TikTok Introduces Its Answer to Snapchat’s Bitmojis
Kristin Snyder is dot.LA's 2022/23 Editorial Fellow. She previously interned with Tiger Oak Media and led the arts section for UCLA's Daily Bruin.
TikTok is the latest social media company to add avatars to its platform.
The Culver City-based video-sharing app announced on Tuesday that the feature, which is rolling out globally, will mimic users’ movements and expressions through the animated figures. Users can access their avatar through TikTok’s camera and build their own custom character based on a variety of templates. Personalization options include hairstyles, accessories, piercings and makeup.
In its announcement, TikTok said it would listen to creator feedback and its Creator Diversity Collective to ensure that the avatars—which feature a variety of skin tones, hair colors and hair textures—are inclusive. In the past, the company has been criticized for filters that alter people’s skin tones and do not work properly for people of color.
“Building inclusive features and experiences remains our priority, and we'll continue to listen to our community and look to creators for feedback at every step of its development,” TikTok said.
As the metaverse seeks to fill its immersive digital worlds with avatars, Los Angeles’ startup scene has given rise to new companies that have successfully raised money to create animated NFTs and digital representations of people.
Other social media platforms beat TikTok to the avatar craze; Meta introduced avatars into Instagram Stories earlier this year, while Apple has added Memojis to its messages. Snapchat has advanced its technology since launching Bitmojis in 2016, allowing users to incorporate their avatars into live-action comic strips and virtual concerts.
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Kristin Snyder is dot.LA's 2022/23 Editorial Fellow. She previously interned with Tiger Oak Media and led the arts section for UCLA's Daily Bruin.
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