Bitstrips

Bitstrips was a Canadian company specializing in creating personalized comic avatars and integrating them into various online platforms. Founded in 2007 by Jacob Blackstock, the company rose to prominence with its eponymous application, which allowed users to design cartoon versions of themselves and their friends. These avatars could then be used in pre-made comic templates to create personalized messages, jokes, and stories that were easily shareable on social media.

The Bitstrips application was particularly popular on platforms like Facebook, where users frequently posted their custom comics. Its appeal stemmed from the ease of creating visually engaging content without requiring artistic skill. The company later expanded its offerings with Bitmoji, a similar but more versatile avatar platform intended for broader application across messaging and other online services.

Snap Inc. acquired Bitstrips in 2016. Following the acquisition, the original Bitstrips platform was eventually discontinued, and its assets were primarily integrated into the development and expansion of Bitmoji. The legacy of Bitstrips lies in its pioneering role in democratizing avatar-based content creation and its influence on the subsequent evolution of personalized online communication.