Snapchat has finally delivered a long-awaited feature by users: custom friend ringtones and Bitmoji avatars. Both these additions from the past remind users of the personalized features that once were loved by users.
These features have been eagerly anticipated for quite some time, and the latest update (last week) brought them to life.
Context of the Latest Update
Snapchat's move has sent nostalgic vibes all over the social media landscape. This latest update introduced highly anticipated features like custom friend ringtones and Bitmoji avatars. These additions take users back to the popular personalized communication styles of the early 2000s.
Snapchat users are thrilled with this update, as many have been waiting for these features. However, these features (along with the others from the latest update) are currently exclusive to Snapchat+ subscribers.
Custom Friend Ringtones: A Nostalgic Nod to the 2000s
The ability to assign custom ringtones to individual friends is a nostalgic touch that brings back old memories. In the past, setting personalized ringtones was used to express individuality and identify callers without looking at your phone.
This feature also represents an exciting incursion into the music app market. As users can choose custom ringtones for each friend, Snapchat will create a personalized music library. This will differ from traditional music apps, which typically focus on providing users access to a vast catalog of songs and albums.
Bitmoji Avatars: A Seriously Nostalgic Nod to the 2000s and 2010s
Bitmoji avatars have been an essential element of Snapchat since 2016. They have significantly evolved over the past years, and with the latest update, they have become even more customizable and expressive.
Users can now create custom Bitmoji backgrounds, choose from a broader range of styling options, and use the avatar they create in various ways. These are genuinely nostalgic nods to the internet’s early days when personalized avatars were a popular way of expressing people online.
What Other Features Does the New Update Bring?
Apart from custom friend ringtones and Bitmoji avatars, the new update comes with several other features. These are:
- Replaying your Snap for up to 5 minutes after sending.
- Singing to your favorite songs with the new Lyric Stickers.
- Starring on your very own billboard with the new AI Lens.
This latest update by Snapchat reminds users that personalized communication, which was a thing in the early 2000s, is still loved by many. While these features are currently available only for Snapchat+ users, they’ll be available for all very soon.