As reported by TechCrunch, WhatsApp has begun providing 3D avatars for its users globally that can be used as profile photographs or customised stickers, months after their rollout on Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. According to a Wednesday Facebook post by Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, avatars are coming to WhatsApp. The declaration follows a protracted beta test that lasted for a number of months and was first spotted by WhatsApp beta tracker WABetaInfo in June.
In a blog post, WhatsApp explained that users could choose from 36 original stickers that represented different moods and actions, or they could use a personalised avatar as their profile picture. The avatar stickers offered by WhatsApp are similar to Apple’s Memoji stickers or Snap’s Bitmoji.
“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 company behind the popular instant messaging app said.
Additionally, WhatsApp promised consumers style enhancements such as lighting, shading, and hairdo textures in the future. Users can create their WhatsApp avatars by going to the Settings menu once the feature is ready. A “Utilize Avatar” option will be added to the messaging app’s profile photo settings, allowing users to use their virtual likeness as their profile photo, according to information on a FAQ page.
In 2019, Meta introduced 3D avatars with Bitmoji influences to Facebook and Messenger. The only areas included in the initial launch were those in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Canada. However, the social networking giant later increased its presence in the United States in 2020. Instagram avatars were unveiled in late January. According to WhatsApp, as of right moment, neither your Facebook or Instagram Meta avatars nor your WhatsApp avatar can be utilised on any platform. This means that you only need to create an avatar on WhatsApp in order to use one there.
