Snapchat's Bitmoji update upsets users

"The Bitmoji has evolved into something horrifying and unsettling."
 By 
Elena Cavender
 on 
Hands holding a smart phone displaying the yellow and white Snapchat ghost logo.
Users miss the old Bitmoji. Credit: Getty Images: SOPA Images / Contributor

Snapchat users are once again frustrated with an update to the social media platform. This time it involves the once delightful, now disquieting Bitmoji. Last week, Snapchat's cartoon avatars underwent a makeover that startled users, as part of the company's effort to bring Bitmoji further into 3D.

"The new avatar style improves characteristics like hair texture, face shading and body proportions. Your Bitmoji can now have a bolder smile, a more astonished face when they’re surprised, and can express even the most subtle and nuanced emotions," the company said in a press release.

But the result is unnaturally long arms and more angular, unnerving faces. As one X user wrote, "The Bitmoji has evolved into something horrifying and unsettling snapchat needs to revise." Another captioned a before and after of their Bitmoji, "WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO MY BITMOJI??????"


You May Also Like

Earlier this year Snapchat users were outraged with Snapchat's My AI chat bot's integration into their Chat feeds.

Snapchat first integrated Bitmoji into the platform in 2016, and the avatars have since become integral to the user experience. Much of the frustration with the update lies in that Bitmoji is the representation of the self on Snapchat. One user tweeted, "can they please change Bitmoji back to what it used to look like 😭😭 i look hideous."

Another said, "I don't associate myself with my Bitmoji anymore."

Other users don't mind the change. One wrote, "Low-key my bitmoji is looking cute af."

As with any update to a social media platform, users are getting nostalgic for the good old days of Snapchat and the original Bitmoji that hadn't existed long before this update. In a TikTok that's garnered more than 2.8 million views and 320,000 likes @princense0 captioned a video of old Bitmojis with, "I miss the old 2D Bitmojis." The "I miss the old Kanye" snippet of "I love Kanye" soundtracks the video.

Topics Snapchat

Mashable Image
Elena Cavender

Elena is a tech reporter and the resident Gen Z expert at Mashable. She covers TikTok and digital trends. She recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in American History. Email her at [email protected] or follow her @ecaviar_.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Snapchat adds Arrival Notifications to help users feel safer
Phone screen showing the Snap Map on a yellow background.

'Stardew Valley' major update will let you marry its most hated character
A screenshot of a farm in 'Stardew Valley.'

Snapchat is testing creator subscriptions, giving top creators a new direct revenue stream
the Snapchat logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen

The biggest moments of the 2026 Golden Globes
Four side-by-side images show celebrities on stage at the Golden Globes.

3 AdultFriendFinder features exclusive to paid users
By Jack Dawes
Plus signs coming out of treasure chest

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.


NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!