Modern correspondence in instant messengers is impossible without the emotional coloring that graphic elements give. Device users often look for ways to personalize their conversations by adding unique images. The process of installing ready-made sets or uploading your own files is intuitive, but has a number of technical nuances that are worth knowing about. Android-devices are often looking for ways to personalize their conversations by adding unique images. The process of installing ready-made kits or uploading your own files is intuitive, but has a number of technical nuances that are worth being aware of.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanisms for working with stickers inside the mobile client. You'll learn how to find popular collections, how to create your own set from scratch, and how to manage the assets you already have. It is important to understand the difference between standard emoji and custom stickers, since the system for processing them in the application differs.
The functionality of the messenger is constantly updated, providing new tools for creativity. Regardless of the operating system version Android, the basic principles remain the same, although the button interface may change slightly in new releases. Let's start exploring the capabilities of the platform.
Search and install ready-made sticker sets
The easiest way to diversify your chat is to use the built-in content store. The application has a special section where thousands of free collections from various authors are aggregated. To access them, you need to open the message input panel and click on the sticker icon located to the left of the text input field.
After opening the panel, you will see several tabs. The button we are interested in usually looks like a plus or a store icon. Clicking on it will redirect you to the catalog. Here you can view trending sets, search by keywords or select categories. The choice is huge: from anime characters to realistic photographs of cats.
When you find a suitable set, the system will offer to add it to your collection. Just press one button and the stickers will instantly appear in your list of available ones. They will be synchronized with your account, so they will become available on other devices where you are logged into the same profile.
Use the hashtag search inside the sticker catalog to quickly find thematic sets, for example, #cats or #work.
- 🔍 Open the sticker panel in any chat.
- 🛍️ Click on the “Store” or “Plus” icon.
- 📥 Select the set you like and click “Add.”
Creating your own set of stickers
If the ready-made options do not meet your needs, the platform allows you to create a unique set. This requires preliminary preparation of images. Files must meet strict technical requirements, otherwise the moderator bot will reject the upload. The main tool for this is the official bot @Stickers.
The process begins by starting a dialogue with the bot. You need to send a command /newpackto initiate the creation of a new collection. The system will ask you to come up with a name for your set. It can be anything, but must be unique within the platform. After this, the process of loading images one by one will begin.
Each image is loaded as a file (document), and not as a picture. This is a critical point. If you send an image as a photo, it will be compressed by the messenger algorithms, and the bot will not be able to process it correctly. After sending the file, the bot will request an emoji binding that will correspond to this sticker when searching.
☑️ Preparing files for upload
⚠️ Attention: Images must have a transparent background. If you upload an image with a white background, it will look sloppy in the dark theme of the application.
Technical requirements for images
To successfully upload files, you must comply with the specifications established by the service developers. Ignoring these rules will result in validation errors. The main parameter is resolution. A square shape is required, with one side being exactly 512 pixels and the other 512 pixels or less.
The file format is strictly defined as PNG. JPEG or other formats are not allowed as they do not support alpha channel (transparency). There is also a limit on the file size in bytes. Typically it is 64 kilobytes for static images. For animated stickers, files of the format WEBM or TGS (Lottie) are used, the requirements for which differ.
You can use various graphic editors to process graphics on your phone. Many users use Photoshop Express or online services to remove the background and resize it. It is important to ensure that the quality of the image outlines is not lost during resizing.
Animation requirements
Animated stickers must be in WEBM (VP9 codec) or TGS format. Animation duration is no more than 3 seconds, file size is up to 64 KB for WEBM and up to 32 KB for TGS.
| Parameter | Static stickers | Animated stickers | Video stickers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | PNG | TGS (Lottie) / WEBM | WEBM / MP4 |
| Size | 512x512 px | 512x512 px | 512x512 px |
| File weight | up to 64 KB | up to 64 KB | up to 256 KB |
| Background | Transparent | Transparent | Transparent / Color |
Working with the @Stickers bot on Android
Interaction with the bot occurs in text mode. The interface is built on a command system. After downloading all the desired images, you need to complete the process. To do this, use the command /publish. The bot will offer to come up with a short link (URL) for your set, where other users can find it.
The link must consist of Latin letters and numbers, without spaces. This name will become part of your package's web address. If you want to add a cover to the set, which makes it more attractive in the catalogue, use the command /setthumb. The cover must also meet the technical requirements for regular stickers.
You can manage your set at any time. The command /addsticker allows you to add new images to an existing package. The command /delsticker removes a specific sticker from the collection. Complete deletion of a set is possible through the command /delpack, but this action is irreversible.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when removing stickers. If you delete an entire set, all users who added it will no longer have access to those images in their chats.
Managing installed collections
Over time, a collection can grow to hundreds of sets, making it difficult to find the image you need. Built-in tools let you get organized. Go to the sticker settings through the main menu of the application. A complete list of all connected packs is displayed there.
You can change the order in which the sets are displayed. Just hold down the list item you want and drag it up or down. It is logical to place those sets that you use most often at the beginning of the list. This will speed up access to them during correspondence.
An archiving function is also available. If you are tired of a set, but it is a pity to delete it, send it to the archive. It will disappear from the main input panel, but will remain in Settings. At any time you can return it back with one click. This helps clear the interface of visual noise.
To delete an unnecessary set, just swipe on it in the settings list or click on the trash can icon. Confirm the action and the stickers will disappear from your account. Remember that you can always add them again through the search if you change your mind.
Regularly cleaning the list of stickers speeds up the application and makes it easier to navigate through the collection during a dialogue.
Use of third-party applications and editors
Although the official bot is the main tool, there are third-party utilities that make content creation easier. Some applications for Android offer ready-made templates or automatic background removal functions. They can export files immediately in the desired format and size.
When using third-party software, it is important to check the final result. Sometimes automatic algorithms leave artifacts around the edges of the image or incorrectly determine the boundaries of an object. Always review the received file before sending it to the bot.
Some advanced users use desktop versions of the messenger to download stickers, since managing files on a computer may be more convenient. However, the mobile version is fully functional and does not require a PC for these tasks.
⚠️ Attention: The application interface and available features may change with updates. If you do not find a button, check for updates for the Telegram client in the Google Play store.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I add stickers from another messenger?
Import directly dialing from WhatsApp or Viber is not possible. However, you can save images from other applications to the phone gallery, process them (remove the background, change the size) and upload them to Telegram via the bot @Stickers as a new set.
Why doesn’t the bot accept my image?
Most often the reason is that it does not meet technical requirements. Make sure the file is in PNG format, 512x512 pixels in size, less than 64 KB in weight, and must have a transparent background. Also make sure that you are submitting the file as a “Document” and not as a “Photo”.
How many stickers can be in one set?
There can be up to 120 stickers in one static set. For animated sets, the limit is up to 50 stickers. If you exceed this number, the bot will offer to create a new package for the remaining images.
How to make a sticker from a video?
To create video stickers you need to use the WEBM format. The video must be square (512x512), up to 3 seconds long, and weigh up to 256 KB. It is loaded through the bot in the same way as regular pictures, but indicating the appropriate type.
Where can I find a link to my created set?
After publishing the set, the bot will give you a link like t.me/addstickers/SetName. You can send this link to your friends, and they can add your set to theirs with a click. The link can also be found in the sticker settings in the package management section.