Meta wants you to use Instagram Avatars: Here’s why.
Everything you need to know about Instagram Avatars
Although Instagram Avatars were announced back in January 2022 - they have only just made their way across the pond and into the UK.
For many years Snapchat users have been able to make ‘Bitmoji’s’ and now it looks like Meta (the artist formerly known as Facebook… we hope you like the Prince reference there) aka Instagram, is getting on the action with the introduction of Avatars.
Instagram Avatars are fully customisable Photo: The Modems
“We’re beginning to roll out our updated 3D Avatars to Facebook and Messenger, and for the first time Instagram Stories and DMs,” Meta announced in a blog post, “Starting today people in the United States, Canada, and Mexico can show up as their virtual self across apps via stickers, feed posts, Facebook profile pictures and more,” they explained.
The avatars aim to be fully representative with Instagram explaining on Twitter, “With this update, we’re bringing more face shapes, skin shades, new expressions and many more options to better express who you are.”
3D avatars are coming to Stories and DMs. 🎉
— Instagram (@instagram) January 31, 2022
With this update, we’re bringing more face shapes, skin shades, new expressions and many more options to better express who you are. 💜 pic.twitter.com/AejMChDfWF
What Are Instagram Avatars?
Instagram Avatars are fully customisable 3D figurines that can be used on your Instagram stories… They can be made to resemble your physical traits, or you can make them look any way you desire. Think of it like Snapchat’s Bitmoji.
How do I make an Instagram Avatar?
Tap the menu icon at the top-right corner side of your Instagram profile page
Open "Settings"
Select "Account"
Select "Avatars"
Alternatively, head to your Instagram Stories sticker tray and select the "Avatar" sticker.
From here, you'll be able to create your custom avatar through a series of on-screen prompts.
Why are Avatars so important to Meta and the Metaverse?
Instagram Avatars are ostensibly a step towards making the metaverse more accessible and part of Instagram/Internet users daily lives.
In a video Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri explained, “Avatars are a key building block for the future of personal identity in the metaverse.” He continued, "In the future, we think the internet will evolve into a more immersive experience – something we like to call the metaverse… And if you're going to be in these virtual worlds, you have to find a way to show up with a visual representation of who you are."
By creating personal virtual avatars, and making them a feature for Instagram users, it is slowly easing more users onto the Meta platform, and making Meta features accessible to a wider audience.