Meta on Tuesday launched 3D avatars on Instagram stories and direct messages (DMs) in India. Facebook’s parent company also unveiled updated avatars for Facebook and Messenger with customization options. Avatars have new face shapes that allow users to replace their appearance on these platforms with virtual characters. Updated avatars also include assistive devices for people with disabilities. The company has added 3D virtual avatars to its platforms as part of its push into the metaverse.
The social media giant announced the addition of 3D avatars in Instagram stories and DMs and the rollout of updated 3D avatars on Facebook and Messenger in India via a press release. The update allows users to create a virtual version of themselves. With 3D virtual avatar, users can choose facial features, body types, dress styles and more to create their virtual selves. Virtual avatars can be used as stickers, feed posts, and Facebook profile pictures, among other things.
“We offered over a quintillion different combinations when we launched our updated avatars last year, and we continue to add more options to give people even more ways to express themselves,” said said Manish Chopra, Director of Meta India and Head of Partnerships.
Updated avatars include new face shapes and assistive devices for people with disabilities. These include cochlear implants and on-ear hearing aids in different colors. It also includes wheelchairs that will appear in Facebook stickers, Messenger chats, and Instagram DMs.
The company has also updated the appearance of avatars to resemble users’ facial features and looks. Meta said they made subtle adjustments to some face shapes and skin shaders. The company plans to bring more customization options to the avatar edition later this year.
In February, Meta announced 3D avatars in Instagram stories and direct messages in select countries, including the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He also released updated avatars for Facebook and Messenger.
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