Step (June): A subsequent update will allow registering four PNGs (eyes open/closed, mouth open/closed), enabling basic animation synced with your facial movements.
2. Support for Self-Uploading Live2D Models
Separately from the PNG streaming feature, we're also developing another pathway to make starting on IRIAM easier for Streamers.
We are working on enabling Streamers to upload their own Live2D models directly to their IRIAM account to begin streaming. Previously, getting a Live2D model onto IRIAM required a potentially complex, collaborative process between the streamer and IRIAM staff. We are now actively developing the systems to allow streamers to manage this upload process themselves, aiming to remove that previous hurdle.
Inviting Early Access Streamers
As we implement these features and take our first steps towards the Official Launch, we want to make streaming on IRIAM more accessible than ever.
Starting May 20th, we plan to begin gradually opening applications for individuals interested in streaming using these two new methods (PNG and self-uploaded Live2D). This will involve an application and screening process. We're calling these pioneers "Early Access Streamers."
We'll share a formal announcement with detailed application information soon, so please keep an eye out! We'll start with a select group and expand availability as we monitor the rollout.
Please also be aware that coinciding with the opening of applications for Early Access Streamers, applications for new Founding Streamers will close on May 19th.
If you know anyone in your circles who might be interested in becoming an IRIAM Founding Streamer, we'd be grateful if you could encourage them to apply using the form below by the May 19th deadline.
https://founding-streamer.us.iriam.com/application-1/
And for everyone wondering about our current Founding Streamers – please rest assured! Their journey on IRIAM continues unchanged. They are the bedrock of the IRIAM US community, and we wouldn't be where we are today without them. We look forward to continuing forward together into this next exciting phase.
Our Shared Future
Looking back these past six months, we on the IRIAM US team are deeply moved by how wonderfully the community we've built together has flourished. It fills us with pride and allows us to step confidently towards this next chapter.
Our heartfelt hope now is to welcome even more people into this unique space you create every day. We want them to experience the same warmth and sense of belonging that makes IRIAM feel so special and irreplaceable to all of us.
This is the future we dream of, and it’s one we truly want to build side-by-side with you. We sincerely hope you feel the same excitement as we embark on this next step for IRIAM US, together!
Thank you as always!