Snapchat first introduced Bitmoji backgrounds as a new feature in 2019. Bitmoji backgrounds allow Snapchat users to customize their Snapchat camera and chat backgrounds with personalized Bitmoji avatars and scenes. This feature has become incredibly popular among Snapchat users as a way to express themselves and liven up their Snaps.
The History of Bitmoji and Snapchat
To understand when Snapchat added Bitmoji backgrounds, it helps to first understand the history of Bitmoji and how it became integrated into Snapchat.
Bitmoji was created in 2014 by Bitstrips as a way for users to make personalized emoji-style avatars. The Bitmoji app allowed users to create cartoon avatars of themselves and use these Bitmojis in messaging and on social media.
In 2016, Snapchat parent company Snap acquired Bitstrips and Bitmoji. This allowed Snapchat to integrate Bitmoji avatars into the Snapchat app. By 2017, Snapchat users could link their Bitmoji account to create Bitmoji stickers and use their personalized Bitmoji avatar as their Snapchat profile picture.
The Launch of Snapchat Bitmoji Deluxe
In early 2019, Snapchat took Bitmoji integration a step further with the launch of Bitmoji Deluxe. Bitmoji Deluxe allowed Snapchat users to create a much more stylized, detailed and customized Bitmoji avatar.
With Bitmoji Deluxe, users could change everything from facial features and hair color to outfits and accessories on their Bitmoji. This gave users much more control over their Bitmoji design.
Snapchat Bitmoji Backgrounds Rollout
Shortly after the launch of Bitmoji Deluxe in early 2019, Snapchat began rolling out the ability to use personalized Bitmoji backgrounds on Snapchat.
This feature was initially launched in February 2019. It allowed Snapchat users to set their Snapchat camera background to a customized scene featuring their Bitmoji avatar.
Some of the first Bitmoji backgrounds available included Bitmoji in a bedroom, classroom, house party, grassy field, and beach scene. Users could also choose from holiday-themed Bitmoji backgrounds.
Expanded Bitmoji Backgrounds
Since first launching Bitmoji backgrounds in February 2019, Snapchat has continued expanding and improving the feature.
In October 2019, Snapchat updated Bitmoji backgrounds to allow for animated scenes. This meant users’ Bitmoji avatars could now interact with objects and other animated elements in the background scene.
Snapchat also began offering more customizable and timely Bitmoji backgrounds. This included backgrounds tied to time of day, weather, holidays, and current events.
Bitmoji Backgrounds in Chat
Initially, Bitmoji backgrounds were only available for the Snapchat camera. But in 2020, Snapchat rolled out the ability to use Bitmoji backgrounds during chats.
This feature lets users customize their chat background with an illustrated Bitmoji scene. It helps further personalize the chatting experience.
Bitmoji World Lenses
In 2021, Snapchat introduced Bitmoji World Lenses. This built on Bitmoji backgrounds by allowing users to use their Snapchat camera to “step into” a customized 3D Bitmoji scene.
Bitmoji World Lenses use augmented reality to render the user’s Bitmoji avatar and surroundings into an interactive virtual environment. This takes Bitmoji backgrounds to the next level.
Why Bitmoji Backgrounds Became So Popular
Bitmoji backgrounds on Snapchat quickly became incredibly popular among users. Here are some of the main reasons why:
- Lets users personalize their experience – Bitmoji backgrounds allow users to put their own personal stamp on their Snaps and chats in a fun way.
- Great visual element – The illustrations and animations make conversations and stories more visually engaging.
- Appeals to younger users – Younger Snapchat users especially enjoy the fun, lighthearted nature of Bitmojis.
- Ties into trends – Snapchat can create timely backgrounds tied to holidays, events, and cultural trends.
- Provides shared experience – Friends enjoy seeing each other’s Bitmojis in creative, themed backgrounds.
- Easy to create – Snapchat made it simple to link Bitmoji accounts and use backgrounds.
Impact on Snapchat
The addition of Bitmoji backgrounds has had a significant positive impact on Snapchat in several ways:
- Increased engagement – Bitmoji backgrounds have led to users spending more time using Snapchat and its creative tools.
- Higher retention – Features like Bitmoji backgrounds make Snapchat more fun and personalized, keeping users on the platform.
- New creative options – Bitmoji backgrounds have inspired users to get more creative with visual communication on Snapchat.
- Younger demographic appeal – Personalized Bitmojis resonate strongly with Snapchat’s core Gen Z user base.
- Differentiation from competitors – Bitmoji backgrounds help Snapchat differentiate from other platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Overall, Snapchat’s integration of Bitmoji backgrounds has been a huge success and has become one of the app’s most popular features in recent years.
The Future of Bitmoji Backgrounds
Looking ahead, there are several ways Snapchat could continue growing and improving Bitmoji backgrounds:
- More partnerships – Snapchat could partner with entertainment brands, sports teams, etc. to allow branded Bitmoji backgrounds.
- Social sharing – Let users more easily share their personalized Bitmoji backgrounds on other platforms.
- Music integration – Partner with music services to let songs/lyrics appear in Bitmoji backgrounds.
- Multiplayer backgrounds – Allow groups of friends’ Bitmojis to appear together in backgrounds.
- 3D avatar evolution – Take Bitmoji World Lenses even further with more interactive 3D environments.
- Expanded creator marketplace – Let independent artists sell custom Bitmoji backgrounds.
As augmented reality technology evolves, expect Bitmoji backgrounds to become even more advanced and interactive over the coming years.
Conclusion
In summary, Snapchat first introduced Bitmoji backgrounds as a camera feature in February 2019. This built on the acquisition of Bitmoji and integration of personalized Bitmoji avatars into Snapchat starting in 2016-2017.
Bitmoji backgrounds quickly became one of Snapchat’s most popular features as they allowed users to express themselves in a fun, visually engaging way. Snapchat has continued expanding on Bitmoji backgrounds with new options, chat integration, Bitmoji World Lenses and more.
Bitmoji backgrounds have had a huge positive impact on Snapchat by driving engagement, creativity, and differentiation from competitors. Given the feature’s popularity, Snapchat will likely continue enhancing Bitmoji backgrounds through innovative integrations and partnerships for years to come.