Snapchat caved to user demands. Sort of.
After nearly 100,000 users signed a petition demanding the return of original 2D Bitmojis, Snapchat finally listened. But the company found a clever workaround that lets them have their cake and eat it too. Plus, this solution probably won’t make everyone happy.
What Actually Changed
Snapchat Plus subscribers can now enable “Comic Bitmoji” mode. This feature renders 3D avatars with a cartoon-style 2D aesthetic. It’s not a true return to the original 2D Bitmojis from before 2023. Instead, it’s more like applying a filter to your existing 3D avatar.
The catch? You’ll need a Snapchat Plus subscription. That starts at $2.25 monthly if you commit to the annual plan. So Snapchat found a way to monetize user nostalgia while technically delivering what people asked for.
Why Users Revolted in the First Place
Back in 2023, Snapchat switched everyone’s Bitmojis from 2D to 3D. The backlash was immediate and brutal. Users called the new 3D versions “ugly and weird.” Nearly 100,000 people signed a petition demanding the classic look return.
The original 2D Bitmojis had charm. They were simple, cartoony, and instantly recognizable. The 3D versions felt overly detailed and uncanny. Many users felt the redesign solved a problem that didn’t exist.
But Snapchat pushed forward anyway. The 3D avatars offered more personalization options. More poses. Better animations. Yet users clearly preferred the simpler aesthetic.
What Comic Bitmoji Actually Delivers
The new Comic style keeps all those 3D customization features. You still get detailed appearance options and dynamic poses. The 3D engine remains underneath. So technically, you’re getting more flexibility than original 2D Bitmojis ever offered.
However, the Comic filter flattens the rendering. It mimics that cartoon-inspired look people loved. Snapchat describes it as “reimagining” your avatar rather than truly reverting it.
This means Comic Bitmojis will look more detailed than the originals. They’ll have more expression options. But they won’t be identical to what existed before 2023. Whether that’s acceptable depends on what you really wanted.
The Monetization Strategy
Snapchat chose to gate this feature behind Snapchat Plus. That’s telling. The company sees user nostalgia as a revenue opportunity. They’re betting enough people will pay $2.25 monthly to get their preferred avatar style back.
This strategy makes business sense. Snapchat Plus subscribers already get exclusive features. Adding Comic Bitmojis gives fence-sitters another reason to subscribe. Plus, it lets Snapchat claim they responded to user feedback without fully reversing their 3D decision.
But it also risks further backlash. The petition signers wanted 2D Bitmojis back as the default option. Instead, they got a paid compromise that’s not quite the same thing. Some users will feel like Snapchat is charging them to undo an unpopular change.
Why This Solution Feels Half-Baked
Snapchat clearly wants to keep their 3D infrastructure. The Comic filter proves they’re not willing to maintain two separate avatar systems. That would require extra development resources and complicate future updates.
So instead, they’re applying a 2D aesthetic on top of 3D bones. It’s a clever technical solution. But it’s not what users actually requested. The petition asked for original 2D Bitmojis, not 3D avatars with a cartoon filter.
Moreover, locking this behind a paywall feels like Snapchat is punishing users for disliking their redesign. “You want the old style back? Pay us.” That’s the implicit message. It’s hard not to feel like the company is holding nostalgia hostage.
What Happens Next
Snapchat will roll out Comic Bitmojis to Plus subscribers over the coming days. User response will determine if this compromise satisfies the petition crowd or just creates more complaints.
If Comic Bitmojis prove popular, Snapchat might consider making them available to free users eventually. But for now, they’re clearly testing if nostalgia is worth $2.25 monthly to enough people.
The real question is whether this halfway solution actually addresses user concerns. Or does it just show that Snapchat heard complaints but chose profit over fully reversing an unpopular decision?
Time will tell if users accept the compromise or keep demanding true 2D Bitmojis back. My guess? The complaints won’t stop completely. But enough people will subscribe that Snapchat considers this a win.
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