Finally, Meta’s working to advance Avatar usage again. Meta recently added new ways for us to use our 3D avatars on Facebook and Instagram, hoping that it would help it further align users with these expressive, cartoonish characters that would eventually be the face of the next stage of digital connection. As Meta envisions it, Avatars will replace profile pictures in the future. 

Avatarization

First off, Facebook, because of course – users can now select a new avatar-specific posting option that enables you to create an entire post that’s focused on your digital character. Jonah Manzano shared samples of how the new process allows you to select an avatar depiction in an entirely new post creation mode. Social Media expert Matt Navarra also shared these images of the new avatar post creation process.

It certainly offers a new way to share on Facebook, which puts an increased emphasis on your virtual self, which Facebook is hoping will get more users engaging via these depictions. By the way, Meta also added new ways to also use your avatar on Instagram, as well as 3D avatars on WhatsApp.

These new options build on Meta’s various avatar-related updates throughout 2022, including updated 3D avatar designs, sponsored avatar items, themed cosmetics, and more. In the end, everything leads to the next phase of its Metaverse shift. You can actually already see Meta putting this to practice, with its growing range of avatar integrations and processes providing more ways for people to build connections with their digital versions, getting more comfortable with using them as new forms of expression and engagement online. 

By helping establish stronger links with your digital character, Meta’s effectively normalizing it as an acceptable option for representation, which, again, plays into making people feel more comfortable in using avatars for various purposes within its evolving experiences and spaces. While these remain mostly fun integrations, for the time being, they also serve as stepping stones toward more immersive Metaverse interactions. 

Snapchat has seen the same with Bitmoji, which now has over 250 million users engaging via this option every day. Each usage further lines up these users with their digital versions, which Snap is now using to sell digital character clothing, new products, and designs to enhance personalization, and further connect with their Bitmoji characters for the next stage.

The Wrap

While Meta’s still a bit of a way off from Snap’s level of avatar integration, its much larger reach and more numerous options help it somewhat level the playing field. For the most part, it’s following the same playbook, working better to connect users with their avatars, which can easily be merged with the Metaverse experience. 

Sources 

https://bit.ly/3iG96nw