Thread:NebulousViper/@comment-15745114-20200101215708

What's the difference between a VOCALOID and a virtual idol?

Some people use the two terms interchangeably, and don't seem to recognize what sets them apart...

For example, in China, there is Luo Tianyi (a VOCALOID), but there is also Hez (a virtual idol). Hez also sings with a synthesized voice, but speaks with a normal voice. He is signed to an entertainment company and is listed as an artist on their website. He's also had released EPs and some digital singles. He doesn't have as much songs as Tianyi, though, as Tianyi's songs are made by thousands of users and Hez's songs are made by the composers at the company I mentioned.

Could it have something to do with VOCALOID being software? I've always thought of them being only software and the boxart design being only for illustrative reasons (to give the user a hint on what voice would they work with)... 