Telegram messenger has long ceased to be just a means for exchanging text messages, turning into a powerful platform for self-expression through visual content. One of the most requested features is the ability to create your own sticker sets and, most importantly, custom emoji, where your face or character replaces the standard yellow emoji. On the Android platform, this process has become as accessible as possible thanks to built-in tools and third-party bots that allow you to turn any photo into a full-fledged element of communication.
However, many users encounter difficulties when they first try to download, not understanding the difference between a regular sticker and custom emoji, as well as the requirements for background transparency and image resolution. In this article we will analyze in detail the entire creation cycle: from preparing the initial photo in a graphic editor to the final linking of the set to your account through the official bot. You will learn what file formats the system supports and how to avoid common mistakes when moderating content.
The process of creating a unique visual style in chats requires attention to detail, but the result is worth it - your messages will become recognizable and emotionally charged. We will look at how to manually process images in applications like Photoshop Express or PicsArt, and automated methods through neural networks that can cut out an object in seconds. The main thing is to strictly follow the technical regulations of the messenger so that your pack is approved and available for use immediately after publication.
Technical requirements for images for emoji
Before you start creating, you need to firmly understand the basic technical restrictions that the Telegram platform puts forward for user content. Ignoring these options will result in the bot rejecting the file at the upload stage, and you will have to return to editing. The key aspect is the file format: the system only accepts images in the format PNG with support for the alpha channel, which provides the necessary background transparency.
Image resolution also plays a critical role in the quality of the smiley display on the screens of various devices. The optimal size is considered to be a square of 512x512 pixels, although lower resolution is allowed if the proportions are maintained strictly one to one. However
⚠️ Attention: Files in JPG or JPEG format are not supported for creating emoji, as they do not have a transparent background. Even if you visually remove the background in the editor and save the file as a JPG, the system will replace the transparency with white or black, which will render the sticker invalid.
File weight is also limited, although this is rarely a problem for static images. Typically, a file should occupy no more than 64 KB, but modern compression algorithms make it possible to fit within this limit even with high quality rendering of details. If you plan to create animated emoji, the requirements become more stringent: you must use the format TGS (Lottie) or WEBM, which requires more advanced skills in working with animation.
Use online converters or the "Save for Web" functions in image editors to reduce the size of the PNG file without any visible loss of quality before uploading in the bot.
Preparing the image and removing the background
The most labor-intensive stage of creating an avatar is high-quality cutting of the object from the original photograph. You'll want an image where the face or character is well-lit and contrasts with the background, which will make it easier for the automatic highlighting algorithms to work. There are many applications on Android that can cope with this task, from simple tools to professional editing studios.
One of the most effective methods is to use specialized services based on artificial intelligence that remove the background in just one click. After uploading a photo to such an application, for example Remove.bg or the built-in gallery functions of Samsung and Xiaomi, you receive a finished object on a transparent backing. However, automation is not always ideal: hair, glasses or small parts of clothing often suffer, which require manual refinement with the Eraser or Brush tool.
- 📸 Take a photo in good daylight to avoid noise and grain, which will complicate the selection of contours.
- ✂️ Use the Magnetic Lasso tools on mobile editors to accurately outline complex object boundaries.
- 💾 Always save intermediate versions of the project in a format that supports layers (for example, PSD or specific editor formats) so that you can return to edits.
After removing the background, you need to place the cut out object on a new canvas measuring 512x512 pixels. Centering the image matters: the emoji should be positioned so that when reduced to the size of an icon in chat, the main facial features remain readable. Do not place the object too close to the edges, leave a kind of “airbag” around the character.
Working with the official Stickers bot
To upload prepared images to the Telegram ecosystem, an official bot named is used @Stickers. This is a universal tool that manages all sets of stickers and emoji, allowing you to create new packs, add images to them and assign the corresponding standard emoticons to them. Interaction takes place in a dialogue format, where the bot sends buttons and requests that the user needs to respond to.
Getting started is always the same: you send the bot a command /newemojipack to create a set of emoji or /newpack for regular stickers. In the context of our task, we are interested in the first option, since it allows us to bind an image to a specific Unicode character. The bot will ask you to come up with a name for the set - it must be unique and not contain spaces or special characters except underscore.
/newemojipackAfter specifying the name, the bot will ask you to send the first image. It is important to follow the sequence here: first you send the file as a “Photo” (uncompressed), and not as a “File”, so that Telegram can correctly process the metadata of the picture. If the image meets the requirements, the bot will ask you to select an emoji that this sticker will correspond to, for example, 😂 or ❤️.
⚠️ Attention: The bot interface may be periodically updated by Telegram developers. If the commands do not respond or the buttons look different, check with the official support channel or try restarting the dialogue with the command /start.
Step-by-step guide for uploading an avatar
The process of adding images to the pack is iterative: you upload pictures one at a time, assigning each an emoji trigger. This allows you to create a complete set that covers basic emotions and gestures. For the convenience of users, we have compiled a checklist that will help you stay on track and avoid technical errors during a session with the bot.
☑️ Algorithm for loading stickers
When all the images are uploaded and linked to emoji, you need to publish the set. To do this, a command is sent /publish. The bot will offer to download the cover for the sticker pack - this is a 100x100 pixel image that will be displayed in the sticker store. If you do not want to create a separate cover, you can send a special command /skip, and the first image from your set will be used as the icon.
The final step is to assign a short link to the set. The bot will ask you to enter a few Latin letters, which will become part of the URL of your pack (for example, t.me/addstickers/MyAvatar). This link is needed not only for access, but also so that you can share your creation with your friends. After entering the link, the bot will confirm the creation of the set, and it will automatically appear in the list of your stickers in the application.
| Stage | User action | File requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Creation | Command /newemojipack |
Unique name without spaces |
| Download | Send image | PNG, 512x512, transparent background |
| Binding | Emoji selection | Standard Unicode character |
| Publishing | Command /publish |
Cover 100x100 or blank |
Display settings and controls sets
After successfully creating a set, it appears in the stickers section of your account, but sometimes you need to activate it manually. In the chat settings or in the sticker sending panel, make sure that your new pack is added to priority. You can change the order of packs by dragging them into the management menu so that the most used avatars are at hand.
If you notice that a certain sticker is not displayed correctly or was loaded with an error, you do not have to delete the entire set. The bot @Stickers allows you to edit existing packs using the command /editpack. You can delete a specific sticker, replace it with a new one, or change the emoji associated with it. This is especially convenient if you decide to update the design of your avatar without losing your accumulated usage history.
What to do if the bot writes “Invalid images provided”?
This means that one of the images does not meet the technical requirements. Most often the problem is lack of transparency (alpha channel) or incorrect size. Check each image in the editor, making sure that the background is truly transparent (checkerboard pattern) and the size is exactly 512x512 pixels.
For advanced users, there is the ability to create animated sets that make communication more lively. However, it is worth considering that creating animation requires knowledge of the Lottie format or working in After Effects with subsequent export via a plugin Bodymovin. Static avatars, however, remain the most popular format due to the ease of creation and minimal weight.
Managing sets through a bot allows you to flexibly edit content: you can add new emotions to an existing avatar at any time without creating a new pack from scratch.
Solving common problems when creating
Despite its apparent simplicity, users often encounter refusals from the bot or incorrect display of stickers. One common mistake is having a white border around the cut out object. This happens if you cut out an object from a photo that has a light background and do not process the edges. As a result, on the dark theme of Telegram, an unsightly white halo will be visible around your avatar.
Another problem is related to the file size. If the image is too heavy, the bot may reject it. In this case, you should use online PNG compressors, which remove unnecessary metadata and optimize the color palette without any visible loss of quality. Also make sure that the image color model is RGB and not CMYK, as the latter is intended for printing and may not be interpreted correctly by device screens.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to upload images that contain text or logos of third-party brands unless you are the copyright holder. Such sets may be blocked by Telegram moderation for copyright infringement.
If a sticker is downloaded but does not appear when you enter the corresponding emoji in the text input field, check whether the set is added to active stickers. Sometimes, after publishing, you need to completely restart the Telegram app on Android so that the cache is updated and new characters are pulled from the server.
Is it possible to create an emoji avatar without a computer, only on the phone?
Yes, this is quite possible. The entire process, including cutting out the background (via apps like Background Eraser), editing the size (via Image Size) and uploading via a bot, is done exclusively in the Telegram mobile app and third-party editors from Google Play.
How many stickers can be in one pack?
There is no official hard limit on the number of stickers in one pack, but it is recommended Do not exceed 120 images for ease of navigation. If you want to add more, it is better to split them into several thematic sets.
Why does my sticker become a black square?
This is a sure sign that the Alpha channel was lost when saving. Make sure you save the file as a PNG-24 or PNG-32 with transparency support, and not as a flat image.
Can other users see my custom emoji?
Yes, if you send a message with such an emoji, the recipient will see it, even if they do not have your sticker set installed. However, in order for them to be able to use these emoji themselves, they need to follow the link to the set and add it to themselves.
How to delete a set of stickers if you are tired of it?
To delete, send the bot @Stickers command /delpack, select the desired set from the list and confirm deletion. This action is irreversible, and stickers can only be restored by re-downloading.