How to Create an Avatar on TikTok

Boost your creativity with TikTok's new avatar feature.

There are many ways to express your individuality on TikTok. Between templates, filters, and editing tools, the opportunities are endless. The platform provides myriad options for creating amazing videos, and avatars are one way to do that.

TikTok Avatars allow you to post videos using animation as you usually would on other social media platforms. They're another way to set your content apart, as you can customize each avatar to your preference.

Continue reading to learn more about avatars on TikTok, how to create a TikTok Avatar, and why you should.

What Is TikTok Avatar?

If you're familiar with Bitmoji and Memoji on Snapchat and Apple, respectively, you'll know what avatars are about. TikTok Avatars work similarly, allowing you to create an animated version of yourself.

The feature was rolled out in June 2022, along with a TikTok blog post announcement in which the app highlighted its goal—creative expression:

From Effect House to Library, longer videos and more, there are many ways to make your creativity shine on TikTok. Today, to empower continued creative expression, we're introducing TikTok Avatars - yet another way for people to showcase their individuality on TikTok.

TikTok's avatars include presets, which you can use to record a video, but you can also customize your avatar to make it more personal. The feature celebrates the diversity of the TikTok community with avatars of different races, genders, cultural backgrounds, skin tones, and more.

Since more than one billion people use the app every month, TikTok Avatars helps creators stand out. Another effective way to stand out on TikTok is creating DIY videos, which are great for engagement.

How to Create an Avatar on TikTok

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Start by opening the TikTok app on your phone. Tap the Post button at the bottom of the screen, followed by Effects on the left. Tap the Search icon and type "Avatars" in the Search bar, then select TikTok avatars.

You will now see a slide with available avatar Presets on the screen. Tap + New, then scroll down and choose the one you feel closely resembles you. As TikTok doesn't have the option to start with a blank canvas, the preset you choose will be your starting point.

The avatar will mimic your movements, even while creating it, so be sure to move your face in all directions to see how it looks from all angles. You'll find all the Categories you can edit directly below the avatar. While editing in each category, don't forget to scroll all the way down to access related elements, which can be easy to miss.

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The first category you'll be able to edit is Skin tone. TikTok provides a wide range of tones to choose from—choose one closest to yours. You can also pick a non-skin tone color like green, red, purple, or blue to add a fun element.

You'll find that some elements have a Download icon in the bottom-right corner. This icon might mislead you into thinking those elements aren't accessible, but you can easily tap them to apply them to your avatar.

Go through every category to customize your avatar until you get to the last one, Headwear. You can return to each category if you change your mind about your selections. When you're happy with your avatar, tap Done in the top-right corner of the screen.

You can save the avatar effect for quick access by tapping the Bookmark icon above + New. Proceed to record a video as you usually would.

Why Create a TikTok Avatar?

TikTok Avatars add a fun, unique element to your content. You can use your customized avatar to create lighthearted videos or retain an air of mystery or anonymity. If you use it in all your videos, it could be what sets you apart from other creators.

That's because, in a sea of videos featuring "real" people, they immediately grab viewers' attention out of interest. And if your videos are appealing enough, they could even land on TikTok's For You Page (FYP) and get exposed to more viewers.

Create Lighthearted Videos Using TikTok Avatars

TikTok is the go-to app for fun, funny, feel-good content. That's why users are known to browse the app into the wee hours of the night. You can also create similar content using TikTok Avatars, adding another layer of casual fun to your videos.