YMM4 Complete Guide — YMM4 vs Lite, AquesTalk License Explained
Everything About YukkuriMovieMaker4: Version Differences, Voice Engines, License Warnings
YukkuriMovieMaker4 (YMM4) is the most popular free video editing software in Japan. Type text and the voice engine reads it aloud automatically while characters perform lip-sync animations.
The "Yukkuri Commentary" genre on Japanese YouTube has numerous channels with 1M+ subscribers. Since you don't need to reveal your face or voice, it's ideal for side jobs and anonymous channel operation.
YMM4 vs YMM4 Lite — What's the Difference?
YMM4 comes in two versions: YMM4 (standard) and YMM4 Lite.
Lite automates the flow from script input to voice generation to MP4 output as a simplified version. It's for people who want to create videos quickly without timeline editing. The standard YMM4 allows detailed editing with timeline-based BGM, sound effects, and image placement.
AquesTalk — The Core of YMM4 Voice
YMM4's default voices (Yukkuri Reimu, Yukkuri Marisa, etc.) use a speech synthesis engine called AquesTalk. AquesTalk has multiple versions including AquesTalk1, AquesTalk2, and AquesTalk10. The classic Reimu and Marisa voices correspond to AquesTalk1.
The key point is that AquesTalk is free for personal non-commercial use, but YouTube monetization (ads) constitutes commercial use requiring a separate license purchase. This licensing issue is the most confusing point among Yukkuri YouTubers.
YMM4 vs YMM4 Lite Comparison
| Criteria | YMM4 (Standard) | YMM4 Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Timeline Editing | Layer-based detailed editing | None (auto placement) |
| BGM/SFX | Free placement & volume control | Auto BGM insertion |
| Image/Video Insert | Free placement & resize | Limited |
| Difficulty | Intermediate (learning required) | Beginner (just input script) |
| Recommended For | Those wanting higher quality | Beginners wanting quick start |
| Voice Engines | AquesTalk / VOICEVOX / CeVIO etc. | AquesTalk / VOICEVOX |
Both versions require AquesTalk license for commercial use when using AquesTalk voices.
AquesTalk License Structure — Must Know
| Category | Description | License Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Personal/Non-commercial | Create & publish without monetization | Not required (free) |
| YouTube Monetization | Ad revenue generated | Required (¥9,240) |
| Affiliate Links | Revenue links in description | Required |
| Reimu/Marisa only | Uses AquesTalk1 | AquesTalk1 license only needed |
| Other AquesTalk voices | AquesTalk2, AquesTalk10 etc. | Separate license per version |
Key point: If you only use Reimu/Marisa default voices (AquesTalk1), you only need to buy the AquesTalk1 license (¥9,240 tax included). No need to buy the full AquesTalk package.
Warnings — Common Mistakes
Pre-monetization videos can be problematic
YouTube automatically adds ads to ALL videos after monetization conditions are met (1,000 subs + 4,000 watch hours). You cannot fully control ad ON/OFF per video, so ads appear on past videos too. Buy the license as early as possible if you plan to monetize.
AquesTalk license ≠ YMM4 license
YMM4 software itself is free. The license is for the AquesTalk voice engine. Switch to VOICEVOX for license-free monetization.
Character assets have separate terms
Voice engine license and character illustration (tachie) terms are completely separate. Check commercial use permissions for character assets before monetizing.
No need to buy full AquesTalk package for Reimu/Marisa
Reimu/Marisa Yukkuri voices use AquesTalk1. If you only use these voices, buy just the AquesTalk1 standalone license. AquesTalk2/10 are only needed for other voices.
YMM4 and YMM4 Lite are Windows only
Both YMM4 and YMM4 Lite only run on Windows. They cannot be used on Mac or Linux. Mac users need to set up a Windows virtual environment via Boot Camp or Parallels, or consider combining VOICEVOX with another video editing software.
License Purchase Timing — When to Buy?
Download & Install
→ Free. No license needed
Create Videos (Unpublished)
→ Free. Personal use
Publish Without Monetization
→ Free. Non-commercial if no ad revenue
Monetization (Ads ON)
→ License required! Must purchase before enabling ads
Voice Engine Comparison — AquesTalk vs VOICEVOX
| Criteria | AquesTalk | VOICEVOX |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Personal free / Commercial ¥9,240 | Completely free (incl. commercial) |
| Voice Quality | Mechanical/retro (classic Yukkuri) | Deep learning, natural |
| Main Characters | Yukkuri Reimu, Marisa | Zundamon, Shikoku Metan |
| Emotion | Limited | Joy, sadness, whisper, etc. |
| Recognition | Legendary (20+ years) | Rapidly rising (2022~) |
Recommended For
- ✓ Starting YouTube without showing face/voice
- ✓ Japanese commentary/educational/gaming channels
- ✓ Auto video creation from scripts
- ✓ Side job YouTube operation
Not Recommended For
- ✗ Mac or Linux users (Windows only)
- ✗ Non-Japanese language channels
- ✗ Natural human voice needed
- ✗ Advanced editing like Premiere Pro
Step-by-Step
Download and install from YMM4 official site (manjubox.net, Windows only)
Choose voice engine: AquesTalk (default Yukkuri) or VOICEVOX (free commercial use)
Character setup: Set up 2-character dialogue with Reimu (red) and Marisa (yellow)
Write script → Input dialogue per character (text → auto voice + subtitle)
Place background, videos, BGM, SFX on timeline (auto in Lite)
Adjust subtitle style → Export MP4 → Upload to YouTube
Buy AquesTalk license or switch to VOICEVOX before monetization
Pros
- ✓ Software itself is completely free (both YMM4 and YMM4 Lite)
- ✓ Voice, subtitles, lip-sync auto-generated from script alone
- ✓ Commercial use also free with VOICEVOX (zero license cost)
- ✓ Proven popular genre on Japanese YouTube — Yukkuri commentary
- ✓ Lite version lets beginners create videos in 5 minutes
Cons
- ✗ Windows only (Mac/Linux not supported)
- ✗ AquesTalk voice requires license fee (¥9,240) for monetization
- ✗ Unnatural machine voice (divisive)
- ✗ Japanese voice only (not for Korean/English channels)
- ✗ Past videos automatically get ads when monetization conditions are met