- Kyle Chua
Meta Now Lets You Appear As Your Avatars for When You’re Feeling Camera-Shy on Video Calls
Updated: Dec 18, 2023
Have you ever had to video call someone when you were feeling camera-shy? Well, that problem can be a thing of the past thanks to a new feature Meta is now rolling out for its popular platforms.
The social media giant is adding an option for you to appear as your virtual avatar on video calls in Messenger and Instagram. Your avatar can mimic your head movement and facial expressions, making it easier to communicate and express yourself with your digital counterpart. You also have the option to appear as an animal avatar, such as a dog, a cat or a llama, in case you've grown tired of seeing your custom avatar.
"Sometimes, we’re just not camera-ready," Meta wrote in a blog post. "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?"
The feature is rolling out for both iOS and Android versions of Messenger and Instagram.
Appearing as an avatar on a video call can be weird. Then again, you at least now have another option between a voice-only call and an actual video call for when you're, say, having a bad hair day.
Meta is also rolling out animated avatar stickers to liven up your conversations. Your avatar can, for instance, give a thumbs up or a finger heart. What's more, you and your friend can share multi-avatar social stickers. Both your avatars can dance together or high-five one another. These stickers can be used in Instagram and Facebook Stories and Reels, comments and one-on-one message threads.
Apart from these two features, Meta said it's standardising how avatars look across different platforms, including virtual reality (VR). "Not only does that mean your avatar will look a little more realistic, it also means you’ll be better able to show off your ’fits since the focus won’t be drawn to your comically oversized noggin," wrote Meta.
The expansion of avatar features seemingly suggests Meta hasn't given up on its plans to build a metaverse platform. Avatars are expected to play a key part in those plans as they'll represent the user in the virtual space.
Meta is adding an option for you to appear as your virtual avatar on video calls in Messenger and Instagram.
Your avatar can mimic your head movement and facial expressions, making it easier to communicate and express yourself with your digital counterpart.
Meta is also rolling out animated avatar stickers to liven up your conversations.
These stickers can be used in Instagram and Facebook Stories and Reels, comments and one-on-one message threads.