WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, used by over 2 billion people worldwide. One of the key features of WhatsApp is the ability to set a profile picture or avatar to represent yourself in the app. An avatar on WhatsApp allows you to set a virtual image of yourself instead of using a real photo as your profile picture. Avatars are customizable images that you can create to your liking.
What are avatars on WhatsApp?
Avatars on WhatsApp are virtual cartoon-like images that users can create to represent themselves instead of using a real photo. You can customize your avatar with different hairstyles, facial features, outfits, and more. Avatars provide a fun and creative way to set a profile picture without actually using a photo of yourself. Some key things to know about WhatsApp avatars:
- Avatars are customizable cartoon images, not real photos
- You can adjust features like hair, eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc
- Outfits and accessories can be customized
- Different poses and facial expressions are available
- Allows you to represent yourself without using a real photo
- More privacy than a real photo
- Fun way to express your personality
Avatars offer a new way to set a profile picture while maintaining privacy. Instead of showing your real face, you can create a virtual persona. Avatars are becoming increasingly popular on social media and messaging platforms as a safer, more private alternative to real profile photos.
How to find the avatars feature
Avatars on WhatsApp are part of the app’s settings. To find the avatars feature and create your own avatar:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the Settings menu
- On an iPhone, tap Settings at the bottom right
- On Android, tap the 3 dot Menu > Settings
- Go to the Profile section in Settings
- Tap on Edit next to the profile photo icon
- There you will see the option to create or edit your avatar
- Tap on Avatars to begin creating yours
The avatars option may not immediately appear in your WhatsApp settings. The feature is still rolling out gradually worldwide. If you don’t yet see the avatars option, just keep checking the settings periodically for updates.
How to create your WhatsApp avatar
Once you access the avatars feature, creating your own is easy and fun. Here are the steps to make your own unique WhatsApp avatar:
- Start by choosing a skin tone that matches yours.
- Browse through the different hairstyles and pick one you like.
- Select eyes, nose, mouth, ears, etc. to match your look.
- Pick an outfit from the options given.
- Choose any glasses, jewelry, facial hair if desired.
- Adjust the avatar’s head position and facial expression.
- Tap Done once you are satisfied with how it looks.
Customizing your avatar is simple – just tap on any feature to view options for editing it. Experiment with the different styles until your avatar feels representative of you! The avatars are cartoon-like but offer great customization.
Key avatar customization features
Here are some of the key features you can customize on your WhatsApp avatar:
- Hair – Lots of hairstyle options from short to long to different colors.
- Eyes – Choose eye shape, color, and accessories like lashes and makeup.
- Nose – Adjust nose shape and size as desired.
- Mouth – Select mouth shape and lips.
- Ears – Pick from different ear shapes and sizes.
- Face – Choose face shape and adjust chin and cheeks.
- Outfits – Dresses, shirts, pants, and more clothing styles.
- Accessories – Glasses, jewelry, facial hair, headwear, etc.
- Pose – Adjust head tilt and facial expression.
Using these customizations, you can design an avatar as simple or elaborate as you want. Keep changing elements until you feel your avatar represents your virtual identity.
How to edit your avatar
One of the best parts of avatars is that they can be changed and edited at any time. To edit your existing WhatsApp avatar:
- Go to Settings > Profile > Edit
- Tap the avatar icon
- This will open editing mode to make changes
- Tap on any feature and choose something new
- Modify other elements as desired
- Hit Done once finished editing
With avatars, you aren’t stuck with just one profile image. Feel free to change your avatar’s hair, clothes, facial features or anything else as often as you want. You can evolve your avatar over time.
Setting your avatar as your profile picture
Once you create or edit your avatar in WhatsApp, setting it as your profile picture is easy:
- Go back to the profile settings
- Tap the empty circle next to your profile name
- This opens your gallery – tap your new avatar
- Crop the image and tap Set
Your unique avatar is now set as your profile picture! Others will see this when chatting with you or looking at group info. You can also switch back to a regular photo at any time in your profile settings.
Who can see your WhatsApp avatar?
Your WhatsApp avatar will be visible to anyone you chat with and any WhatsApp groups you join, just like your regular profile photo. Whenever you send a message, react to a chat, or participate in a group, your avatar will display. Specifically:
- In 1-on-1 chats, your avatar shows next to your messages.
- In group chats, it appears in the group participant list.
- On your profile info that comes up when new contacts view your contact.
So anyone you interact with via WhatsApp messaging will see your avatar photo. There is no setting to limit visibility. However, avatars reveal less personal detail than real profile photos.
Pros of using a WhatsApp avatar
There are many benefits to using an avatar instead of your real photo on WhatsApp:
- More privacy – Doesn’t reveal what you really look like
- Creative expression – Convey your personality in a fun way
- Safer – Can avoid showing your appearance to strangers
- Easily customizable – Change style anytime to match your mood
- Playful – Adds a lighthearted vibe when chatting
- Convenient – No need for perfect photo every time
For many WhatsApp users, avatars are an appealing alternative to set as a profile image instead of an actual photo of yourself. The customization allows you to represent yourself while maintaining privacy.
Cons of using a WhatsApp avatar
However, there are some potential downsides to keep in mind with using a WhatsApp avatar:
- Can feel less personal than a real photo
- Others may not take it as seriously as a profile picture
- Conveys less accurate impression of how you look
- Customization takes time and effort
- May seem childish or unprofessional to some
Depending on your priorities and preferences, avatars may seem fun or whimsical to some, while others would rather use real profile photos. It comes down to your specific circumstances.
Conclusion
WhatsApp avatars offer a new way to set your profile picture by creating a customizable cartoon persona. Avatars provide more privacy than real photos while allowing you to represent yourself in a playful, creative manner. The feature is rolling out globally in 2022 and 2023. To access avatars, update your WhatsApp, go to Settings > Profile > Edit, and tap on Avatars to begin customizing yours.
With endless hair, facial features, outfits and accessory options, you can design an avatar as simple or elaborate as desired. Avatars can also be edited anytime to change up your look. While not right for everyone, avatars present an intriguing alternative to traditional profile photos for those seeking a more private, entertaining way to portray themselves on WhatsApp.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More privacy | Less personal |
| Creative expression | May seem childish |
| Safer | Takes time to customize |
| Easily customizable | Conveys less accurate impression |
| Playful vibe | |
| Convenient |
Frequently Asked Questions about WhatsApp Avatars
What app is needed to get avatars?
You need to have the latest version of the WhatsApp app installed to access avatars. Make sure your WhatsApp is updated to the newest version available either on iOS or Android. The avatar option will appear in the app settings.
Can I create multiple avatars?
No, WhatsApp only allows you to create one personalized avatar. You can edit that same avatar by changing hair, clothes, expression, etc. But you can’t save multiple different avatar looks.
Is there a size limit for avatars?
WhatsApp compresses avatar images down to 100KB, even if you upload or create a larger image. This ensures uniformity across avatars on the platform.
Can I use my Bitmoji as a WhatsApp avatar?
No, WhatsApp does not currently support importing or using Bitmoji. You have to create a custom avatar using the tools within WhatsApp.
Do WhatsApp avatars work on desktop?
Yes, after setting an avatar as your profile picture on mobile, it will sync and display on WhatsApp Desktop as well.
Can businesses use avatars on WhatsApp?
Yes, any WhatsApp user including businesses can create and use avatars for their profile picture if the feature is available in their region.
Will there be new customization options added over time?
It’s likely WhatsApp will continue expanding avatar editing options, adding more hairstyles, outfits, accessories, etc. in future updates.
Is there a way to save or download your finished avatar?
There is currently no official way to export or save your finished WhatsApp avatar outside of the app. The avatar exists only within your WhatsApp profile.
Can I link my avatar to other social media platforms?
At launch, WhatsApp avatars are not shareable outside the app. They are currently only visible as your profile picture within WhatsApp.
How is this different from Snapchat Bitmoji?
Snapchat Bitmoji can be used outside Snapchat and are linked to your account. WhatsApp avatars are currently limited to WhatsApp only and not portable.
Are WhatsApp avatars available on iOS and Android?
Yes, avatars are rolling out on both iOS and Android versions of the WhatsApp app. However, the feature may take time to reach all regions globally.
Can I transfer my avatar if I change phones?
Your WhatsApp avatar is tied to your account. If you reinstall WhatsApp on a new device and restore your chats, your avatar will carry over as well.
Is there an online avatar creator tool?
No, avatars on WhatsApp can only be created directly within the WhatsApp mobile app at the moment. There is no web version for making avatars.
Do WhatsApp avatars work for video calls?
No, WhatsApp avatars are limited to static profile pictures only. On video calls, your actual live camera image is shown rather than an avatar.
Can I make avatars for groups or share custom stickers?
Currently avatars are only for individual user profiles. You cannot create avatars for WhatsApp groups or share custom avatar stickers.
Will avatars be monetized with in-app purchases?
WhatsApp has not indicated plans to monetize avatars through in-app purchases. For now, all avatar customizations appear to be free.