Emoji vs. Bitmoji vs. Animoji vs. Memoji: Meaning & Differences Explained

Did you know there are 3,304 emojis as of now? Why do we even need emojis? Well, Emojis and emoticons have a long history within digital communication, internet culture, and digital content. Nowadays, emoticons have evolved into different animated versions like emoji, Bitmoji, Animoji, and Memoji. All these types of emoticons have become an important communication tool in the contemporary online world – especially on social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. If you are confused between emojis, Bitmojis, Animoji, and Memoji, read this guide to understand better!

Here is an introduction to emoji, bitmoji, Animoji, and memoji.

• 1.What Is Emoji?
• 2.What is Animoji?
• 3.What is Memoji?
• 4.What is Bitmoji?
• What's the Difference Among Emoji, Memoji, Animoji, and Bitmoji?

1.What Is Emoji?

Anybody with a smartphone should know what an emoji is. Open up your keypad, and the ideograms and smileys present there are called emojis.

We can say that emojis are an advanced form of emoticons, but instead of typographic expressions, they are in the form of pictures. In simple words, an emoji is a small digital icon or image that expresses your emotions or ideas.

Emojis are widely used in our day-to-day communications through electronic messages and web pages. The emojis on our mobile phones exist in various genres, including facial expressions, places, food items, types of weather, animals, and other everyday objects.

Over the years, the emoji lexicon has constantly evolved to become all-inclusive as emojis are for everyone. Nowadays, emojis can be used across cultures, across screens, and across time. Whether you are white or black, Muslim or Christian, or gay or transgender, there is an emoji representing you and your culture!

2.What is Animoji?

Animojis are popular on iOS devices. Apple devices include an animated emoji feature that is called Animoji. Animoji is a 3D animated emoji that responds to your facial expressions. You can create and emojis on your phone using the front camera face ID system.

Animoji is created with the facial ID software allowing the screen to record and register your facial expressions and movements. The animojis recognize and copy your facial movements like pouting, lowering eyebrow, or rolling the eyeball.

Thus, Animoji is a customized or personalized animated emoji. Animojis have a range of expressions, and they also mimic to match the audio. The current full set of Animoji includes alien, bore, bear, cat, cow, dog, chicken, fox, dragon, rabbit, and many more!

Furthermore, Animojis can be shared as a video (with sound) via different messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.

3.What is Memoji?

Animojis evolve into Memojis. In simple words, Memojis are personalized Animojis. Such Animojis are 3D animated emojis that look exactly like you or an animated version of you.

Memoji was first introduced by Apple, where the iPhone face ID camera system creates your avatar copying your facial expressions in real-time recording. Some high-end Android devices have also introduced the Memoji feature like the Samsung AR emoji.

The best thing about memojis is that you can completely customize them to suit you. From changing the shape of the head to brows, and hair color to eye color, you can make your Memoji look like you as much as possible.

Like other emojis, Memojis can also be shared on different popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

4.What is Bitmoji?

If you are an avid Snapchat user, then you must know what a Bitmoji is. Bitmojis are like Memojis, but they belong to the Bitmoji app owned by Bitstrips.

Bitstrips is a company that makes personalized emojis and cartoon avatars. Snapchat acquired Bitstrips in 2007 and later on introduced it as a feature in the Snapchat app. Over the years, Snapchat released new versions, and now it supports Bitmojis. Thus, all Snapchat users can create their own personal emojis using the Bitmoji app.

Bitmojis are customizable to a great extent allowing you to create your own cartoon version. You can also choose from a massive library of different moods and expressions, featuring your avatar.

You can also share your little cartoon versions of Bitmojis on different social media accounts. Moreover, you can put them into any chat message or even status update!

What's the Difference Among Emoji, Memoji, Animoji, and Bitmoji?

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct digital expression tools with unique characteristics. The key differences lie in their platform availability and customization capabilities. Standard emojis are universal, static icons that work across all devices and operating systems. Animoji and Memoji are Apple-exclusive features requiring devices with TrueDepth camera technology—Animoji lets you animate pre-designed characters (animals, robots, etc.) with your facial expressions, while Memoji allows you to create a personalized 3D avatar that looks like you. Bitmoji, on the other hand, is a cross-platform app available on both iOS and Android, offering cartoon-style customizable avatars with an extensive library of poses and expressions.

The main distinction in functionality is animation and interaction. Emojis remain static images, perfect for quick universal communication. Animoji and Memoji use advanced facial recognition to create real-time animations that mirror your expressions, movements, and voice—ideal for sending dynamic video messages. Bitmoji avatars are typically static illustrations selected from pre-designed scenarios, though they offer more customization options and work across multiple social platforms. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize universal compatibility (emoji), real-time animation (Animoji/Memoji), or cross-platform cartoon personalization (Bitmoji).

Conclusion

If it weren’t for emojis, the online messaging world would be so boring! They add a touch of fun to digital communication. Whether you are sending a 3D animoji or exploring the personal memoji meaning, these icons express our emotions perfectly.

Thus, they have become the language of the digital era. To bring this creativity to your videos, try the video editor. Add fun stickers and effects to your content— try Wondershare Filmora now to lighten the mood and make every story unforgettable!

You may also like:
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How to Make an Emoji of Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Memoji and Bitmoji?

Memoji are personalized 3D animated emojis created using Apple's Face ID camera system, designed to look like you. Bitmoji, on the other hand, are personalized cartoon avatars created through the Bitmoji app, which is owned by Bitstrips and integrated into Snapchat.

Are there animated emojis that move on WhatsApp?

Yes, both Animoji and Memoji, which are animated emojis that respond to facial expressions, can be shared as videos with sound on messaging apps like WhatsApp.

How do emojis differ from Bitmoji?

Emojis are small digital icons or images that express emotions or ideas, found on standard mobile keypads. Bitmoji are personalized cartoon avatars created through a dedicated app, offering a higher degree of customization to resemble the user.