Interactive VTuber Streaming App IRIAM Launches in Canada. Global expansion continues following the US launch, welcoming Canada-based streamers starting this February

TOKYO, JAPAN – February 18, 2026 – DeNA Co., Ltd.’s subsidiary IRIAM Inc. began providing the interactive VTuber streaming app IRIAM in Canada, following Japan and the US.
The North American version of IRIAM became available for download in Canada in January, with live streaming by local streamers scheduled to commence in late February. 

IRIAM is a service that allows users to easily become VTubers and enjoy live streaming using only a smartphone and a character illustration. The service first launched in Japan in 2018 and in the US in 2024, accelerating its global community expansion. For the US service launch, eligibility for streaming was expanded from Founding Streamers to Early Access Streamers to build up the service and establish the community. Leveraging the insights gained from this first step in North America, IRIAM has decided to expand beyond the U.S. and enter the Canadian market to further grow its community. Through its operations in the US, IRIAM has fostered a warm community where people can resonate with each other through characters, transcending physical distances and language barriers. IRIAM aims to bring this “experience connecting hearts” to Canada and further expand the community circle in North America. 

■Debut Support Program: Debut as Your Own Unique Character!

IRIAM is running the Debut Support Program for those who wish to start their career as a VTuber through the app. This program allows users to begin their activities as a VTuber using an original character illustration. Applicants who pass the screening process can create an original character illustration for free with support from IRIAM. By meeting certain conditions, participants can eventually acquire the rights to their characters. Not only can they debut as a streamer on the IRIAM platform, but the character illustrations created can also be used for VTuber activities outside of IRIAM. On IRIAM, users can become the person they want to be and connect with viewers across North America with just a character illustration and a smartphone—no special equipment or expert knowledge required.
Details: https://us.iriam.com/debut-support-program/

Comment from Shinya Masuda, Representative Director, IRIAM Inc.

Following our expansion into the US, we are thrilled to bring IRIAM to the people of Canada. Through our participation in several Canadian conventions, we have seen firsthand that Canada is a market where diverse cultures coexist and people are exceptionally open to new forms of entertainment. I am excited to see how IRIAM’s magical experience—becoming a VTuber from a single illustration—will be embraced and nurtured by the Canadian community. Through our expansion and the Debut Support Program, we look forward to meeting new talent and providing a platform where North American creators can freely spread their wings and grow a rich community together. 

■About IRIAM

With the mission of Casting Magic to Connect Hearts, IRIAM Inc. operates the interactive VTuber streaming app IRIAM. IRIAM is a service designed exclusively for watching and interacting with VTubers’ live streams on mobile devices. Without the need for complex tasks like character modeling, users can become characters and stream with just one illustration. It’s also easy to communicate with viewers through their comments and gifts, making it feel like you’re sitting right next to them over the bridge of the smartphone. Since our launch in October 2018, we have accumulated 5.81 million downloads.

IRIAM is available in English and Japanese for compatible iOS and Android devices and can be downloaded at the links below:
App Store (iOS): https://app.iriam.com/Ikps/xhgxc5dt
Google Play (Android): https://app.iriam.com/Ikps/s2qi7r7c

■About DeNA

At DeNA (pronounced "D-N-A") we engage in a variety of businesses, from games and live communities to sports & the community and healthcare & medical, under our mission to delight people beyond their wildest dreams. Since our founding, DeNA has produced many businesses leveraging our passionate and enterprising employees and our technological capabilities. Currently, for mid to long term growth with AI at the core, our AI expert teams are leading initiatives to improve productivity, strengthen the competitiveness of existing businesses, and create and grow new businesses. DeNA Co., Ltd. is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (2432). For more information, visit: dena.com/intl/.