HIGHLIGHTS

* Avatars on Facebook and Instagram have received a bunch of new updates.
* Instagram and Messenger users can now make video calls with their avatars.
* More features include social and animated stickers. 
* Meta rolls out the Avatar for video calls on both Android and iOS.
* The feature has been announced via Meta’s blog post.
* Meta is also introducing animated avatar stickers.

Meta has announced a bunch of new features that will let you make more use of avatars on its various platforms.

Meta already lets you use avatars on Messenger and Instagram but you can now use them for video calls as well.

Meta is also bringing avatar stickers to life with animated stickers.

It has also launched social stickers, new ways to create avatars and more.

US-based social media giant Meta has announced that users on Instagram and Messenger will be able to use the real-time Avatar feature for video calls.

The new feature is available on both iOS and Android.

“Wouldn’t it be great if there were a third option between camera-off and camera-on to let you feel a little more present on the call?

For the first time, we’re giving people using Messenger and Instagram access to real-time calling with Meta Avatars,” Meta, in its latest blog post, said.

Meta said that users can now create their Avatars and use them during video chats, instead of turning their cameras off.

This will make the conversation more fun, useful, and social than ever before.

Avatars in video calls appear similar to Apple’s Memoji avatars.

They can even be seen following facial expressions and mouth movements.

Avatars for video calls on Messenger and Instagram

This feature will let you use Meta Avatars for video calls on Messenger and Instagram. So if you don’t want to show your face in video calls you can opt for an avatar instead.

This feature is available on Android and iOS, and you can start using it now. When you’re on a video call, click on the avatar icon and choose among the list of avatars available.
Animated Stickers on Facebook and Instagram

This feature essentially turns your static avatars into animated ones. So now your avatars can be more expressive with by waving hello or rolling on the floor laughing.

Animated avatar stickers are available on Instagram and Facebook.
You can share them on Instagram and Facebook stories and reels, comments and message threads as well.

Social Stickers

Meta wants you and your friend’s avatar to hangout together virtually. So it’s introducing ‘Social Stickers’ that are basically letting yours and your friend’s avatar get together.

You can do this by using @Tagging that will let you add a few friends to Facebook Stories, and share them on personal conversations as well.

This is similar to how Snapchat creates Bitmoji of you and your friends in different scenarios.

Updates to Meta Avatars

Meta is making it easier to create avatars with a new feature that it’s testing on Facebook and WhatsApp.

It works by you taking a live selfie and Meta suggesting avatar options generated from your selfie.

You can choose from the options provided, and you’ll also get to personalise the avatar. Meta will also start showing a standardised look for your avatars on all its platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

Here’s How To Add Avatars option In Video Calls On Instagram, Messenger

– Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon at the bottom right corner.
-Tap on Edit profile.
– Next, click on Edit Picture or Avatar.
– Then, tap on the avatar tab to switch to it.
– Select “Avatars” from the menu.
– Create and customize your avatar and save it.
– Start a video call and tap the “Avatar” button during the call.
– Your avatar will appear on the screen instead of your live video feed

Meta Gives Users Reasons To Create Their Own Avatars

Avatars have been quite common for a long time. These are digital versions of users, which they can carefully personalize to resemble them.

These digital avatars have traditionally allowed users to be a part of the virtual world. Avatars can be used for different purposes, the latest being life-like interactions in the metaverse.

Meta is now expanding the usage of avatars. Instagram and FB Messenger users can now make video calls using their avatars. The company even announced animated avatar stickers and social stickers. Needless to add, these features should compel users to create their own avatars.

Additionally, Meta also introduced animated avatar stickers. Users can also share animated avatar stickers in Instagram and Facebook Stories and Reels, Facebook comments, and 1:1 message threads on Messenger and Instagram.

Meta has also added animated stickers and social stickers.

Now, Instead of sharing a static image, users can now send animated emojis including thumbs up, applaud, or facepalm and more.

The company is also testing a new feature on Facebook and WhatsApp where users can take a live selfie and create their avatar.

Faqs

1) Instagram and Messenger users can make video calls in their avatar form.Details?

Ans) According to the small video posted in Meta’s blog announcing the feature, the video calls using avatar appear to be a lot similar to what FaceTime video calls feel like with Memoji.

During the video call, Meta’s avatars will also express users’ facial expressions as well as mouth movements to make things relatively natural and expressive.

Apart from this, the video also shows that users will have the option to switch to some different skins like a dog, cat, owl, llama, etc.

2) What is the Availability of the avatar video calls ?

Ans) The new real-time avatar video calls will be available on both Android and iOS versions of the Instagram and Messenger apps.

3) Animated avatar stickers also come to Meta apps and services.Details?

Ans) Meta has also introduced animated avatar stickers in Instagram and Facebook Stories, Reeled, Facebook comments and 1:1 message threads on Messenger and Instagram. Users will have the option to share a wave hello or a slow clap of approval to show off their avatar’s dance moves on these platforms.

This will make the conversations more interactive and expressive. Along with this, the animated avatars can also be used for other places like Reels and Stories to react or reply to your friends, family and even your favourite content creators.

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