What is Janus?
Janus allows users to create their own personalized 3D virtual avatars from selfies or uploaded photos, rendered in real time at 1080p+ resolution right in the browser; all facial tracking and animation are performed locally, without relying on cloud servers, ensuring low latency and enhanced privacy; it supports cross-platform use across macOS, Windows, Linux, and mobile devices, with built-in Chrome extension and OBS virtual camera integration, enabling seamless access to various live-streaming and video-call scenarios.
Key features
Local real-time rendering: The avatar is rendered directly in the user’s browser using Gaussian splats technology, with no cloud servers involved throughout the process, enabling zero-latency streaming and complete anonymity; it supports 1080p+ resolution and near-instant loading, with avatars launching within seconds after first use.
Full-platform virtual camera compatibility: It works seamlessly with all applications that support virtual cameras, including Discord, Zoom, Google Meet, Twitch, YouTube, OBS Studio, and more, covering scenarios such as video calls, game streaming, and content creation.
Use cases and audience
Designed for content creators, streamers, remote workers, and socially active individuals who want to balance expressiveness, personality, and privacy during video calls and live streams; no specialized motion-capture equipment or high-end GPUs are required—ordinary laptop webcams suffice.
- Video calling: Use virtual avatars instead of real people on platforms like Discord, Zoom, and Google Meet, balancing expressiveness with privacy.
- Content Creation and Live Streaming: Stream live on platforms like Twitch and YouTube using a custom avatar, supporting 1080p+ rendering and 60fps+ streaming.
- Cross-Platform Virtual Webcam Application: Connect to any software that supports virtual webcams via a Chrome extension or OBS Studio—no special hardware required.
User selfies or uploaded face photos (used to generate the initial virtual avatar); real-time webcam feed and microphone audio (used to drive the character’s expressions and movements)
Real-time virtual avatar streaming at 1080p+ resolution (with support for Chrome extensions and OBS virtual cameras), along with the option to export videos without watermarks; all rendering takes place locally in the browser, with no raw audio or video streams uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What is Janus?
Janus is a real-time character animation platform that lets you transform into any character using only your webcam. Characters are rendered directly in your browser, driven by your facial expressions and movements, and compatible with platforms like Discord, Zoom, Twitch, and YouTube.
How does Janus work?
Janus generates 3D virtual avatars from photos or prompts and renders them in real time within your browser. Your webcam tracks your facial expressions and movements, driving character animations at 1080p+ resolution. Streaming runs entirely locally, without relying on cloud servers.
How to use
- 01
Take a selfie or upload an existing photo to generate your character.
- 02
Connect your webcam and microphone.
- 03
Start streaming—use the Chrome extension or OBS Studio to broadcast your virtual avatar to your chosen platform.
- 04
Adjust clothing, hairstyles, accessories, and backgrounds at any time to suit different scenes and moods.
Pricing and availability
The free version includes 25 initial credits for creating avatars and generating videos. Streaming remains permanently free with no time limits. The Pro version offers a 7-day trial, costs $0 per month, and provides green-screen support, full access to styles and accessories, watermark-free exports, and streaming at 60fps+, but does not include monthly credits. Credits can be purchased as needed, with no subscription required.
- Pricing source
- https://janus.cam/
- Pricing last updated
- 2026-10-29
Prices and limits may change. Check the official website for current terms.
Official website & sources
Updated on 2026-10-29
