Snapchat is reintroducing its beloved classic 2D Bitmoji characters, now officially named "Comic Bitmoji," in a direct response to overwhelming user demand. This highly anticipated update, which will first roll out to Snapchat+ subscribers, allows users to revert to the original, comic-book-style avatars that defined their early digital identity on the platform.
The move comes after a significant campaign by Snapchat users, with over 100,000 individuals signing a Change.org petition calling for the return of the original Bitmoji format. Snapchat itself acknowledges the importance of these avatars, stating:
"For Snapchatters, Bitmoji isn't just an avatar. It's your digital identity, the way you show up with friends, share your moods, and represent yourself online. With Comic Bitmoji, we're giving you more choice in how you express yourself, whether that's embracing the latest 3D styles or throwing it back to the look that started it all."
The Evolution of Bitmoji
Originally popularized through Bitstrips, a custom comic platform where users could insert their 2D Bitmoji characters into various scenarios, these comic-style avatars gained significant traction on Facebook before Snapchat acquired the company in 2016, making them a Snapchat-exclusive feature. In 2021, Snapchat evolved the concept further by introducing 3D Bitmoji, enabling more interactive experiences and integration with digital fashion. These 3D versions have been widely adopted, with over 2.7 billion Bitmoji avatars created and 320 million people engaging with them daily.
CEO Responds to User Calls
Despite the success of 3D Bitmoji, a segment of users yearned for the original comic-like depictions. This sentiment culminated in the aforementioned Change.org petition, to which Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel personally responded yesterday. Spiegel confirmed that:
"Over the coming days, Snapchat+ subscribers will be able to turn on Comic Bitmoji - a new style that brings back the charm of classic avatars, while keeping all the benefits of today's 3D infrastructure. Think of it like a filter for your avatar: the same customization and expressions you love, reimagined to be reminiscent of that iconic comic-inspired look."
This means users can now choose to "flatten out" their Bitmoji character, embracing the familiar 2D aesthetic while still benefiting from the underlying modern avatar system.
While 100,000 petition signers represent a fraction of the 320 million daily active Bitmoji users, the reintroduction of Comic Bitmoji is seen as a relatively low-investment update for Snap. This strategic move not only addresses a vocal segment of its user base but could also serve as an incentive to boost subscriptions for Snapchat+, creating a potential win-win scenario for the platform and its paying users.
