Snapchat’s latest update brings three-dimensional Bitmojis to the apps World Lenses feature.

Bitmoji World Lenses will work the same way as Snapchat’s popular dancing hotdog, which Evan Spiegel, chief executive officer and co-founder of Snap Inc., called the “world’s first augmented reality superstar.” You will be able to place your 3D Bitmoji avatar into your real-world surroundings and then send the photo or video directly to friends or post it in your Story.

This latest Snapchat update comes the same week as Apple Inc. introduced its animated emojis, referred to as “Animoji,” for its premium flagship device – the iPhone X.

Snapchat acquired Bitstrips Inc., which created Bitmojis in 2014, nearly 18 months ago for $64 million, according to Snap’s S-1 filing from February 2017. The company introduced World Lenses in April, which allows users to add augmented reality objects to their surroundings. Snapchat’s latest update will combine these two features to help the company extend its AR capabilities.

Snap, which missed its second-quarter expectations as a public company and managed to increase user numbers by only 7 million from the previous quarter, faces strong competition from Facebook Inc., which has launched Snapchat-like features across its various apps.

Facebook finally revealed Thursday that its Messenger Day feature has attracted 70 million daily users six months after launch. But it’s Facebook’s Instagram Stories and WhatsApp Status features that have proven the most popular for the company, both of which have attracted 250 million daily users each. In comparison, Snapchat is lagging behind with 173 million daily users for its entire app. So Snap has a big incentive to provide ways for people to get even more involved in the platform.

If you are one of the 173 million Snapchat users, here’s how you can get started with 3D Bitmojis:

How to get started with Bitmoji World Lenses

3D Bitmojis in the yogi Lens. Image via TechCrunch

If you are new to Bitmojis, you will need to download the app, create an avatar and link it to Snapchat. The Bitmoji World Lenses are rolling out to Android and iOS users so make sure you update your Snapchat app to the latest version.

To get started adding your 3D Bitmoji to your surroundings, open the Snapchat app, which will open on the main camera screen. The new feature only works with the rear-facing camera, so make sure this is the option selected.

Select a 3D Bitmoji Lens

Tap the screen to see the lens carousel > select a 3D Bitmoji Lens. Options include a butterfly, which will display your Bitmoji as a yogi; a skateboard, which will show your Bitmoji skateboarding around your surroundings; a box of popcorn, which will place your Bitmoji in a movie theater; a guitar, which will allow your Bitmoji to string a few cords; and more.

The size of your Bitmoji can be adjusted by pinching in or out or place it in different areas by tapping on different sections of the screen.

Record and share

When you have chosen your 3D Bitmoji Lens and are happy with the size and placing of your Bitmoji, it’s time to record and share.

Hold down the record button, you can move the camera around and the 3D Bitmoji will move too thanks to AR.

Once your recording is done you can add the usual stickers or filters. You can then share it directly with individual friends or add it to your Story, as well as save it to your camera roll.

Image: ThoroughlyReviewed; Flickr