Using avatars to communicate real-time information

An avatar (505) may be used to convey information independent of information conveyed direcly in a text message (1932) sent during an instant messaging communications session (1900) between two users. The information may be communicated using a change in the avatar appearance (1925) (including animating the avatar) as a communication conduit. For example, information identifying an event or a subject visually represented by an avatar may be accessed (2520). Information may be received that is related to the event or the subject visually represented by the avatar (2530), and an appearance of the avatar may be configured in response to the received information (2540).