FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Kira.
What is Kira?
Kira is a creative platform for your webcam. You can wear digital avatars, play with real-time toys, or build your own custom toys using code and AI. Use it on the website, or install the Chrome extension to use your creations in video calls on Meet, Zoom, Discord, and more.
How does it work?
Kira uses AI-powered tracking models that run locally in your browser. It detects your face, body pose, and movements in real-time (60fps), then applies your chosen avatar or toy. Everything happens on your device - your video never leaves your computer.
Where can I use Kira?
You can use it directly on webcam.toys to preview and test toys. Install the Chrome extension to use your avatars and toys in video calls (Google Meet, Zoom, Discord, Slack, etc.). The extension creates a virtual camera that works with any web-based camera app.
What's the difference between the website and the extension?
The website is your creative playground - test avatars, try toys, and build custom toys with code. The Chrome extension lets you use your creations everywhere: in video calls, live streams, or any camera-enabled website. Think of the website as your studio, and the extension as your stage.
Does it work on Zoom/Discord desktop apps?
The extension only works with web versions accessed through Chrome (meet.google.com, zoom.us/join, discord.com/app). Desktop apps like Zoom.app or Discord.app can't access browser-based virtual cameras. Always use the web version for full compatibility.
Is my privacy protected?
Yes. All video processing happens locally in your browser. Your raw camera feed never leaves your device and is not sent to any server. When using the extension in video calls, only the transformed feed (with your avatar or toy applied) is sent to other participants. This is how you can protect your identity while still being visible on camera.
What are toys?
Toys are real-time visual experiences you can apply to your webcam. They can be face filters, games, background replacements, overlays, or anything creative. Browse community toys or build your own in the Playground.
What is the Playground?
The Playground is where you create custom webcam toys using JavaScript. Write your own code, or describe what you want and let AI generate it for you. You get access to face tracking, pose detection, and hand landmarks in real-time. Share your toys with the community or keep them private.
Do I need to code to use Kira?
No! You can use existing avatars and toys without any coding. The Playground is optional and only for creators who want to build custom toys. Most users just browse and apply what others have made.
How do I create my own toys?
Go to the Playground, write JavaScript code using our API, or describe your toy in plain English and let AI generate the code. You'll see it live on your webcam instantly. When ready, you can publish to the gallery for others to use.
What avatars are available?
We have 10,000+ avatars including CryptoPunks (pixel art), Meebits (3D voxels), VRoid characters (anime VTubers), and 450+ open source VRM avatars. You can also upload your own images or 3D models.
Can I upload my own avatar or create custom toys?
Yes to both! Upload any image as your avatar (PNG, JPG), or import VRM 3D models for full-body VTuber mode. For toys, use the Playground to code your own from scratch or modify existing ones.
Does it work on mobile?
The website works on mobile to preview content. The Chrome extension (for using in video calls) is desktop-only. We're exploring mobile apps for the future.
Is it free?
Yes, Kira is completely free. No account required, no subscriptions, no hidden costs. We may introduce optional premium features or a marketplace in the future, but the core platform will always be free.
Can I sell my toys?
Not yet, but we're planning a marketplace where creators can monetize their toys. For now, you can share toys for free with the community. Follow us for updates on the marketplace launch.
Is there an API for developers?
Yes! The Playground lets you write custom toys using JavaScript. You get access to real-time tracking data: face tracking (478 landmarks), pose detection (33 keypoints), and hand tracking (21 landmarks per hand). Everything runs at 60fps locally in the browser. We're also launching an embed API soon, allowing you to integrate Kira into your own website.
Will it slow down my computer?
Kira is optimized for performance. Face tracking runs at 60fps on most modern computers. Toys run locally, so complex custom toys may require more CPU/GPU, but standard avatars and toys are very lightweight.
Still have questions?
Contact me at hi@gwendall.com