Meta brings updated 3D avatars across Facebook, Messenger and Instagram — here’s how to use them

• Instagram stories and DMs get 3D avatar updates.
• Meta has also added new facial shapes for people with disabilities.
• Here’s how to create and use 3D avatars across Meta platforms.

Tech giant Meta has rolled out 3D avatars to Instagram stories and DMs along with updated avatars for Facebook and Messenger. New avatars are more customizable, expressive and easy to use. While it’s new to Meta platforms, these avatars have been there for years on Snapchat and OEMs also have their own version of it - Animoji for Apple, AR Emoji for Samsung and more.

This update has come after five months since Meta has rolled out 3D avatars for Instagram in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The 3D avatars were first rolled on Facebook back in 2020.

This new update also includes new facial shapes and assistive devices for people with disabilities such as cochlear implants and hearing aids for both ears in different colours. Stickers on Facebook, Instagram DMs and Messenger will also include these elements.

The update is said to bring subtle adjustments to certain facial shapes bringing more customisation options to the avatars.

Here’s how you can use avatars across all Meta owned platforms

How to create avatars for Facebook

• Make sure the Facebook app is updated to its latest version.
• Open Facebook App, at the right bottom of your screen you will see 3 straight lines.
• Tap on 3 straight lines to open the main menu.
• In the main menu scroll down and tap on ‘See more’.
• You will see ‘Avatars’, once you click on Avatars, app will take you through the process of personalization of avatars.

If you are using the Messenger app, click on the profile picture icon which can be seen in the top left corner. Once clicked, scroll down until you see Avatar. Simply follow through to create your avatar seamlessly.

How to create a 3D avatar on Instagram

• Make sure Instagram is updated to its latest version.
• Open your profile and click on the top-right corner to pop up Settings.
• Tap on ‘Settings’ > ‘Account’.
• Scroll down until you see ‘Avatar’.
• Just follow the given instructions to create your 3D avatar.

In the coming future, Meta has grand dreams for its metaverse, where users will be able to interact with each other in a virtual environment. Since everyone doesn’t have access to a VR/ AR headset, Meta has found its own way of bringing a glimpse of Metaverse to its users in the form of 3D avatars.

3D avatars by Meta are functional in a basic sense where users can customize them with items like clothes and other elements to be more aligned with their virtual identity. With every new update, users can use their 3D avatar to send messages and reactions.

With the recent update, Manish Chopra, Director and Head Partnerships at Meta India said, “Representations in the metaverse should reflect the diversity of the real world. Avatars are just the first step toward enabling everyone to express themselves in their unique ways. When you create your avatar you can choose the right facial features, body types, clothing styles, and more to create your virtual self.”

SEE ALSO:
Google’s new research on digital wellbeing needs your data to dig deeper into user behavior and reduce the risks of smartphone addiction
Nothing Phone (1) design and features revealed by founder Carl Pei ahead of the launch