Introduction
In early 2020 Facebook rolled out the ability for users to create Facebook avatars, which are cartoon-like caricatures of themselves. After making a an avatar, users can then use bitmoji-like stickers of their avatar to comment on other people’s posts. You can also set your avatar as your temporary profile picture, with different poses available for you to choose from. Creating your Facebook avatar only takes a few minutes. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.
Steps to Make a Facebook Avatar
- Launch the Facebook app on your iPhone, iPad or Android device. Tap to open someone’s post like you’re going to comment on it, and then tap the smiley face icon on the comment line. The Stickers menu is displayed.
- Tap the “Avatar” icon in the Stickers menu. A prompt for you to get stickers of yourself is displayed. Tap “Make Your Avatar” in this section. Tap “Next” to get through any screens that appear giving you an overview of avatars on Facebook until you arrive at the Get Stickers of You screen, and then tap “Get Started.” A screen asking you to choose your skin tone is displayed.
- Select your skin tone, and then tap “Next.” You’ll land on your avatar creator screen.
- Tap the “Mirror” icon at the top of the Facebook avatar editor. Video from your front facing camera will be displayed next to your avatar to give you a frame of reference while creating your avatar. You may need to give Facebook access to your device’s camera to use this feature.
- Tap to choose the hair style for your avatar. You can choose from short, medium or long hair, and then tap the hair color icon to choose your hair color.
- Continue working through the menu directly beneath the preview of your Facebook avatar to choose a face shape, eye shape and color, makeup, eyebrow type and color, eyewear and eyewear color, nose type, lip type and color, facial hair and color, body shape, clothing, and hat and hat color. Tap the check mark at the top of the screen after making selections for all of these options. A preview screen appears showing you your final avatar.
- Tap “Next,” and then tap “Next” again through any screens that appear telling you how to use your Facebook avatar in comments. Another screen appears asking if you want to set your avatar as your temporary profile picture. In this example, I’ll choose “Skip.” You’ll land on your avatar editor. On this screen you can tap the “Share” icon to make your avatar your temporary profile picture, the “Stickers” icon to see all of the stickers available associated with your avatar, or “Edit” to edit your Facebook avatar.
- Tap the “X” to close your Facebook avatar editor. Going forward, you can access your avatar stickers by tapping the smiley face icon in the comment line of any post, and then tapping the Facebook avatar stickers icon. All of your avatar stickers will be available for you to use. You can also tap “Edit Avatar” in this area to return to your Facebook avatar editor.
5 Reasons to Make a Facebook Avatar
1. Personalized Social Interaction
Creating a Facebook Avatar lets you inject personality into your digital interactions. Each avatar is a fun, cartoonish representation of yourself. You can customize it from head to toe. This customization includes hairstyle, skin tone, and outfits. It reflects your style or current mood. Use your avatar in comments, stories, and profile pictures. It adds a playful twist to mundane text exchanges. Avatars can help convey emotions where words fall short. They make your interactions more engaging and relatable. Engaging more creatively online often leads to richer social connections.
2. Enhance Online Privacy
In today’s digital age, privacy is a golden commodity. A Facebook Avatar serves as a protective buffer. It allows you to participate in the social sphere without revealing your actual photo. This is particularly appealing for those cautious about online exposure. An avatar lets you stay active and expressive in virtual spaces. You maintain a presence that’s both personal and private. This balance is crucial for safe online interactions. Your avatar becomes a stand-in that represents you. It does so without compromising your real-world identity. Such a tool is invaluable for privacy-conscious users.
3. Celebrate Cultural Identity
Facebook Avatars are not just about fun; they’re also a platform for cultural expression. You can tailor your avatar to reflect your cultural background. This includes traditional clothing, accessories, or even celebratory outfits related to cultural events. It’s a unique way to honor and showcase your heritage. Your avatar can wear a kurta, kimono, or even a cowboy hat during relevant cultural festivals. This feature fosters a greater understanding and appreciation among diverse user bases. It makes the digital world a more inclusive space. Celebrating your culture through your avatar enhances your social media narrative.
4. Stay Trendy and Relevant
Staying updated with the latest trends is crucial in the digital realm. Facebook avatars keep you in the loop. They often feature the newest accessories, hairstyles, and fashion trends. By updating your avatar, you signal that you’re up-to-date with current pop culture. It’s a way of staying relevant and fashionable in your online circles. This can be especially fun during events like Halloween or Christmas. You can dress up your avatar in themed costumes. Doing so adds to the festive spirit and encourages interaction. It’s a dynamic way to engage with your network.
5. Break the Ice and Make New Connections
Using a Facebook Avatar can be a fantastic conversation starter. It often sparks curiosity and interest among viewers. When you use an avatar that stands out, people may comment on it or strike up a conversation. This is particularly useful in groups or communities within Facebook. It can lead to new friendships and connections. Your avatar acts as a digital handshake. It introduces you to potential friends in a friendly and approachable manner. This tool bridges gaps between cultures and geographies. It fosters new social links in a fun, accessible way.
