In 2023, Snapchat, a popular social media platform recognized for its interactive features and Bitmoji integration, introduced a significant update to its Bitmoji Face creator. However, this update was met with disappointment and criticism from a considerable number of users who found the new Bitmoji avatars unappealing and displeasing.
Bitmoji, initially introduced in 2014 by the now-defunct tech company Bitstrips, has maintained its popularity, becoming widely used for creating personalized stickers resembling the users. Its integration into various messaging apps, including Snapchat, has allowed users to express themselves using customized avatars in their conversations.
Nevertheless, as technology and design progress, so do the features and appearance of these avatars. In this new Snapchat Bitmoji Face update, the alterations to the Bitmoji faces were not well-received by the community. Users expressed a sense of nostalgia for earlier versions of Bitmoji, labeling the new avatars as “ugly” and “disgusting,” reflecting their disappointment with the changes made to the avatar creator.
Social media platforms continually evolve and update to offer users engaging and interactive experiences. However, not every update is met with appreciation. The recent Bitmoji Face update serves as an illustration of how modifications to beloved features can sometimes miss the mark in meeting users’ expectations and preferences.
What is the Snapchat Bitmoji Face update?
Snapchat recently introduced a major update that transformed Bitmoji into a 3D experience, focusing on enhancing character textures, hair, facial structure, and more. Snapchat’s popular bitmoji characters have undergone a major overhaul. The news of this significant change was officially announced in July 2023. However, the rollout of the new update was gradual, and it wasn’t until October 2023 that many users began to notice and experience these changes.
The transition to a 3D aesthetic not only provides depth to Bitmoji avatars but also brings in additional exciting features. Users can now zoom in and rotate their avatars, offering a closer and more detailed view of their characters. These features add a new dimension to the Bitmoji experience, allowing users to interact with their avatars in a more engaging way.
Why does the Snapchat Bitmoji Face update look atrocious?
By now, you’ve probably noticed a considerable change in the appearance of your Bitmoji, and you’re not the only one. Many users have observed that their Bitmoji stickers look notably different than usual, and in some cases, even less appealing. These changes were intentional, even though the response to them has been largely negative.
Throughout 2023, Bitmoji began integrating a new 3D technology into its creation engine. While 3D avatars and stickers were introduced in 2018, this updated avatar style brings more stylistic changes aimed at creating a more “immersive” experience.
According to an official blog post, this new style is intended to “enhance characteristics like hair texture, face shading, and body proportions,” providing more detail and definition to one’s Bitmoji avatar.
However, unfortunately, these changes haven’t been well-received. On platforms like Reddit, users have pointed out that the transition to this newer 3D style didn’t retain some of the specifics from their original Bitmoji creation, resulting in an awkward appearance. Some users have even expressed discomfort regarding gender representation due to limited body proportions and presentation options. Some complained about bitmoji’s face looking all crumpled together with the mouth and nose way too close to each other and some found the bitmoji’s mouth as wide as a football field. Snapchat’s Bitmoji face look appears with removed makeup and darker skin. At first glance, it looks like the face smokes 20 packs a day.
Despite Bitmoji’s excitement about the change, several users have expressed their disappointment on platforms like Twitter. They’ve criticized the update, referring to the new 3D Bitmojis as unappealing, ugly, and even frightening. Many users have voiced a desire to go back to the previous 2D-style Bitmojis that had a cleaner and more pleasing aesthetic.
How to get the old Snapchat Bitmoji back?
Users were already uncertain about reverting to the old style of Bitmoji when it first transitioned to 3D. However, with the alterations made in 2023, disappointed users have found their Bitmoji nostalgia rekindled.
If you’re looking to disable the Bitmoji Face feature, there’s a way to partially achieve this. It won’t completely remove the latest Bitmoji Face update, but it will disable the 3D effect and revert to the standard 3D emoji. Follow these steps to learn how to effectively get rid of the 3D Bitmoji effect:
- Open Snapchat: Launch the Snapchat app on your device.
- Access Profile Settings: Tap on your Bitmoji avatar or profile icon located in the upper-left corner of the screen.
- Go to Bitmoji Settings: Tap the “Settings” button, typically represented by a gear icon, positioned at the top-right corner of the screen.
- Navigate to Bitmoji Options: Scroll down to find the “Bitmoji” section and tap on it. You’ll see a list of options related to your Bitmoji.
- Unlink Your Bitmoji: Choose “Unlink my Bitmoji” from the options at the bottom of the page. A confirmation pop-up message will appear, asking you to confirm your decision. Tap “Unlink” to proceed.
By following these steps and selecting “Unlink my Bitmoji,” you’ll disable the 3D Bitmoji effect. Note that this action unlinks the 3D Bitmoji from your account but does not delete it, allowing you to return to it later if you wish. However, keep in mind that disabling the 3D Bitmoji will also disable all your Bitmoji Stories on Snapchat. While it won’t entirely remove the 3D Bitmoji, utilizing the unlink feature allows you to temporarily remove it from your account.
If you’re not a fan of how your 3D Bitmoji looks, you can make edits. But if you strongly dislike it, you can follow the steps above to unlink it from your profile.
Regrettably, there are limited options for users to revert to older versions of Bitmoji, especially given the numerous updates that have taken place. Nevertheless, users can still edit their Bitmoji characters with a high level of detail and precision, allowing them to ensure that despite the recent changes, their avatar still accurately mirrors their desired expression.
