How a Low‑Cost 2D‑Driven Virtual Avatar Platform Won ByteDance’s Hackathon

Intelligent Creation is ByteDance’s multimedia innovation research institute and integrated service provider, comprising six teams covering visual AI, audio AI, video editing, effects, creation tools, and products. On June 25, after a 48‑hour marathon, the second ByteDance Intelligent Creation Hackathon, co‑hosted by the Intelligent Creation team, Volcano Engine, and ByteTech, concluded, showcasing numerous imaginative and technically strong projects.

Champion Project: “Limo Jiang Paper Person Likes Working?”

Project Positioning: A low‑cost virtual avatar production platform.

Project Highlights: Algorithm‑driven 2D avatar rendering with 3D effects.

Interviewee: Project initiator, Volcano Engine algorithm engineer Wang Xu.

Wang Xu explained that the platform enables designers or ordinary users to quickly create their own 2D virtual avatars, which are then driven by algorithms to produce 3D‑like effects, suitable for video conferences, live streams, special‑effects props, virtual social interactions, and game characters.

Why build this project?

The team handles personalized avatar‑driven features for Douyin/Feishu video meetings, which involve long cycles and complex workflows, requiring extensive 2D and 3D design and debugging. Many internal projects lack the resources for such pipelines, so the team aims to democratize avatar creation, lowering barriers for UGC and PGC users.

Team composition and formation

The original team consisted of five visual‑group members. Later, 2D‑driving expert Huang Wei joined, followed by designers Yu Zai and Poppi, and a product advisor Hai Shan, forming a notably strong lineup for the competition.

Origin of the 14‑character name

The name resulted from a vote among options like “FaceKini,” “Limo Jiang Going to Work,” and “What’s Wrong with Liking Paper Characters,” ultimately merging elements from the top choices.

Challenges and memorable moments during the 48‑hour hackathon

The team faced intense work, with some members mistakenly thought to be robots due to nonstop activity across time zones. A standout moment was a designer spending eight extra hours creating a high‑quality PPT despite extreme fatigue, exemplifying dedication.

View on internal hackathons

Wang Xu sees them as visible fast‑track channels that let frontline teams bypass formal proposal processes, gain recognition, and secure project implementation opportunities while fostering internal communication.

Key technologies used

The project relies on 2D material‑driven technology and facial analysis technology . The former eliminates the need for 3D assets; any 2D drawing following the platform’s specifications can be seamlessly driven. Facial analysis detects user expressions and key points to enhance the driving of 2D assets.

Potential application scenarios

The platform could be integrated into an effects open platform, allowing external designers to produce virtual avatars at massive scale for live streaming or meetings, realizing a vision where everyone has a unique, personalized avatar that enriches creative and interactive experiences.

Final thoughts

Wang Xu noted that while the championship trophy feels heavy, the journey continues, and the team aims to turn the demo into a real‑world product.