TikTok launches digital avatars, its answer to Memoji!

TikTok is launching a new feature that lets users turn themselves into custom animated avatars in the style of Apple’s Memoji, Snapchat’s Bitmoji, and Meta’s Avatars.

The app uses the phone’s camera to detect the face, then overlays it with an animated avatar that copies your movements.

Users can customize their avatar from an array of hairstyles, outfits, accessories, piercings and makeup, as well as different voice styles. Using motion detection software, the TikTok avatar mimics your movements, mouth movements, and expressions.

Additionally, TikTokers will soon be able to add a miniature avatar to their videos, shrinking it and placing it anywhere on the screen. Users will be able to choose from six reactions (e.g. “like” or “cry”) for their miniature avatar to display different expressions.

The feature is rolling out globally today and can be accessed from the app’s camera alongside TikTok’s various other effects. In a statement, the company also assured that it will leverage user feedback and its Creator Diversity Collective “to make this the most inclusive and representative experience for our community.”