Soon enough, once we get to that next stage of connection, digital avatars will become a critical representation of ourselves as we all begin interacting more and more in wholly virtual spaces. This is the reason why several platforms are now trying to come up with the best 3D avatar tools to better align people with their apps. Now, TikTok joins the fray with the launch of its own avatar creation process.
Tavatars
As seen in this preview, TikTok’s Avatars, which are now available via the ‘Effects’ panel in the camera view, enable users to create their own custom character depictions for use across the app. As TikTok explains:
“Choose from an array of hairstyles, accessories, piercings, and makeup, to create a TikTok Avatar that reflects your personal look and style. After your Avatar is ready, you can start recording videos. As you gesture and move, your Avatar will mimic your motion.”
It functions similarly to Apple’s Memojis, which enable users to use their chosen Memoji character as a sort of digital puppet, with the character moving in response to your actions when looking at the camera. TikTok literally pulled off a Meta move as their new avatars are almost a direct replica of this. Even the cartoonish looks are the same! However, TikTok’s characters also include a ‘miniature avatar’ function, which might initially end up being the option’s primary use case.
In ‘Miniature’ mode, you’ll be able to place your custom avatar as an overlay on your TikToks, providing a range of new creative use cases that’ll have your character engaging with clips and remixes, or provide voice-over directions as a talking head. Meta has its advanced 3D avatars, while Snapchat has its Bitmojis. Both Meta and Snap are already exploring the sale of digital clothing for avatars, with Meta looking to eventually merge its avatars over to VR for use within the Metaverse. Within this, users will become increasingly used to engaging through these depictions, which is also the reason TikTok is wanting to get in on the action, hoping that its users also become more attached to their in-app representations.
In the end, however, it might boil down to who develops the most functional avatar tools – the most customizable, visually impressive, and universally available will win. This is where dedicated platforms like Ready Player Me really shine. Ready Player Me’s characters replicate the style of existing game creation tools, much like those available in Fortnite’s character creation, providing loads of customization options, likely making it more appealing.
The Wrap
To get to the point, TikTok is jumping onboard the avatar bandwagon but will be starting well behind compared to its competitors that began avatar development earlier. Every platform has to start somewhere. Fortunately for TikTok, this is a good first step seeing as how it at least has more options to ‘borrow’ inspiration from to improve its own avatar creation kit.
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