After Facebook’s Bitmoji-esque avatars invaded Instagram and Messenger, they’re now also coming to WhatsApp. According to a report of WABetaInfoWhatsApp rolls out support for customizable avatars in latest 2.22.23.9 beta on Androidbut only for some users.
Those with access to the feature will see a new “Avatar” category in their settings menu that they can use to customize the digital version of themselves. Similar to Meta’s other apps, WhatsApp then generates a sticker pack featuring the avatar in various poses, allowing users to express themselves when messaging family and friends.
WABetaInfo spotted first the feature last month, but now it’s actually rolling out to users. It’s unclear when WhatsApp will roll out the feature to all users on Android, or when it plans to bring the feature to iOS. Meta didn’t immediately respond to The edge‘s request for comment.
Meta first introduced avatars to Messenger and the News Feed in 2019 before becoming available for use in Facebook comments and stories in 2020. Earlier this year, the company gave its avatars a new 3D look and started adding users to feed posts, Facebook profile pictures and Instagram Stories. At the time, Aigerim Shorman, Meta’s general manager for avatars and identity, praise the update as part of Meta’s effort to build out its idea of the metaverse, which not only includes virtual and augmented reality, but also bridges “more familiar platforms like your phone and computer.”
