WhatsApp has started rolling out avatars, a feature that allows users to create a digital representation of themselves. The Meta-owned instant messaging service previously rolled out the Bitmoji-like feature for beta testers on Android and iOS. The feature, which is now available to all users as part of a widespread rollout, allows users to curate their digital representation, or personal avatar, from a combination of hairstyles, facial features and outfits, the company said. WhatsApp will also provide 36 custom stickers reflecting different emotions and actions.
The instant messaging platform announced the new Avatars feature via a blog entry On Wednesday. A user can set an avatar as their WhatsApp profile photo or use it as a sticker. Meta says these stickers will come in 36 versions of popular emojis and actions, adding that avatars could offer users “a quick and fun way to share sentiments with friends and family.”
Personalized avatars were first popularized on social media by Snapchat who owns now Bitmoji originally created by Bitstrips. Instagram, also owned by Meta, previously added support for avatars, as did Facebook and Facebook Messenger.
whatsapp Support for Bitmoji-like 3D avatars appears to be the same set of mockups available in other Meta-owned apps. Facebook was the first in the meta family to be introduced through avatars delivery boy 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 use avatars as a mode of fun and creative expression, as well as a privacy feature. Avatar can be a “great way to represent yourself without using your real photo to make it feel more private,” the company’s blog post added.
Users can access the avatar feature by updating their WhatsApp to the latest version and navigating settings > avatar > Create your avatar.
WhatsApp also promises future improvements in the form of lighting, shading, hairstyle textures, and more that will enhance the experience.
The function was before checked with some beta testers on WhatsApp beta version 2.22.23.9 for Android about a month before it was finally rolled out to all users.
