meta's personalized avatars are launching on whatsapp

whatsapp is rolling out support for meta’s avatars

Just today, WhatsApp announced the launch of a supporting feature for Meta’s customizable avatars that are making headway in the metaverse. Already available across Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram, the Bitmoji-style characters represent digital 3D versions of yourself ‘that can be created from billions of combinations of diverse hair styles, facial features, and outfits,’ writes Meta.

For a few months now, the feature has been rolling out to Android and iOS users for beta testing — but the company is expected to release the Avatars on WhatsApp, officially, in a few weeks. Once rolled out to the public, users can set up their characters as 36 custom stickers depicting different poses and showing a range of emotions. They can even update their profile picture to their avatar self.

3D avatars can be created from a billion combinations | image via WhatsApp

helping users be their ‘authentic’ selves online

For those new to the avatar scene, Meta elaborates on the feature by stating the following: ‘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. 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.’

Overall, the avatars represent Meta’s belief that the feature lets people be their authentic selves online and that, in turn, can help them connect more meaningfully with loved ones on the WhatsApp platform or anyone else they meet on the road to the metaverse. The team even shares that people often want to change their looks, whether in the real world or digital spaces. Back in June 2022, the company even launched Meta Avatars Store for users who want to dress up their avatars with high-fashion, luxury brands such as Balenciaga, Prada, and Thom Browne, along with its existing free outfit options.

the new feature is rolling out as 36 custom stickers | image via Meta