In a bid to give people new ways to express themselves online, Facebook Monday launched Avatars in Africa.
Avatars are digital personas that enable people to engage across Facebook and Messenger in a more personal and dynamic way.
“You can use your personalised avatar to share a range of emotions and expressions via a digital persona that is unique to you,” Facebook said in a statement.
Facebook noted that there are many ways people can use their avatar including in comments, Stories, Messenger and soon, text posts with backgrounds too.
“With so many emotions and expressions to choose from, avatars let you share your authentic reactions and feelings with family and friends across the app. You can customise your avatar with hairstyles, complexions, outfits, COVID-19 support stickers and more,” Facebook further said.
The social media giant said that for people to create their avatar, they should go to the Facebook or Messenger comment composer, click on the “smiley” button, and then the sticker tab. Click “Create Your Avatar”.
“Facebook is home to some of your most personal content and we want to allow people to share and react to that content in the most personalised way possible,” says Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director, Facebook Africa.
“We’re excited to give people more options to convey their identity on Facebook, allowing them to share in a more personal, light-hearted way.”
Avatars include hundreds of global sticker packs and integrations with GIF providers and can also be shared across Facebook and Messenger by: Setting as Profile Picture; Sharing to News Feed; and Using on Gaming Profile.
