Methods and systems are disclosed for performing operations for generating a voice note. The operations include receiving, by a messaging application, a request from a first participant to send a voice message to a second participant in a communication session. The operations include, in response to receiving the request, generating an audio file comprising a specified duration of speech input received from the first participant. The operations include associating the audio file with an avatar that represents the first participant. The operations include presenting an interactive visual indicator of the avatar among a plurality of messages in the communication session. The operations include receiving, by the messaging application, input that selects the interactive visual indicator of the avatar. The operations include, in response to receiving the input, rendering an animation of the avatar speaking the speech input while playing the audio file.