WhatsApp has started rolling out Avatars, a feature that allows users to create digital avatars for themselves. The Meta-owned instant messaging service previously rolled out the Bitmoji-like feature to beta testers on Android and iOS. According to the company, the feature, which is currently rolling out to all users as part of a full-scale rollout, will allow users to manage their digital avatar or personal avatar from combinations of hairstyles, facial features and outfits. WhatsApp will also offer 36 custom stickers that reflect different emotions and actions.
The instant messaging platform announced the new Avatars feature through a blog post on Wednesday. Users can set Avatars as their WhatsApp profile pictures or use them as stickers. Meta says that these stickers will be available in 36 popular emoji and action versions, adding that avatars can give users “a quick and fun way to share their feelings.” contact with friends and family.”
Personalized avatars were first popularized on social media by Snapchat which now owns bitmoji Originally created by Bitstrips. Instagram, also owned by Meta, previously added support for Avatars, just like Facebook and Facebook Messenger.
by WhatsApp support for Bitmoji-like 3D avatars appears to be the same set of models available on other Meta-owned apps. Facebook was the first in the Meta family to be introduced to Avatar through Message and News Feed in 2019. A year later, in 2020, the company added support for adding these digital avatars to Facebook comments and stories.
The company intends to offer Avatars as a fun and creative mode of expression as well as a security feature. Profile pictures can be “a great way to express yourself without using your real photos to create a more personal feel,” the company blog post adds.
Users can access the Avatar feature by updating their WhatsApp to the latest version and navigating to Setting > Avatar > Create your avatar.
WhatsApp also promises to bring future improvements in the form of lighting, shadows, hair textures, etc. to improve the experience.
This feature was previously test with some beta testers on WhatsApp beta 2.22.23.9 for Android, about a month before it is rolled out to all users.
