Janus

Janus is a real-time character animation platform designed for streamers, creators, gamers, and users who want to appear as a virtual character instead of showing their real face. Users can create an avatar from a selfie, uploaded image, or prompt, then animate it live using a standard webcam and microphone. Facial expressions and movements are tracked in real time and transferred to the avatar directly in the browser.

The platform works with major streaming and communication services including Twitch, YouTube, Discord, Zoom, Google Meet, OBS Studio, and other applications that support virtual cameras. Janus is compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile devices, and does not require specialized motion-capture equipment.

Janus renders avatars locally on the user's device rather than relying on cloud servers during streaming. This is designed to reduce latency while providing 1080p+ rendering. Streaming time is unlimited, with no session caps.

After creating an avatar, users can continue customizing its appearance by changing outfits, hairstyles, accessories, and backgrounds. Pro capabilities include 60fps+ streaming, green-screen support, access to all styles and accessories, removal of Janus branding, and controls for adjusting avatar movement and expression sensitivity.

Janus also emphasizes privacy. The company states that uploaded photos are not stored by Janus, although they are sent to image-generation providers for processing. Webcam footage is also not stored, and facial tracking is performed during the active session.

The Free tier currently includes unlimited streaming and 25 credits at signup for avatar creation and video generation, with additional credits available through top-ups. The homepage also currently displays a 7-day Pro trial, although its displayed Pro monthly pricing and credit allocation appear to be in transition, so those values should be checked directly before publishing fixed pricing.