10 Instant Messaging Avatars You Forgot About
Before smartphones and emojis took over, your online identity often started with a tiny avatar on your favorite messaging app. From quirky animations to pixelated icons, these little characters said a lot about your digital personality.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
Instant messaging in the early 2000s wasn’t just about chatting; it was also about expressing yourself with avatars that felt like personal mascots. These icons ranged from playful animals to stylish animations and helped users stand out in their contact lists. Here are 10 avatars that once ruled our chat windows but have since faded from memory.
1. MSN Messenger’s Winks and Animated Avatars
The Oxygen Team, KDE; on Wikimedia
MSN Messenger let you choose between simple photos or animated avatars that danced and blinked. The Winks feature even allowed these avatars to burst onto the screen with sound. It was loud, chaotic, and surprisingly charming. Many users picked cartoonish versions of themselves or animals with silly expressions. These avatars brought your profile to life in ways a photo couldn’t.
2. AIM’s Buddy Icons
AOL on Wikimedia
AIM offered classic “buddy icons” that came in a 50x50 pixel format. Users could choose from a library of animated characters, flags, or pop culture references. The tiny size didn’t stop them from having serious personality. Some even matched them to away messages or font colors. It was the ultimate throwback to early internet flair.
3. Yahoo Messenger’s Audibles
Yahoo! Inc. on Wikimedia
Yahoo Messenger introduced “Audibles,” which were animated avatars that played short sound clips. They ranged from flirty to goofy, often making your friends laugh or cringe. These little animations popped up in your chat window, waving or delivering one-liners. Everyone had a favorite, and they became staples of conversation. Overuse usually got you muted, but it was worth it.
4. ICQ’s Classic Green Flower and Custom Icons
Sebastian Wallroth on Wikimedia
ICQ’s original avatar was a green flower, but users quickly swapped it for custom icons. The platform allowed you to upload your own, creating a wide variety of user-generated imagery. Some chose band logos, memes, or pixel art. These icons sat next to your user ID, acting as your digital face. Even the smallest change felt like a major profile update.
5. Trillian’s Skins and Theme-Based Avatars
Kaboompics.com on Pexels
Trillian supported multiple messaging platforms and let users install custom skins. These included theme-based avatars that matched the app’s visual style. From sci-fi to gothic, you could find a look that suited your vibe. It attracted users who wanted more than basic messaging. Personalizing your avatar was part of the platform’s creative appeal.
6. Xfire’s Gamer Tags and Game-Based Avatars
Unknown author on Wikimedia
Xfire was designed for gamers and allowed avatars linked to specific games. Users could show off characters from titles like Counter-Strike or World of Warcraft. These avatars often displayed alongside your game stats or achievements. Friends immediately knew what you played based on your profile image. It added personality to your gaming presence.
7. Habbo Hotel’s Pixel People
Sulake Corporation on Wikimedia
Habbo avatars were your virtual self in a pixelated hotel universe. Outside of the game, users used screenshots of their characters as avatars on other platforms. The colorful, blocky figures were instantly recognizable. Many dressed theirs up with rare items or event costumes. These avatars symbolized status within and beyond the game.
8. Google Talk’s Minimal Profile Pics
Google Talk on Wikimedia
Google Talk kept things clean with simple profile pictures, often synced from your Gmail. While it lacked animated options, the minimalist approach felt modern at the time. Most users either used a cropped photo or a graphic symbol. It was less flashy but gave off a polished vibe. For many, it was their first experience with synced avatars across platforms.
9. Pidgin’s Plugin Avatars
own work / PD buddy icons / GPL software on Wikimedia
Pidgin supported multiple messaging networks and allowed custom avatars through plugins. Users could display anything from rotating gifs to themed icons. It attracted tech-savvy users who enjoyed open-source customization. Avatars became small projects, tweaked and swapped regularly. Even basic chat felt more personal with the right image beside your name.
10. Bebo’s Animated Characters and Stickers
Bebo on Wikimedia
Bebo had a vibrant avatar scene with animated stickers and customizable characters. Users could decorate their profiles with dancing icons and themed animations. The social feed often highlighted which avatars were trending. These digital decorations added energy to every chat. It was early proof that personality could shine through a few pixels.