6 Surprisingly Practical Uses of ​​AI Avatars You Might Be Missing

Ever since their viral breakout in late 2022, AI avatars haven’t really left the spotlight, with the technology constantly evolving and offering increasingly impressive and sophisticated ways to reimagine your regular selfies. What was originally marketed to younger, tech-curious users has captured the attention of nearly all age groups, with tens of millions of people globally having tried to generate their stylized AI portraits at least once.

Seeing yourself transformed into a completely new (and often unexpected) version is certainly a fun way to spend time. However, with today’s output photorealism and quality that can rival professional tools, the possibilities of using AI avatars in everyday life stretch far beyond mere entertainment.

Here are six practical and creative ways to put them to work.

The images for the story are generated in the ARTA app. Among six other popular AI image generators tested, ARTA—available for both Apple and Android phone users—appeared to have the best-performing AI avatar maker feature so far.

Make a Pro Headshot

A professional-looking business headshot is a must-have for any career-minded person. While appearance doesn’t determine success, it’s definitely part of the equation. A sharp suit, confident expression, and good lighting can help shape a strong first impression. Many mid-level professionals, however, aren’t willing to splurge on a costly photo shoot, ending up with a cropped selfie instead. Advanced AI avatar generators offer an affordable way to create high-quality, realistic headshots for CVs and LinkedIn profiles in just minutes.

Create a Striking Cover Photo

In the age of endless scrolling, an attention-grabbing intro image can make all the difference between someone tapping to watch or swiping past your TikTok or Instagram Reel. A thoughtfully chosen AI avatar can enhance that first visual impression, making for a unique, vivid, and eye-catching thumbnail that stops people mid-scroll. And since this still only shows in the feed—not in the video itself—viewers can’t freeze or zoom it, so they’re likely to be left intrigued and wondering.

Hop on a Viral Trend

New trends surface on social media almost every day. Remember those Barbie-style portraits that took over Instagram during the movie launch? Or the retro Yearbook AI craze that everyone was posting? AI avatars make it easy to hop on viral moments—whether you want to join the wider cultural wave or simply spark some joy when you need a lift.

Snap a Crowd-Free Travel Shot

Many have experienced that travel letdown: finally arriving at a bucket-list spot—like the Eiffel Tower or Mount Fuji—only to find yourself surrounded by hordes of tourists. While the views are breathtaking, the chaotic crowd isn’t exactly the vibe you imagined from movies or Google Images. AI avatars are an ideal solution for anyone chasing a little travel fantasy or an ego-boosting shot with cinematic flair, as they let you place yourself front and center in an iconic scene—crowd-free.

Keep Your Feed Flowing

If you’re an active social media poster, you’ve likely hit that dry spell when life gets too routine, and nothing feels “Insta-worthy.” When your camera roll seems empty, AI offers a low-effort way to refill it with fresh content in a variety of styles—be it cozy pet moments, aesthetic portraits, or surreal art concepts. As AI photorealism can now be compared to professional photography, and avatar generators have become highly skilled at capturing your likeness, you’ll be amazed at how authentically “you” these images can look—just with a cool, new twist.

Design a Custom Phone Wallpaper

Think about how many times a day you check your phone. By adding a tailored wallpaper, you can turn each glance into a tiny opportunity to shift your mood or fuel your intentions. AI avatars allow you to create concepts that revolve around you. For example, a festive version of you wrapped in red and snowflakes can lift your holiday spirit, a sun-kissed snap can get you hyped for a long-awaited beach getaway, and a runway-style shot can reinforce your fitness resolutions.

AI avatars may have started as a fun trend, but their creative potential goes beyond entertainment. Whether you’re exploring new content styles, building your personal brand, or jumping on a trending theme, these AI-generated digital portraits can offer a fresh perspective and a functional way to meet your needs.