Why Can't I Make a Facebook Avatar? Here's How to Access the Latest Craze

Facebook recently launched their own avatars in the U.S., and similar to Snapchat’s popular Bitmoji, this new feature allows users create a digital lookalike of themselves. Avatars are completely customizable, from hair texture and skin complexion, to eye shape and fun accessories. It's no wonder Facebook users are obsessed with it.

Bitmoji has over 3.1 million downloads from the Google Play store alone, but with Facebook’s 2.50 billion monthly active users, many are speculating Avatars to rise in popularity over the next few years.

“So much of our interactions these days are taking place online, which is why it’s more important than ever to be able to express yourself personally on Facebook,” Fidji Simo, head of the Facebook App wrote in a post. “Avatars enable you to share a range of emotions and expressions via a digital persona that’s uniquely representative of you, so we’re excited to bring this new form of self-expression to more people around the world.”

Facebook users can feature their Avatars in stickers which can be shared in Facebook Stories and comments. The Avatars have a wide range of facial expressions and reactions, making it easy for users to communicate with each other without using words.

“There are so many different ways you can use your avatar including in comments, Stories, Messenger — and soon text posts with backgrounds, too,” Fidji continued in the post. “There are so many different ways you can use your 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 to react and engage more authentically with family and friends across the app."

“It’s important to us that you can personalize your avatar so it represents your unique, authentic self, which is why we’re also adding in a new range of customizations, too — such as new hairstyles, complexions, and outfits.”

Avatars have been available to Facebook users across Europe since April, and in Australia since June of 2019. But they will all be receiving new updates on hairstyles, complexions, and outfits.

Many users reported not having the ability to create an Avatar, while others were already getting started and utilizing the Avatars to their greatest potential. According to Fidji, everyone should have access to Avatars as of May 16, 2020. If you’re not seeing the feature, Fidji recommended to follow these steps:

Upgrade your Facebook app, then go to either of the following:

1. Go to Stickers and select the purple face, which should allow you to customize your avatar or, 
2. Go to bookmarks and look for Avatars under “See More.”

If that doesn’t work, Reddit users have been sharing helpful tips to help you get your Avatar up and running. Reddit user briaugar said they were able to create their Avatar through Messenger instead of Facebook. 

“Open your last message and click on the smiley face in the comment bar,” briaugar wrote. “Once it opens ‘stickers,’ click on what looks like the Angry Bird on the bottom towards the left. It will open the Avatar creator.”

Hopefully, these tips work for you!