Avatars are popular virtual representations of ourselves online. Snapchat popularized the idea by allowing users to create customized Bitmojis. Now, avatars are everywhere – Facebook, Instagram, gaming profiles, and more. Creating your own avatar can be a fun way to express your personality online. This guide will walk you through how to make a Snapchat-like avatar from start to finish.
What You Need to Create a Snapchat Avatar
The basic requirements for creating your own avatar include:
- A computer, tablet, or mobile device
- Access to an avatar creation platform or app
- A photo of yourself to use as a reference
- Time and creativity to customize your avatar
Many apps like Bitmoji will allow you to create an avatar for free. However, some more advanced creation platforms require a paid subscription or software. Here are some of the best options currently available:
| Platform | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Bitmoji | Free | Mobile app with tons of customization options |
| Avataaars | Free | Web-based with avatar builder and library |
| Ready Player Me | Free and paid tiers | 3D avatars compatible with VR and metaverse |
For a simple 2D avatar, a free platform like Bitmoji or Avataaars will work great. For a more advanced 3D avatar, invest in a subscription to Ready Player Me. Their paid tiers unlock additional customization features and commercial use rights.
How to Make a Snapchat Avatar
Once you’ve selected your avatar creation platform, follow these general steps to make your own Snapchat-style avatar:
Step 1: Choose a Base Avatar
Most avatar builders start with a blank canvas or base avatar template. Browse through the options and select one that appeals to you. Consider gender, skin tone, hairstyle, and facial features that closely resemble you.
Step 2: Customize Facial Features
Now it’s time to customize and modify the base avatar to look more like you. Apps like Bitmoji provide tons of options for customizing:
- Face shape
- Skin tone
- Hairstyle and color
- Eyes shape and color
- Eyebrows
- Nose
- Mouth and lips
- Facial hair
- Accessories like glasses or piercings
Take your time tweaking each facial feature. Use a photo of yourself for reference. The goal is to make your avatar look as close to you as possible.
Step 3: Choose Outfit and Accessories
Most avatar creators provide various outfit and accessory options to stylize your avatar. Choices may include:
- Hair styles and colors
- Tops
- Bottoms
- Shoes
- Glasses
- Jewelry
- Makeup
- Backpacks
- Hats
Browse through pages of options to dress up your avatar in your favorite looks. Change up hairstyles and outfits to create different moods and styles for different situations.
Step 4: Choose Backgrounds and Poses
Put the finishing touches on your creation by choosing fun backgrounds and poses:
- Solid color backgrounds
- Themed backgrounds like landscapes or patterns
- Static poses like standing or sitting
- Dynamic poses like jumping or dancing
Backgrounds and poses let you show off your avatar’s personality. Go for something classic like a solid color background with a smiling pose. Or get creative with backgrounds and expressions!
Step 5: Save and Export Your Avatar
When your avatar is complete, it’s time to save it and export for use. Most apps allow you to:
- Save multiple versions of your avatar with different looks
- Export as image files like PNG or JPG
- Export as a 3D model file for use in VR/AR
- Integrate and share directly to social media
Refer to your avatar platform’s documentation for specific exporting instructions. Your new creation is now ready to use as your virtual identity online!
Tips for Creating Great Avatars
Here are some tips to help you design the perfect avatar:
Use a Recent Photo for Reference
Have a recent, high-quality photo ready when creating your avatar. It’s easier to make it look just like you when you can compare and reference your actual facial features.
Start With the Eyes
They say eyes are the windows to the soul. When customizing your avatar, start with the eyes to get the closest resemblance to your actual eyes. The rest of the facial features will fall into place around them.
Exaggerate Your Strongest Features
Unlike actual photos, avatars can exaggerate features like big hair, strong jaws, and more. Embrace your best features by enhancing them in your avatar.
Add Your Signature Accessories
Dress your avatar in accessories you actually wear regularly like glasses, jewelry, makeup, or hats. This adds authenticity and personality.
Change Your Pose
Don’t settle for just a basic standing pose. Cycle through different poses and expressions to find ones that showcase your attitude. Dynamic poses are more eye-catching and fun.
Customize Multiple Looks
Take advantage of the ability to save multiple avatars with different outfits and styles. This allows you to mix up your look for different occasions.
Uses for Avatars
Once you’ve created your own personal avatar, here are some great ways to use it:
Social Media Profiles
Use your avatar as your icon on social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, etc. It’s more personalized than the default options.
Gaming Profiles
If you game online, upload your avatar as your custom gamer profile pic on platforms like Steam, Epic Games, Xbox Live, and more.
Virtual Worlds and Metaverse
3D avatars created with Ready Player Me can be imported into virtual worlds and metaverse platforms like VRChat and Mozilla Hubs.
Videos and Live Streams
Use dynamic 3D avatars in your YouTube videos, live streams, or other content by integrating them into apps like VTube Studio.
Branding and Marketing
Create branded avatars to use as virtual mascots, online representatives, or just to humanize your business online.
Conclusion
Creating personalized avatars is easier than ever thanks to user-friendly apps like Bitmoji. Follow this guide to design your own virtual lookalike to represent you online in a fun and customized way.
With the ability to modify features, accessories, poses, and backgrounds – the possibilities are endless! Avatars are the modern way to express yourself online. So get creative and make an avatar that showcases your unique personality and style.
Once you make your virtual doppelganger, show it off as your social media profile picture, gaming avatar, virtual world persona, and more. Avatars allow you to get creative and digitize your identity with customized details impossible in real photos. So embrace the endless avatar options online today and make your own virtual version!