FACEBOOK LAUNCHES AVATARS FOR ITS APPS IN INDIA

With increased activity on social media platforms due to the lockdowns, there is a demand for a more personalised mode of expressing oneself where generic emojis might feel lacklustre. Facebook announced the launch of its Bitmoji clone called ‘Avatars’ in India to help users create a digital persona to better represent themselves on social media. These Avatars will be capable of sharing a range of personalised expressions and emotions similar to Bitmoji.

Facebook does a great job of adding its unique touch to it making the creation process a lot more inclusive. Users will not be asked to specify their gender or ethnicity and will be free to create their avatar from every customisation option available. Users can select from a range of hairstyles, faces and clothing options among other things. These have been customised for Indian audiences so they can uniquely represent themselves. These Avatars can then be shared as stickers performing various actions and greetings in places like Facebook stories, comments, profile pictures, Messenger chats and even WhatsApp chats.

How to Get Started

1. First, you must have the Facebook app or the Messenger app installed on your mobile device.
2. If you’re using the Facebook app, click on the three horizontal lines on the top right of your screen. Under this, you will see a ‘See More’ option. Inside the ‘See More’ option, select Avatars and you will be taken to the Avatar customisation screen.
3. If you’re using the Messenger app, open a chat window and click on the smiley on your chatbox. Here, you must select the stickers tab and you will see an Avatars option at the bottom next to the search option. Opening it gives you the option to make your Avatar which will then take you to the Avatar customisation screen.
4. While customising your avatar, you can click on the little mirror button on the top right of your screen to turn on your front camera. After you’ve chosen from a range of faces and outfits, click on the tick mark at the top right of your screen.
5. Once you have successfully customised your avatar to your taste, you can share them with your friends on Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp.