Six years after Snapchat first introduced 3D Bitmoji avatars, it looks like Meta has finally caught up—by giving WhatsApp users the option of making their own personalised 3D doppelgangers.
The popular encrypted messaging app has today launched its 'Avatars' feature, which allows you to make a digital version of yourself using a range of virtual facial features and clothes.
It marks a step closer to the metaverse for WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook).
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But not everybody is happy about it, with some WhatsApp users calling the avatars 'terrifying'.
In a statement, WhatsApp said: "Your avatar is a digital version of you that can be created from billions of combinations of diverse hair styles, facial features, and outfits."
The app team added: "Sending an avatar is a fast and fun way to share feelings with friends and family. It can also be a great way to represent yourself without using your real photo so it feels more private.
Avatars follow the introduction of Communities, a major new WhatsApp feature which combines many different WhatsApp chats under a single umbrella.
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How to make your own WhatsApp avatar
Thankfully, making your own WhatsApp avatar is pretty straightforward.
All you have to do is follow these steps:
- Tap the three dots in the corner of WhatsApp then open Settings.
- Tap Avatar > Create your avatar
- You'll be taken to a customisation menu where you can build your avatar from scratch. Once it's ready, tap 'Done'.
You can then set your avatar as your profile photo by tapping the profile image then Edit > Edit > Use Avatar.
Your new avatar will appear based on your current profile photo privacy settings. If only your contacts can see your profile picture, only your contacts will be able to see your avatar—and if it's public, then people outside your contact list will be able to see it too.
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