Millions of WhatsApp users have been urged to learn the ‘hidden hack’ added in a brand new update

WHATSAPP just rolled out a brand new update with a brilliant hidden hack.

You may already know that WhatsApp now offers personalized avatars.

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The update went live worldwide yesterday and gives you the ability to create a custom avatar that looks like you – or maybe someone else entirely.

If you create one, you can use it to share the avatar in one of 36 different sticker styles while chatting in the app.

But did you know that it’s also possible to directly set your avatar as your WhatsApp profile picture – instead of your own face, a picture of your car, or some silly meme?

Here’s how it works.

How to create your avatar

To create a WhatsApp avatar, go to the settings.

Now tap Avatar > Create your avatar.

Then follow the steps to create your avatar and tap Done.

If you want to use it as your profile picture, tap Settings and then your profile picture.

Now tap Edit > Edit and then select Use Avatar.

WhatsApp avatars explained

WhatsApp avatars have been heavily teased in the WhatsApp beta online for the past few months.

And they were already available as a feature on the other Meta-owned services, Facebook and Instagram.

But now everyone with the latest WhatsApp update can try them.

That means going to the App Store for iOS on iPhone or the GooglePlay Store on Android devices.

“Your avatar is a digital version of you that can be created from billions of combinations of different hairstyles, facial features and outfits,” WhatsApp explained.

“Sending an avatar is a quick and fun way to share feelings with friends and family.

“It can also be a great way to represent yourself without using a real photo to make it feel more private.

“For many people, this will be their first time creating an avatar and we will continue to deliver style enhancements like lighting, shading, hair textures and more that will make avatars even better over time.”

It’s similar to Apple’s Memoji feature, which lets you share custom avatars (and stickers) with friends.

This is also a step for users (and Meta) towards the Metaverse – a vast digital universe where you can socialize, work and play.

Meta hopes that eventually many more users will have avatars to navigate the metaverse.

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