Snapchat Revives 2D Bitmoji After Users Demand Return of Classic Avatars

Snapchat has announced the return of its original 2D comic-style Bitmoji avatars in response to user demand, with the feature becoming available first to Snapchat+ subscribers over the coming days.

The revival comes after approximately 100,000 users signed a petition requesting the return of the classic cartoon-like depictions that first made Bitmoji popular. Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel personally responded to the petition, acknowledging users' attachment to the original style that helped define digital identity on the platform.

How the new Comic Bitmoji works

The newly reintroduced Comic Bitmoji option allows users to switch their 3D Bitmoji characters to a flattened, comic book-style appearance reminiscent of the original format. Snapchat describes the feature as a "filter for your avatar" that maintains all the customization options and expressions available in the current 3D infrastructure.

"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," Snap explained in its announcement. "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 move represents a return to Bitmoji's roots. The avatar system originated with Bitstrips, a company that allowed users to create personalized comic strips featuring cartoon versions of themselves. Bitstrips became widely popular on Facebook before Snapchat acquired the company in 2016 and integrated the technology into its platform.

The evolution of Bitmoji

Snapchat's Bitmoji journey has seen significant evolution since the acquisition. In 2021, the company launched 3D Bitmoji, which represented a major shift from the original flat designs. The 3D versions enabled more interactive capabilities, including the incorporation of digital fashion items and more dynamic expressions.

The 3D update has proven successful for Snapchat, with the company reporting that users have created over 2.7 billion Bitmoji avatars, with approximately 320 million people engaging with them daily. These figures underscore Bitmoji's importance as a core feature within the Snapchat marketing ecosystem for businesses and creators.

However, the transition to 3D wasn't universally embraced. A subset of users preferred the charm and simplicity of the original 2D designs, which ultimately led to the petition campaign that caught the attention of Snapchat's leadership.

For businesses utilizing the platform, this dual avatar approach provides additional creative options for building an engaging social media presence that resonates with audiences.

Snapchat's strategic response

Spiegel's decision to bring back the classic style appears to serve multiple strategic purposes. First, it directly addresses feedback from a passionate user segment, demonstrating Snapchat's willingness to listen to its community. Second, by making Comic Bitmoji available exclusively to Snapchat+ subscribers initially, the company creates a new incentive for users to sign up for its premium subscription service.

While 100,000 petition signers represent a relatively small percentage of the 320 million daily Bitmoji users, the reintroduction likely required minimal development resources while potentially driving subscription revenue. This approach aligns with Snapchat's broader strategy of monetizing features that inspire strong user loyalty.

The revival also reconnects Snapchat with the nostalgia factor that made Bitstrips so popular in its early days. Many users who grew up creating comic strips with the original format may appreciate the opportunity to return to a visual style that feels familiar and holds sentimental value.

Impact on user engagement and identity

This strategic pivot highlights how digital self-representation has become central to social media experiences. According to research from Stanford's Virtual Human Interaction Lab, personalized avatars can significantly increase user engagement and emotional connection to platforms. By offering both 2D and 3D options, Snapchat is effectively catering to different user preferences while reinforcing the importance of personalized digital identity.

For content creators and marketers, this dual-style approach opens new creative possibilities for brand representation and audience engagement through both classic and modern visual aesthetics.

Accessing Comic Bitmoji

If you're a Snapchat user who misses the classic Bitmoji style, you'll need a Snapchat+ subscription to access the feature when it rolls out in the coming days. The subscription offers various exclusive features beyond just Comic Bitmoji access.

Digital identity continues to grow in importance across social platforms, and this move by Snapchat recognizes that users have strong preferences about how they represent themselves online. The decision to provide options rather than forcing a single standard demonstrates an understanding of personal expression in digital spaces.

For brands and marketers using Snapchat, this update offers a reminder about the power of nostalgia and user preferences when developing digital experiences. Even as technology advances, some users maintain strong connections to earlier designs and functionality that shaped their initial experiences on a platform.