It’s been a couple of years since Snapchat made the shift to 3D avatars. At the time, the company said this change gave users more ways than ever to represent themselves. However, two years later, complaints continued to pour in, prompting Snapchat to respond by reintroducing 2D avatars following a user petition.
Snapchat initially switched from 2D to 3D Bitmoji avatars back in 2023. It wasn’t long before users began voicing their dissatisfaction. One user even started an online petition to bring back the original 2D comic characters.
Many users felt the new 3D Bitmojis missed the mark. Complaints included awkward proportions—such as legs and arms that didn’t align properly—square-looking torsos, and facial features that seemed unattractive and odd. Fans of the original design argued that the older Snapchat characters were much cuter across all gender identities, including feminine, non-binary, and masculine users.
In response to this feedback, Snapchat addressed the community:
> “In 2023, we launched a new 3D avatar across Snapchat, unlocking the most customizable features yet—from diverse body types and hairstyles to richer details like makeup and freckles. These upgrades gave Snapchatters more ways than ever to represent themselves. But we also know that many in our community feel a deep affinity for their original Avatar and are nostalgic for the 2D comic style. In fact, thousands of Snapchatters petitioned us to bring it back. We listened.”
Over the coming days, Snapchat+ subscribers will gain access to a new feature called Comic Bitmoji. This style brings back the charm of the classic avatars while maintaining all the benefits of the modern 3D infrastructure.
Snapchat describes this update as “a filter for your avatar”: offering the same customization and expressions users love, but reimagined to reflect that iconic comic-inspired look.
With this setting enabled, subscribers will be able to:
– See all Bitmoji avatars in the app displayed in 2D
– Send Stickers to friends that match their selected style
This compromise allows users to enjoy the nostalgia of the original design without losing the versatility of the new system.
Meanwhile, some users have begun to wonder if a similar petition might be in order for other updates, such as the macOS 26 Tahoe icons, since roughly 60% of readers remain unimpressed with recent design changes.
As with the Bitmoji update, accessories and small details continue to draw attention, showing just how invested users are in personalizing their digital representations.
Overall, Snapchat’s decision to reintroduce the 2D Bitmoji style highlights the importance of listening to user feedback and balancing innovation with familiarity.
https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/11/snapchat-reintroduces-2d-avatars-after-users-rejected-3d-ones/
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