WhatsApp releases 3D avatars for stickers and profile photo

WhatsApp is rolling out an update that makes it possible for users to create 3D avatars of themselves. The avatars can then be sent as ‘stickers’ or used as a personalized profile photo.

The avatar that users can create is not exclusive to WhatsApp, but can also be used via Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. There are 36 different stickers in which the user’s avatar can be incorporated. After the update, these stickers can be selected in the WhatsApp emoji menu next to the sticker button. By opening the settings in the app and tapping the profile photo, the user can set a 3D avatar as the profile photo. The update with the relevant feature is being rolled out worldwide at the time of writing.

The chat service registers a blog post that the 3D avatars have two functions: “Sending an avatar is very easy and is also a very nice way to let your friends and family know how you feel. It is also feels goods to show yourself without a real photo, so that you can guarantee your privacy.” Parent company Meta promises to continue adding new styles, as well as technical improvements in “lighting, shadows and hair textures.”