How to Use Memoji on Instagram: A Complete Guide
Instagram has evolved beyond simple photo sharing. It’s now a vibrant platform for self-expression, creativity, and connection. One way to inject personality into your Instagram presence is by using Memoji, those customizable animated avatars from Apple. Whether you want to use them in your stories, reels, or even as profile pictures, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.
## What are Memoji?
Memoji are personalized animated emojis available on Apple devices. They mirror your facial expressions and can be customized to resemble you or a character of your own creation. You can adjust their skin tone, hairstyle, eye color, and even add accessories like glasses and hats. They’re a fun and engaging way to add a personal touch to your online interactions.
## Why Use Memoji on Instagram?
* **Personalization:** Memoji allow you to express yourself in a unique and visually appealing way.
* **Engagement:** They can make your content more engaging and memorable for your audience.
* **Brand Identity:** If you’re a brand, Memoji can help create a recognizable and relatable avatar for your business.
* **Fun and Creativity:** They’re simply a fun and creative way to spice up your Instagram presence.
## Prerequisites:
Before you start using Memoji on Instagram, make sure you have the following:
* **An iPhone or iPad with Face ID:** Memoji functionality is primarily available on Apple devices equipped with Face ID technology. This is needed to track your facial expressions.
* **iOS 12 or later:** Ensure your device is running iOS 12 or a later version of the operating system. Older versions may not support Memoji.
* **The Instagram App:** The latest version of the Instagram app should be installed on your device.
## Creating Your Memoji:
If you haven’t already, the first step is to create your Memoji. Here’s how:
1. **Open the Messages App:** Launch the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. **Start a New Message:** Tap the compose button (the square icon with a pencil) in the top right corner.
3. **Access the Animoji/Memoji Button:** In the message input field, tap the Animoji icon (it looks like a monkey face). If you have already created a Memoji, it will show that instead.
4. **Create a New Memoji:** Swipe to the left until you see the ‘+’ (plus) button. Tap it to start creating your Memoji.
5. **Customize Your Memoji:** You’ll be presented with a wide range of customization options. Here’s a breakdown:
* **Skin:** Choose your desired skin tone.
* **Hairstyle:** Select from various hairstyles and colors.
* **Eyes:** Customize your eye shape, color, and eyelashes.
* **Brows:** Adjust the shape and color of your eyebrows.
* **Nose:** Choose a nose shape that resembles yours.
* **Mouth:** Customize your lips and add features like lipstick or a mustache.
* **Ears:** Add earrings or adjust the shape of your ears.
* **Facial Hair:** Add a beard, mustache, or sideburns.
* **Headwear:** Choose from hats, headscarves, and other accessories.
* **Glasses:** Add glasses or sunglasses.
6. **Save Your Memoji:** Once you’re happy with your Memoji, tap ‘Done’ in the top right corner.
## Using Memoji in Instagram Stories:
Instagram Stories are a great place to use your Memoji. Here’s how to incorporate them:
1. **Open Instagram and Go to Stories:** Launch the Instagram app and swipe right on your home feed or tap the ‘+’ icon at the top and select ‘Story’.
2. **Take a Photo or Video:** Capture a new photo or video, or select one from your camera roll.
3. **Access the Stickers Menu:** Tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen. It looks like a square with a peeled-up corner.
4. **Select the Memoji Sticker:** Scroll through the stickers menu until you find the Memoji sticker. It will show your created Memoji.
5. **Choose Your Memoji Expression:** Tap the Memoji sticker, and a selection of pre-animated Memoji expressions will appear. Choose the one that best fits your story.
6. **Position and Resize Your Memoji:** Drag and pinch to reposition and resize your Memoji on the screen.
7. **Add Text, Filters, and Other Elements:** Enhance your story with text, filters, music, and other creative elements.
8. **Share Your Story:** Tap ‘Your Story’ to share it with your followers.
**Alternative Method: Using the Keyboard**
Another way to add Memoji to your Instagram stories is by using the keyboard directly.
1. Follow steps 1-2 from above to access Instagram Stories and take your picture or video.
2. Tap the text tool in the top right corner (the ‘Aa’ icon).
3. Tap the globe icon (or the emoji icon) on your keyboard to open the emoji keyboard.
4. Scroll to the left until you see your Memoji. It will be on the left side.
5. Select the Memoji expression you want to use.
6. Resize and position the Memoji as needed. You can add multiple Memoji.
7. Complete your Story and share.
## Using Memoji in Instagram Reels:
Reels are short, engaging videos that can reach a wider audience. Here’s how to add Memoji to your Reels:
1. **Open Instagram and Go to Reels:** Launch the Instagram app and tap the Reels icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a clapperboard). You can also swipe right on the home feed and choose ‘Reel’ at the bottom.
2. **Record or Upload a Video:** Record a new video or select one from your camera roll.
3. **Access the Stickers Menu (or Text Tool):** Just as with Stories, tap the sticker icon at the top of the screen, OR tap the text tool (‘Aa’) to use your Memoji.
4. **Select the Memoji Sticker (or access from Keyboard):** Choose the Memoji sticker from the sticker menu, or access it through the keyboard as described in the stories section.
5. **Choose Your Memoji Expression:** Select the desired Memoji expression.
6. **Position and Resize Your Memoji:** Drag and pinch to reposition and resize your Memoji on the screen.
7. **Add Music, Effects, and Text:** Enhance your Reel with music, effects, and text to make it more engaging.
8. **Share Your Reel:** Tap ‘Share’ to share it with your followers and the wider Instagram community.
## Using Memoji in Instagram Direct Messages (DMs):
Memoji can also be used in your private conversations on Instagram DMs.
1. **Open Instagram and Go to DMs:** Launch the Instagram app and tap the direct message icon in the top right corner (it looks like a paper airplane).
2. **Open a Conversation:** Select the conversation you want to send a Memoji to.
3. **Access the Keyboard:** Tap the message input field to bring up the keyboard.
4. **Access the Emoji Keyboard:** Tap the emoji icon on your keyboard.
5. **Scroll to Memoji:** Swipe left until you see the Memoji characters.
6. **Select and Send your Memoji:** Tap on the Memoji you want to send. It will immediately be sent to the recipient.
## Setting a Memoji as Your Instagram Profile Picture (Workaround):
Instagram doesn’t directly support setting a Memoji as your profile picture. However, you can use a workaround:
1. **Create a Memoji Sticker:** Create a Memoji sticker with the desired expression, as described in the ‘Using Memoji in Instagram Stories’ section.
2. **Take a Screenshot:** Take a screenshot of the Memoji sticker on a plain background (you can use a white or colored background in your Instagram story).
3. **Crop the Screenshot:** Crop the screenshot to focus on the Memoji.
4. **Upload as Profile Picture:** Go to your Instagram profile, tap ‘Edit Profile,’ and then tap ‘Edit Picture’ or ‘Change Profile Photo’. Choose the cropped screenshot from your camera roll.
5. **Adjust and Save:** Adjust the image to fit within the profile picture frame and tap ‘Save’.
**Important Considerations:**
* **Image Quality:** The quality of the Memoji profile picture may not be as high as a regular photo due to the screenshot and cropping process. Consider using a high-resolution screenshot and cropping carefully.
* **Static Image:** Your Memoji profile picture will be a static image and won’t be animated.
## Tips for Using Memoji Effectively on Instagram:
* **Match the Expression:** Choose Memoji expressions that are relevant to your content and message.
* **Keep it Consistent:** If you’re using Memoji for branding, maintain a consistent style and expression.
* **Don’t Overdo It:** Use Memoji sparingly to avoid overwhelming your audience.
* **Be Creative:** Experiment with different Memoji expressions and placements to find what works best for you.
* **Reflect Your Personality:** Customize your Memoji to accurately represent you or the persona you want to portray.
* **Use Memoji for Announcements:** A fun way to announce something like a sale or new product is with a Memoji that looks excited or has specific props.
* **Ask Questions with Memoji:** Use the poll or question stickers in Instagram stories with a Memoji that looks curious to encourage engagement.
* **Create a Series:** Consider creating a series of stories or reels featuring your Memoji in different scenarios.
## Troubleshooting Common Issues:
* **Memoji Not Showing Up:** Ensure your device meets the prerequisites (Face ID, iOS 12 or later). Restart your device and update the Instagram app.
* **Memoji Not Animating:** Memoji animation requires Face ID. Make sure your face is clearly visible to the camera.
* **Low-Quality Memoji Profile Picture:** Use a high-resolution screenshot and crop carefully.
* **Memoji Sticker Not Showing:** Make sure you have created at least one Memoji and it is fully functional in the Messages app.
## Conclusion:
Memoji are a fun and versatile tool for adding personality and engagement to your Instagram presence. By following these steps and tips, you can effectively incorporate Memoji into your stories, reels, DMs, and even your profile picture (with a workaround). So, get creative, express yourself, and have fun with Memoji on Instagram!
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of using Memoji on Instagram. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest Instagram features and experiment to find what works best for your audience. Happy posting!