Following their invasion of Instagram and Messenger, Facebook’s Bitmoji-style avatars are now making their way to Whatsapp. In the most recent Android 2.22.23.9 beta, WhatsApp is reportedly pushing out support for editable avatars, but only for some users.
A new “Avatar” category will appear in the settings menu for those who have access to the functionality, allowing them to personalize the virtual representation of themselves. Following that, WhatsApp will create a sticker pack including the avatar in numerous stances, just like on Meta’s other apps, so users can express themselves when chatting family and friends.
The functionality was first identified by WABetaInfo a month ago, but users are now beginning to receive it. When WhatsApp will make the function available to all Android users in general or when it will make the feature available to iOS users is unknown. The Verge contacted Meta for comment, but they didn’t react right away.
Avatars were originally released by Meta in 2019 for Messenger and the News Feed, and in 2020 they were made usable in Facebook comments and stories. The business started allowing users to add avatars to feed articles, Facebook profile pictures, and Instagram Stories earlier this year after giving them a new 3D appearance. At the time, Aigerim Shorman, general manager of avatars and identity at Meta, hailed the upgrade as a component of Meta’s work to develop its concept of the metaverse, which spans “more familiar platforms like your phone and computer” in addition to virtual and augmented reality.
