It has been revealed that 3D avatars created outside of the app cannot currently be used in the 3D avatar communication app “POPOPO“. According to the FAQ on the app’s support site, they plan to implement a feature to allow the use of external avatars in the future.
It is also expected to be offered as a benefit of the newly established subscription plan. The timing and content of the offer may change depending on the development status.
Among VR users, there have been numerous questions about the newly announced “POPOPO,” specifically whether it’s possible to import custom avatars in the VRM format. In response, developer MIRO (@MobileHackerz) explained his thoughts on the matter on X.
MIRO is the driving force behind the VRM standard, and he has stated that if it comes down to whether or not he will support it, “of course I will.” He explained that the reason for not supporting it at the moment is that his goal is to “spread avatar communication to more people,” and that “current VR SNS are still too difficult,” so he has prioritized designing an experience that anyone can easily get started with.
Furthermore, the decision to refer to avatars as “holosuits” and to adopt a system where users can choose from a variety of models in a shop without needing to create their own avatars is also based on this policy. The aim is to avoid creating an atmosphere that assumes users are already familiar with VRM, which could alienate beginners.
They stated that avatar portability is positioned as the “next step” and that preparations are currently underway. They added that details will be announced in the app as soon as they are finalized.
As some of you may have noticed from the FAQ on the support site, you will not be able to import VRM avatars when POPOPO is released. VRM is a concept that I myself have been promoting, so if you ask me whether I will do it or not, of course I will. However, there is one more thing I would like to accomplish with POPOPO. … https://t.co/PtiZ9WH8xs
— MIRO (@MobileHackerz) March 18, 2026
This article is an English translation of an original Japanese article, translated by the Mogura VR editorial team.
Reference
https://help.popopo.com/hc/ja-jp/articles/5230092102942
https://x.com/MobileHackerz/status/2034141730510123063
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