Snapchat’s adding a new feature that enables users to share their Bitmoji outfits with friends in the app, allowing them to try the same digital apparel for their characters. There’s now a ‘Share Outfit’ option for your Bitmoji update screen, through which you can send your clothing choices to a friend or close contact for them to try.
Bitmoji Dress-Up
It’s a rather interesting update. While NFTs have somehow garnered significant attention in the digital goods space, where the smart money really is among brands, digital clothing and virtual outfits for online avatars will be far more critical should the Metaverse really become the next big connection platform. Besides, avatar clothing items just seem more useful and popular elements compared to controversial and iffy ‘digital artworks’.
We’ve seen this sort of Metaverse template before, albeit in a more simplified and scaled-down variant as seen in both Roblox and Fortnite. The two titles earn a rather significant amount from selling in-game skins, Fortnite, in particular, generates the majority of its revenue from its skin sales. To cite another example, the legendary game Minecraft has built an entire creator economy around the custom creations and features. These elements enhance the experience, enabling a greater degree of personalization and communication.
These elements suggest why Snapchat might be onto something big here. Besides the capacity to share avatar outfits, Snap is also launching a new line of Bitmoji clothing from Converse, to go with other designs from Nike, Crocs, and more. All of this seems to be part of Snapchat’s broader plan to create a virtual clothing marketplace, which will eventually link directly to real-world items.
Snapchat filed a patent back in 2020 that outlined how its Bitmoji Fashion process would see it partner with a range of fashion retailers, providing Bitmoji versions of their items. That then provides you with a range of new Bitmoji clothing options in the app, giving brands the ability to also showcase their latest products in a more creative and interactive way.
The Wrap
The dual benefit of online and real-world product sales is no doubt enticing. With time, this element is expected to only gain further popularity, especially as we get closer to the Metaverse. This simple yet smart decision from Snap will allow you to quickly share your avatar’s digital clothing to help facilitate more interest and optimal take up of the option. It also indirectly helps out Metaverse-based marketing, by improving the promotional potential of brands by aligning itself with emerging trends and shifts.
It makes for a well-placed under-the-radar update, playing on Snap’s AR advancements and creative superiority to achieve new levels and methods of engagement. While their Try-On function continues to catch on, this helps add another layer to virtual product showcases and in assuring the viability of virtual spaces as equally reliable marketing channels.
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