SuperChat (2017): Paid live stream messages (highlighted, pinned). VTubers dominate earnings (Rushia: $2M+ before termination, Gawr Gura millions). YouTube takes 30%, creators get 70%. By 2023: billions in annual SuperChat revenue, proving live streaming monetization viable. Also controversies: lonely fans spending thousands, parasocial exploitation, gambling-like dopamine hits when creator reads name.
Sources: Playboard SuperChat rankings, creator testimonials, parasocial relationship analysis