Computer animation, traditional animation, and vocal mixing and manipulation are common features. There have since been numerous virtual bands that have recorded material. However, the concept of the virtual band was first demonstrated by Alvin and the Chipmunks in 1958, when their creator, Ross Bagdasarian, accelerated recordings of his own voice to achieve the 'chipmunk voice'. The term virtual band was popularized with Gorillaz in 2000. Live performances can become rather complex, requiring perfect synchronization between the visual and audio components of the show.

The music is recorded (and, in the case of concerts, performed) by real musicians and producers, while any media related to the virtual band, including albums, video clips and the visual component of stage performances, feature the animated line-up in many cases the virtual band members have been credited as the writers and performers of the songs.

In entertainment, a virtual band (also called a virtual idol, virtual singer, virtual group, cartoon group, cartoon idol, cartoon singer or cartoon band) is a band or music group whose members are not depicted as corporeal musicians, but animated characters or virtual avatars. Virtual band Gorillaz performing live in 2018 ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) JSTOR ( July 2010) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message).Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. This article needs additional citations for verification.

List of vocaloid artists