You might observe a friend’s Bitmoji and notice that they suddenly have a new icon about their likeness. Or maybe they are suddenly flying in a plane or playing sports. If you are confused about some of the icons and what they mean, this guide will help break down all of the major Bitmoji icons and what they mean. Along with Bitmoji, Snapchat features different “Actionmoji”, which are reskinned versions of your avatar drawn to represent some kind of user action. Users can change their Actionmoji settings in the application to change their Bitmoji appearance. Some of the most common Actionmoji icons you will encounter are listed below:
1. What Does Bitmoji on Phone Mean?
If you notice one of your friends’ Bitmoji holding a phone on the Snap Map, this could likely mean that they are currently having a video or voice chat using the app. Snapchat can change a user’s Bitmoji appearance to reflect certain actions. Users can also change the way their Bitmoji displays in the settings menu. A Bitmoji holding a phone typically means that the user wants people on Snap Map to know that they are currently in a call. The phone Actionmoji will show you holding a black phone on the Snap Map.
2. What Does ‘ZZZ’ Above Bitmoji Mean?
A Bitmoji with the letters ‘zzz’ about them is usually a user’s way of indicating that they are asleep or bored. The letters ‘zzz’ have been synonymous with sleep and boredom for some time. Snap Map users with the ‘zzz’ about the Bitmoji have chosen this Actionmoji to let people know that they are possibly asleep or looking for something to do. If you are planning on going to sleep while leaving the Snapchat app running, you could set your Bitmoji to show you sleeping on the map, to help ensure that you will not be bothered during this time.
3. What Does Battery Above Bitmoji Mean?
A battery above you or a friend’s Bitmoji can signify a user with a low battery on your Snap Map. Users with the battery icon about their Bitmoji could be using this Actionmoji to let their friends and followers know that their phone could potentially die soon. This is a useful feature for letting everyone viewing you on their Snap Map know about any potential dead battery issues. So, if you find yourself needing to chat with someone with a Bitmoji with a battery above them, you should do it as soon as possible.
4. What Does Umbrella Above Bitmoji Means?
If you see a Bitmoji that is under an umbrella, this means that the user is currently located somewhere where it is raining. Snap Map will automatically update Bitmoji that it detects doing certain actions, changing their appearance to the relevant Actionmoji. Using your phone’s GPS, Snapchat can determine the weather conditions for your area. When it detects a location in an area where rain is present, it will automatically update your Bitmoji to represent the appropriate Actionmoji. This is a neat feature that shows off the real-time functionality of the Snap Map.
5. What Does a Birthday Hat and Balloon Bitmoji Mean?
If you see a Bitmoji with a birthday hat and balloon on your Snap Map, this is a good indicator that one of your friends or followers is having a birthday. Snapchat will use the birthdate information that you are provided when creating your account to signal the birthday Actionmoji to appear on your special day.
6. What Does the Hanging with Friends Bitmoji Mean?
If you see a large group of Bitmoji seemingly hanging out on your Snap Map, then they have been grouped using Snapchats “Hanging with Friends” Actionmoji. When Snapchat detects a collection of users who all follow each other, this Actionmoji will appear. The Bitmoji for all your friends will appear grouped, indicating that they are at a location as a group.
7. What Does Driving a Yellow/Red Car Bitmoji Mean?
If you see a Bitmoji driving a yellow or red car, this means that they are currently driving while Snapchat is running. This does not mean that they are using Snapchat while driving, just that they have the app running in the background on their phone. Snapchat uses your phone’s GPS to determine if you are driving by calculating your speed using your location over time. If Snapchat detects that you are driving, it will automatically update your Bitmoji to reflect that.
8. What Does Traveling on a Train Bitmoji Mean
You will see the train Bitmoji if someone you know is currently on a train ride. Users can set this custom Actionmoji in their Snapchat settings. Snapchat can sometimes detect when you are in the vicinity of a train station and update the Bitmoji automatically if it detects movement similar to a train ride, but users will often have to set this Actionmoji manually.
9. What Does Flying in A Plane Bitmoji Mean?
If you see someone’s Bitmoji flying in a plane, that means that they are currently in the air, traveling by airplane. Users can set this Actionmoji in their settings to let people know that they are taking a trip and are currently in the air. This is a neat feature that can show a person’s flight progressing in real-time on the Snap Map.
10. What Does Hanging Out at the Beach Bitmoji Mean?
Snapchat can use your phone’s GPS to determine your vicinity to the nearest beach. If it determines that you are at the beach and with a group of mutual friends or followers who also use Snapchat, it will update your Actionmoji to “Hanging out at the Beach”. This is similar to the standard hanging out Actionmoji, which shows you grouped up with other Bitmoji on the Snap Map, but with a beach-themed aesthetic. It will also detect if you are alone enjoying the beach and update your Bitmoji to represent you relaxing on the beach. You will often be shown with either a beachball or beach towel to add to the beach theme.
11. What Does Building Sandcastles Bitmoji Mean?
This is another custom Actionmoji that your Bitmoji can be updated to when Snap Map detects you are at the beach. Sometimes you will appear building sandcastles on the beach, as opposed to just the usual beach theme Bitmoji. This is just a fun way to show your friends and followers that you are having a good time on the beach.
12. What Does Listening to Music Bitmoji Mean?
If you start using your phone to listen to music while Snapchat is running, your Bitmoji will update to show that you are currently listening to music. Bitmoji that are currently listening to music will appear with headphones on the Snap Map. While your phone is running Snapchat has a function to detect when you are listening to music, then uses that to update your status on Snap Map.
13. What Does Cruising the Sea on A Boat Bitmoji Mean?
If you see a Bitmoji in a boat out on the water, that means that the user wants you to know that they are currently riding a boat. You can set this custom Actionmoji whenever you are out on the water, whether it be a small vessel or a large cruise ship. Snapchat most likely will not be able to confirm that you are in a boat by using your phone’s GPS, so you might have to manually change your Bitmoji to reflect this action.
14. What Does Taking a Break with Your Luggage Bitmoji Mean?
Bitmoji that appear to be taking a break with their luggage usually appears when the user is in the vicinity of an airport. Snapchat can use your GPS to determine if you are at the airport and update your Bitmoji to show you hanging with your luggage automatically. This Actionmoji serves to notify friends and followers of an upcoming plane ride. You can also set this Bitmoji manually in your settings.
15. What Does Rocking Out at a Concert or Music Festival Mean?
Snapchat uses GPS to gather data on any large concerts or music festivals. When it detects a user in the vicinity of one of these events, it can automatically update their Bitmoji to show them rocking out at the concert. This can be a helpful feature for friends having trouble finding the venue, or someone in their party. You will see your Bitmoji dancing with music notes above their head when you are near one of the events.
16. What Does Playing Some Golf Bitmoji Mean?
If Snapchat determines that you are close to a golf course, it can automatically update your Bitmoji to show you playing golf. You will see your Actionmoji wearing a golfing outfit and swinging a club on the Snap Map. You can also set this Actionmoji manually in your settings if you are playing on an unofficial golf course.
17. What Does Playing Tennis Bitmoji Mean?
Just like with the Playing Golf Actionmoji, if Snapchat detects you in the range of a tennis court, using your phone’s GPS, it will update your Bitmoji to reflect this activity. Users will appear on the Snap Map with a tennis racket in their hands. If this change in appearance does not take effect automatically, users can set the change manually in the Bitmoji settings.
18. What Does Attending a Sports Game Bitmoji Mean?
Similar to the way Snapchat uses your GPS to determine the location of major music events in your area, it can also track any major sporting events that might be occurring near you. If Snapchat determines that you are attending one of these events, it will update your Bitmoji to show you enjoying yourself at the game.
19. What Does Taking Pictures at A Major Tourist Attraction Bitmoji Mean?
Snapchat can also use GPS to determine your proximity to many major tourist attractions across the globe. Users that are determined to be visiting one of these sites will be shown on the Snap Map with a camera, indicating that they are currently enjoying some sightseeing.
20. What Does Ghost Mode Bitmoji Mean?
If someone on your Snap Map has a ghost icon over their head, that means that they have opted to keep their location private from other Snapchat users. The ability to keep user location private is an important feature that Snapchat implemented to answer privacy and safety concerns when using Snap Map. If you keep a tight group of friends and followers on Snapchat, most of which you know in real life, you should be fine to use the Snap Map location feature. But for those with a more diversified list of friends and followers should be more cautious when considering making their location visible.
Final Thoughts
Snapchat Bitmoji, now called Actionmoji, are a fun and interactive addition to Snap Map. The Snap Map is a great way to enjoy social media with your friends. Using the latest GPS technology, Snapchat can use your location to determine the number of different activities to be represented by an appropriately themed Actionmoji. In this guide, we have gone over many of the most common Bitmoji that you will see when using Snap Map and what they mean. Keep a lookout for any new Actionmoji that could potentially be added.
