3D Avatars Rolling Out on WhatsApp

Avatars, first launched on Facebook in 2019, have finally made their way to another of Meta’s platforms: WhatsApp.

“Your avatar is a digital version of you that can be created from billions of combinations of diverse hair styles, facial features, and outfits,” WhatsApp says(Opens in a new window). Use it as a profile picture, “or choose from one of 36 custom stickers reflecting many different emotions and actions.”

Details are scant, but based on an image shared by WhatsApp, people can expect to receive a pop-up notification when avatars become available to them. It will presumably require an app update, at which point a smiley face should appear on the left side of WhatsApp chat text boxes. Tap to open a row of keyboard options, including emoji, GIFs, platform stickers, and, now, avatars.

“For many people this will be the first time creating an avatar and we’ll continue to deliver style enhancements including lighting, shading, hair style textures, and more that will make avatars even better over time,” WhatsApp says.

Facebook has been developing its own Bitmoji rival since at least 2018—first introducing the 3D stickers to Australian users in 2019, before expanding their reach a year later. In January 2022, avatars rolled out to Instagram via Stories and DMs with adjusted facial shapes and skin tones, and new assistive devices like Cochlear implants, over-the-ear hearing aids, and wheelchairs.

In a separate announcement, Mark Zuckerberg promised(Opens in a new window) more avatar styles are “coming soon” across all Meta apps, including Facebook and Messenger.

Alternative Social Networks to Replace Twitter, Facebook, and More