Meta-owned Instagram will launch a new dynamic profile photo feature that lets users keep both their profile picture and avatar on display. Before the update, users had to choose between keeping their profile picture or showcasing their avatar on their profile.
Quick Facts
- Instagram announced that it is rolling out a feature to enable users to flip between their original display picture and avatar on their profile photo
- The app is introducing avatar animation as the avatar will wave when it’s displayed
- The company initially released avatars in 2020 to compete with Snapchat’s Bitmoji
Now, Instagram users will be able to use their profile picture and avatar together. The app had previously enabled users to design their avatars and set them as their profile pictures.
With the new update, users do not have to change their original profile pictures to use their avatars. “Now you can add your avatar to the other side of your pic — and people who visit your profile can flip between the two,” tweeted Instagram.
The social media platform shared that the update marks the first time the app is introducing avatar animation as avatars will wave when displayed on the screen.
Meta wants to focus on avatars this year
Meta introduced avatars on Instagram a year ago and is currently working on improving their presence on the app with the addition of the dynamic profile photo feature. In 2020, the social media giant rolled out the feature to challenge Snapchat’s bitmoji and has been consistently updating them ever since.
As of now, bitmojis have expanded across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Messenger. The platform released the new dynamic profile photo in the wake of an announcement made by Instagram head Adam Mosseri.
He informed the users that the social media platform will shift its focus to photos in 2023. In a weekly Q&A with users, Mosseri admitted that the app was showing videos excessively compared to photos.
The increasing importance given to Reels has overpowered posting pictures on the platform. So he wants to reassure the users that photos will remain important on the app. Instagram for that matter has also removed its Shop button and is restoring the Compose button (represented by +) to the center of the navigation bar on the platform.
The Reels button that currently occupies the central position, we are shifted to the right of the Compose button. This will ensure that the focus remains on pictures and not reels that have perpetuated a longstanding trend.
How to use the flipping display picture
To let users keep both the original profile photo and the avatar profile photo, Instagram launched the “flip” feature. To use the feature, users need to create a new avatar.
To add an avatar to the other side of your display photo, follow these steps!
Step 1: Open Instagram and go to the “Edit Profile” button
Step 2: The original display picture is positioned in the upper left corner. Tap it while holding it.
Step 3: There are two tabs on the next screen. Click on the right one.
Step 4: On the tab, you can create your avatar and toggle it to your display photo
Step 5: After the avatar is added, the profile picture will flip over to your avatar automatically when visitors view your profile.
How to create an avatar
You can create and customize your avatar in many ways after tapping on “Create.” Similar to Snapchat, you can choose how your avatar would appear.
Instagram offers many options like changing skin tone, face shape, facial hair, and attire. Once the customization is complete, tap on “Save.” After the avatar is generated, click on “Add to profile photo.”
It is to be noted that your avatar is always modifiable. Visitors can swipe on your profile photo to see your avatar waving back at them.
Instagram FAQ
How to put your avatar on Instagram stories?
Users can open the story creation UI and click on the sticker icon at the top-right corner to place their avatar on stories. The list of stickers will have the option “Avatar” which allows you to use your avatar.
Similarly, you can use your avatar as stickers on Direct messages too.
Are 3D avatars available for all Instagram users?
Yes, 3D avatars are accessible to every user on the platform provided they have updated their app to the latest version.
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