{{Noticebox/unreleased|Avatar Marketplace is currently in [[Open Beta]], and is not fully released.}}
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Introducing the Avatar Marketplace | VRChat Developer Update
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'''Avatar Marketplace''' (AVM) is an extension of VRChat's [[Creator Economy]], providing a platform and service within VRChat, to natively offer and distribute monetized [[avatars]], by selling and purchasing them for [[Creator Economy#VRChat_Credits|VRC Credits]].
'''Avatar Marketplace''' (AVM) is a feature of VRChat’s [[Creator Economy]], providing a platform for creators to sell monetized [[avatars]] directly within VRChat using [[Creator Economy#VRChat_Credits|VRC Credits]].
==Overview==
==Overview==
VRChat's Avatar Marketplace allows for creators to sell avatars natively through VRChat, rather than utilizing third-party websites, such as [[Community:BOOTH|BOOTH]]. Users are able to instantly utilize their purchased avatars, without the need to install or upload the avatar through a Unity project, and the [[VRChat SDK]].
The Avatar Marketplace allows for users to buy and use avatars from creators natively within VRChat, streamlining the process compared to third-party platforms. Purchased avatars can be immediately used without uploading them via Unity or the [[VRChat SDK]].
With the Avatar Marketplace, users can browse and preview avatar listings, and use VRC Credits to purchase them, and supporting creators. Access to the Avatar Marketplace became available in the 2025.2.2 [[Open Beta]] on May 21, 2025<ref>[https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/vrchat-202522-openbeta 'VRChat 2025.2.2 (OPEN BETA)] on ''docs.vrchat.com''; retrieved May 25, 2025.</ref>, and partially accessible on the VRChat website on the same day.
Selecting the '''Avatars''' Quick Link in the [[Quick Menu]] opens the Avatar tab in the [[Main Menu]], defaulting to the '''Explore''' section. This section features both free [[Public Avatars|public avatars]] and paid avatars available via the Marketplace.
==Previewing avatars==
Clicking on the '''Avatars''' Quick Link in the [[Quick Menu]], will open up the [[Main Menu]] variant of the Avatar tab, defaulting to the '''Explore''' section. The Explore section contains avatars in the Avatar Marketplace, as well as free [[Public Avatars|public avatars]] to try on.
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<!--It will need to be noted that the '''Marketplace''' tab in the Main Menu will likely do the same thing; this still needs to be implemented, and will likely be available before AVM goes live. Remove this comment when the Marketplace tab gets mentioned. ~DAG-XR (05.25.2025)-->
Avatars listed in the marketplace will each have a listing. Each listing provides images and a preview of the base avatar and [[Impostors|impostor]] if applicable, a description, price, download size, upload date, performance ranking, and avatar tags. Listings also includes purchasing options for the avatar, features (platform compatibility, and can include visemes, eyelook, Impostors, and more), and the performance breakdown for your platform.
==Product listings==
[[File:AVM-ProductListingExample.webp|thumb|An example of a marketplace listing.]]
Users can locally try on avatars in the Marketplace, before purchasing; only you will be able to see the avatar when trying it on. When previewing the avatar, you can see the avatar's performance breakdown for your platform, [[Expressions|expressions]], [[PhysBones]], and other [[Avatar Dynamics|dynamics]]. You can also use the [[Action Menu]], to view various avatar overlays for contacts, PhysBones, and PhysBones proximity. In addition, you can use the Action Menu to look at the avatar's [[Debug Menu|debug console]].
Each avatar listing includes images, a preview of the base model and [[Impostors|impostor]] (if available), a description, price, file size, upload date, performance ranking, and relevant tags. Listings also show avatar features such as platform compatibility, visemes, eye look support, Impostors, and performance breakdowns. Avatars can also be previewed locally before purchase, only the user will see the avatar during this preview.
==Purchasing avatars==
==Purchasing avatars==
Purchasing an avatar with the Avatar Marketplace requires sufficient VRChat Credits on your [[VRChat account|account's]] wallet before an avatar is bought. Users on Steam, and Meta systems are currently able to purchase credits<ref>[https://help.vrchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/23255458227987-Creator-Economy-Frequently-Asked-Questions 'Creator Economy: Frequently Asked Questions'] on ''help.vrchat.com''; retrieved May 25, 2025.</ref> at a minimum quantity of 600, up to a maximum of 12,000 per purchase.
Purchasing an avatar with the Avatar Marketplace requires sufficient VRChat Credits on your [[VRChat account|account's]] wallet before an avatar is bought. Users on Steam, and Meta systems are currently able to purchase credits<ref>[https://help.vrchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/23255458227987-Creator-Economy-Frequently-Asked-Questions 'Creator Economy: Frequently Asked Questions'] on ''help.vrchat.com''; retrieved May 25, 2025.</ref> at a minimum quantity of 600, up to a maximum of 12,000 per purchase.
When a user has sufficient credits, they can purchase an avatar, which becomes bound to their VRChat account. Users are not yet able to purchase avatars for other users, or have the ability to modify their purchased avatar(s) using the VRChat SDK.
When a user has sufficient credits, they can purchase an avatar, which becomes bound to their VRChat account. Users are not yet able to purchase avatars for other users, or have the ability to download or modify their purchased avatar(s) using the VRChat SDK.
==Selling on the Avatar Marketplace==
==Selling on the Avatar Marketplace==
<small>''See also: [[Creator_Economy#Enrolling_in_the_Creator_Economy_Program]] for more detailed information.''</small>
[[File:Vrcshop_anime.webp|thumb|Various avatars can be browsed in the [[Special:MyLanguage/Shop|Shop]]]]
<small>''See also: [[Creator_Economy#Enrolling_in_the_Creator_Economy_Program|Enrolling in the Creator Economy]] for more detailed information.''</small>
Users interested in selling avatars on the Avatar Marketplace, are required to review the Creator Economy Program terms and conditions<ref>[https://hello.vrchat.com/legal/economy 'Creator Economy Program Rules'] on ''hello.vrchat.com''; retrieved May 25, 2025.</ref>, and must [https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/vrc-econ-apply submit an enrollment application] to be reviewed by VRChat, and approved.
==Frequently Asked Questions==
All questions from this FAQ are from [https://ask.vrchat.com/t/avatar-marketplace-faq-for-sellers VRChat's FAQ thread] on the [[Resources|Ask Forums]].
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Why can’t you download source files from the Avatar Marketplace?''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' There are a few reasons why we decided to take this route. The short version, though, is that we felt it would be a better experience for both users and creators.
For users, we felt that the best experience was one where they instantly had access to an avatar. No extra steps, no worrying about backups, no worrying about learning new software – just an avatar they can instantly use.
For creators, one of the constant pieces of feedback we heard was how overburdened they felt in supporting users unfamiliar with the tools needed to upload (or customize) their avatar.
This method reduces that burden, allowing them to spend more time creating and less time filtering through Discord messages.
It also increases file security. While we do not – and cannot – promise an impenetrable system, it does slightly mitigate risk compared to alternative methods.</blockquote></div></div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Can I grant source file access to buyers who have purchased my avatar on VRChat?''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Yes, but be aware that VRChat does not officially support this. Choosing to share source files off-platform significantly increases the risk that your content may be pirated.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Will creators have a way to confirm that someone has purchased an avatar in order to give them the source files? (Asked by @TrixxedHeart)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Sellers can see a transaction history of all purchases, including the names of buyers. (Current Creator Economy sellers already have access to this functionality - it’s not new.)</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Where will purchased avatars be available in the UI? (ex: New section that isn’t Uploaded, Favorites, or Other?)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' In the “My Avatars” section of the Avatars Tab, under the “Purchased” category.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Can you clone a purchased avatar? (Asked by @Hammey)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Sort of! You can select other users who are using a marketplace avatar. You can try it on locally to see if you enjoy it, or visit the listing to buy it.
Purchased avatars cannot be made public, and they cannot be cloned unless the person cloning has also purchased that avatar.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Can I upload avatars I’m currently selling in other marketplaces?''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Yes. We do not require exclusivity. Likewise, you are free to upload avatars you’ve previously published on other platforms.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''How can I share my avatar listings outside of VRChat (ex: social media)?''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' You can share links to your avatar’s page on VRChat.com, but at launch, users will need to make purchases through the client.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''What happens if an avatar is broken (or breaks)? (Asked by @splitscream)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Fortunately, we review avatars before they get published on the marketplace! Broken avatars are unlikely to get published. So avatars shouldn’t break - but if they do, we should be able to fix it.
We probably won’t catch every issue, so if you find one, please let us know!</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Will sellers be able to upload new versions of their avatar to fix things post-purchase? (Asked by @Hammey)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Yes! You can improve your avatar and make fixes, though you shouldn’t drastically change to avatar and meet the expectation of existing buyers. (Don’t turn a dolphin avatar into a squid.)
Also, we review updates of marketplace avatars before publishing them.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Can we offer different variants (e.g., performance levels, styles) of the same avatar as part of a single listing? (Asked by @Hammey)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Yes! Several sellers will list multiple variants of the same avatar. This improves performance while still giving you a lot of options.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''What about gifting avatars? (Asked by @Hammey)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Not yet, but it’s a popular feature request and we’d like to do it.''<ref>[https://feedback.vrchat.com/avatar-marketplace/p/feature-request-gifting-avatars <nowiki>'[Feature Request] Gifting avatars'</nowiki>] on ''feedback.vrchat.com; retrieved May 25, 2025.</ref></blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Will creators be able to remove avatars from the Marketplace after listing them? And if they do, will buyers still retain access to the avatars they’ve purchased? (Asked by @Hammey)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Sellers can unpublish avatars from the marketplace to prevent new users from buying them, but they can’t “take away” avatars you have already bought.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' '' Are there any plans for “co-authoring” avatars – for example, if people work together on a project? Would you be able to split credits? (Asked by @Sunset_Gato)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' We added a new section to the avatar details page called “Acknowledgements” that allows you to credit other creators. Of course, avatar sellers still need to respect the licensing terms of whatever assets they use. In your example, the seller may need to make a licensing agreement with the original asset creator.
There’s no revenue splitting yet, but we’d love to add that feature! Avatar creation is a collaborative effort, and we’d love to make it easier.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' '' I’m curious how this would effect commission based content. Will there be an option for private listings on the store? (Asked by @ToastedDrago)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' When sellers publish an avatar product, it becomes available for purchase on the avatar marketplace for all users.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Does VRChat have any plans to offer other payout processors for creators? (Asked by @Invertex)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Yes! Currently, we only offer PayPal. But we’d love to offer bank payments in the future.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Are there any plans to expand the storefront to the web? (Asked by @Depereo)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Not yet, no. That marketplace is only available in VRChat.
However, we are adding the following new features to the website:
* We’ve expanded the avatar details page.
**Creators can add gallery images, acknowledgements, tags, and more.
**Here’s an example: Flan Chibi
*Creators can add avatars to their world store.
**This allows you to buy avatars in world stores!
**Creators can even mix and match products - i.e. rewarding you with world benefits and unlocking avatars.
*We’ve added new menus to allow avatar creators to submit avatars for review.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Will Creators be able to upload an avatar that would cost nothing to purchase to the Marketplace as a kind of Tech demo for their work? Something to help them get their name out there. (Asked by @Sawblade)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Users can try any user can try on any avatar on the marketplace without buying it, but we’re not launching with free avatars.</blockquote></div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''What about NSFW avatars? (Asked by @AshyWashh, @Yin)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Our avatar content guidelines currently don’t permit NSFW content on the marketplace. After we have launched the marketplace, please feel free to submit a feature request on Canny if you’d prefer this to change.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''For the purpose of VRC’s Creator Guidelines, are avatars listed on the Avatar Marketplace always considered “public”? (Asked by @Vincil)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Yes, avatars on the marketplace should respect our guidelines for public avatars.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''Since updates are allowed to avatars, will these also go through moderation/approval? Will there be a waiting period for those changes to impact everyone with that avatar? (Asked by @turtledude01)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Yes. Avatar updates go through the moderation process. Because of that, there is a waiting period where sellers/buyers will need to wait to see those changes go through. Yes. Avatar updates go through the moderation process. Because of that, there is a waiting period where sellers/buyers will need to wait to see those changes go through.</blockquote></div>
</div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''What is the minimum/maximum (depending on how you look at it) performance ranking sellers will be allowed to have on their avatars? (Asked by @Laughless)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Almost all avatars on the marketplace have a performance rank of “Poor” or better. We only accept “Very Poor” avatars on a case-by-case basis.
Some creators optimized their avatars to improve their performance rank! That was great to see.</blockquote></div>
Creators interested in selling avatars on the Avatar Marketplace, are required to review the Creator Economy Program terms and conditions<ref>[https://hello.vrchat.com/legal/economy 'Creator Economy Program Rules'] on ''hello.vrchat.com''; retrieved May 25, 2025.</ref>, and must [https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/vrc-econ-apply submit an enrollment application] to be reviewed by VRChat, and approved.
</div>
[[File:Vrcshop_animefilters.webp||thumb|200x200px|Similarly, various tags can be found through filtering within the Shop.]]
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''What mechanisms are in place to prevent abuse? e.g. people uploading and selling avatars they do not own the rights to. (Asked by @Chekote)''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' At the moment, we review each seller and each avatar individually. This should help avoid unauthorized content and increase the quality of avatars on the marketplace!</blockquote></div>
It should be noted that the Creator Economy program for worlds and groups is separate from the Avatar Marketplace program and must be applied for separately, even if the creator is already in Creator Economy for worlds and groups.
</div></div>
==Resources==
===Application Process===
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">'''Q:''' ''I’m an avatar creator! How can I join the marketplace? What are the requirements?''<div class="mw-collapsible-content"><blockquote>'''A:''' Check out the application form<ref>[https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GK8WNBN 'Seller Application - Creator Economy '] on ''SurveyMonkey''; retrieved May 25, 2025.</ref>! It explains the requirements and how to join. Please remember that we’re still working on the marketplace, so we can only accept a limited number of applicants. We appreciate your interest!</blockquote></div>
</div>
==Resources==
*{{VRC link|https://creators.vrchat.com/economy/ |"Resources for Creator Economy"}} at ''creators.vrchat.com''
*{{VRC link|https://creators.vrchat.com/economy/ |"Resources for Creator Economy"}} at ''creators.vrchat.com''
*{{VRC link|https://hello.vrchat.com/creator-guidelines |"Creator Guidelines"}} at ''hello.vrchat.com''
*{{VRC link|https://hello.vrchat.com/creator-guidelines |"Creator Guidelines"}} at ''hello.vrchat.com''
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWH1RA3bEz0 Introducing the Avatar Marketplace] posted by VRChat, on ''YouTube''
*[https://help.vrchat.com/hc/en-us/articles/41810354825235-Avatar-Marketplace-FAQ "Avatar Marketplace FAQ"] at ''help.vrchat.com''
*[https://ask.vrchat.com/t/avatar-marketplace-faq-for-sellers "Avatar Marketplace FAQ for Sellers"] at ''ask.vrchat.com''
*[https://help.vrchat.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=41321603799059 "Avatar Marketplace Help"] at ''help.vrchat.com''
*[https://help.vrchat.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=41321603799059 "Avatar Marketplace Help"] at ''help.vrchat.com''
*[https://ask.vrchat.com/t/avatar-marketplace-faq-for-sellers "Avatar Marketplace FAQ for Sellers"] at ''ask.vrchat.com''
*[https://www.thunes.com/tilia/ Thunes' website] at ''thunes.com''
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWH1RA3bEz0 Introducing the Avatar Marketplace] posted by VRChat, on ''YouTube''
*[https://www.tilia.io/ Tilia's website] at ''tilia.io''
Avatar Marketplace (AVM) is a feature of VRChat’s Creator Economy, providing a platform for creators to sell monetized avatars directly within VRChat using VRC Credits.
The Avatar Marketplace allows for users to buy and use avatars from creators natively within VRChat, streamlining the process compared to third-party platforms. Purchased avatars can be immediately used without uploading them via Unity or the VRChat SDK.
Selecting the Avatars Quick Link in the Quick Menu opens the Avatar tab in the Main Menu, defaulting to the Explore section. This section features both free public avatars and paid avatars available via the Marketplace.
Product listings
An example of a marketplace listing.
Each avatar listing includes images, a preview of the base model and impostor (if available), a description, price, file size, upload date, performance ranking, and relevant tags. Listings also show avatar features such as platform compatibility, visemes, eye look support, Impostors, and performance breakdowns. Avatars can also be previewed locally before purchase, only the user will see the avatar during this preview.
Purchasing avatars
Purchasing an avatar with the Avatar Marketplace requires sufficient VRChat Credits on your account's wallet before an avatar is bought. Users on Steam, and Meta systems are currently able to purchase credits[1] at a minimum quantity of 600, up to a maximum of 12,000 per purchase.
When a user has sufficient credits, they can purchase an avatar, which becomes bound to their VRChat account. Users are not yet able to purchase avatars for other users, or have the ability to download or modify their purchased avatar(s) using the VRChat SDK.
Creators interested in selling avatars on the Avatar Marketplace, are required to review the Creator Economy Program terms and conditions[2], and must submit an enrollment application to be reviewed by VRChat, and approved.
Similarly, various tags can be found through filtering within the Shop.
It should be noted that the Creator Economy program for worlds and groups is separate from the Avatar Marketplace program and must be applied for separately, even if the creator is already in Creator Economy for worlds and groups.
