You can now make a 3D Avatar in WhatsApp and customize it to your heart's content

The company has made several hints that this feature is here to stay. In their blog post regarding the update, they’ve shared that the plan is to continue to increase the visual quality of the Avatars over time, via improving their textures and shaders.

Over on their FAQ page for the function, they’ve also hidden info on something else, which they are working on. In the future, users will be able to collaborate and create unique stickers, featuring multiple avatars.

Additionally, WABetaInfo had managed to unpack a version of WhatsApp back in June and found clues pointing towards Avatars being worked on as a sort of live-filter, which users could use during live calls on the app.

Advanced video-filters that apply 3D models over users are already a reality on platforms such as Instagram – which is also owned by Meta – so it doesn't seem like a stretch to imagine a future where you can enter a meeting as a 3D render of yourself.

Overall, neither the idea, nor the technology is entirely new. Apple and Samsung have had their versions of 3D avatars available for quite some time now, with Memojis even being able to mask you in a call. But arguably, WhatsApp’s reach as one of the most prominent communication apps on the market, may bring the concept closer to users.

Can’t wait to make an avatar? Then check if the feature is live in your region! It’s reportedly rolling out to users worldwide right now, so if you can’t find it in Settings yet, make sure to check for an update and install it.