With Meta allowing users to use Avatars on their apps, Instagram is one of the coolest places you can apply this virtual representation of yourself.
You can create an Avatar of yourself to have fun while chatting with your friends and family. You can also use it as a profile picture.
When describing the Avatar feature, Meta points it out as a key element you can take advantage of in creating your online identity in the metaverse.
In this guide, we’ll be showing you the best tips for creating and using your Avatar on Instagram.
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In This Article
What Is an Instagram Avatar?
An Instagram Avatar represents an animated version of what you look like in real life.
It improves your experience on the app by adding some amusements.
The idea of the Instagram Avatars is quite similar to Bitmojis on Snapchat but they have a few different flairs. The Instagram Avatar is a feature created with an all-inclusive approach.
You’re allowed to customize everything from skin tone and facial lines to hairstyles and outfits. It includes outfits from different parts of the world and different cultures.
Also, you can create an Instagram Avatar for free, and you’re allowed to make changes to it whenever you want. In the future, Meta could use these Avatars to represent people on several apps or within virtual reality spaces.
How to Create Your Instagram Avatar
Avatars were first used in the US and the UK but are now available in many parts of the world.
To access this feature, you have to install the Instagram app on your Android smartphone, tablet, or iPhone.
Note: This feature isn’t available on the Instagram web browser version.
To create your Instagram Avatar, Follow the steps below:
- Log in to your Instagram account and open your profile.
- Click on the three horizontal lines on the top right of your screen to open a new menu.
- Click on Settings from the list.
- Go to Account.
- From the various options, you will see Avatar. Click on this tab.
- Tap Get Started and begin customizing your Avatar.
- Choose a skin tone that seems closest to your actual one. But there is no specific rule to look the same. Still, we recommend using your original features to get recognized easily. Click on Next when done.
- Click on your hairstyle, face shape, eye shape and color, nose shape, face shape, eyebrows, eyewear, facial accessories, body, outfits, and makeup. Hit Next when done.
- Choose your body type and outfit. You will see that clothing apparel from different places around the world is present. You can choose one that you like without any alterations. The mirror icon on the right will open the front camera, so you can compare the Avatar with your real face.
- Select Done when ready. Click on Save Changes to confirm, and your Avatar will be ready.
To use your Avatar across other Meta apps like Facebook, you have to synchronize it. To do that, click on OK when the option shows up once you’ve created your Avatar.
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Editing an Avatar
If you’re unsatisfied with how your Avatar looks or maybe you’d upgrade it according to the new changes in your physical appearance, like haircut or beard? Editing your Avatar is easy. Here’s how:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Go to Accounts and click on Avatar.
- It will show you the current customization.
- Scroll around and make the desired changes. Compare it using the front camera option if necessary.
- Click on Done when it’s ready.
- The amazing thing about editing your Avatar is that there’s no limit to the number of changes you can make. You can do it as much as you want.
How to Use Your Avatar on Instagram
Now that you’ve created your Avatar, use it on your Instagram account.
Your Avatar can be added to stories and chats to express your thoughts. Also, you can use it while dating in the Metaverse. Sounds awesome, right?
Here are some important tips for using your Instagram Avatar:
Using your Avatar in Instagram Story
Instagram stories are great for keeping your friends updated with what you are up to.
Add your Avatar to your story and show your friends and family your emotions better. Here’s how to add your Avatar to your Instagram story:
- Take a picture or select one from your gallery.
- Click on the sticker icon on the top of your screen to open the available features. Certain features may not be available to some users in this menu. This depends on the version of the app you’ve installed and your location.
- Click on Avatar.
- Choose your favorite one from the list. Adjust and resize it on the screen as desired.
- Click on Your Story to upload it.
- If you’d like to keep the audience limited, you can share it with your Close Friends on Instagram only.
Aside from pictures, you can also add your Avatar on videos and Boomerangs by following the same method. Applying a filter won’t change the color of your stickers.
Using Your Avatar in a Chat
People love chatting with their friends and family on Instagram. The app has improved the interaction experience significantly over the years. You can even react to messages with your Avatar. Here’s how:
- Open the Direct Message you wish to respond to.
- Choose the Sticker icon from your chat box. You will see different options and stickers for the response.
- Click on Avatar to open options showing your custom character.
- Select the Avatar you want to send, and it will automatically send in the chat box. The sender and recipient can react to the Avatar.
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The bottom line
Instagram allows users to create great Avatars that they can use across the Meta apps.
And when you properly follow this guide, you can easily create and edit your Avatar on Instagram.
It is an easy process that can only be done via your Instagram mobile app.
However, knowing how to create something and then not using it is pointless. So, try to use your Avatar while chatting with your friends and create amazing Instagram stories.
For now, the expressions and outfits available in Avatars are limited, but we hope Instagram will improve this useful feature in years to come.