Certain aspects and features of this disclosure relate to virtual 3D pointing and manipulation. For example, video communication is established between a presenter client device and a viewer client device. A presenter video image is captured. A 3D image of a 3D object is rendered on the client devices and a presenter avatar is rendered on at least the viewer client device. The presenter avatar includes at least a portion of the presenter video image. When a positional input is detected at the presenter client device, the system renders, on the viewer client device, an articulated virtual appurtenance associated with the positional input, the 3D image, and the presenter avatar. A virtual interaction between the articulated virtual appurtenance and the 3D image appear to a viewer as naturally positioned for the interaction with respect to the viewer.