Messengers have long turned into full-fledged platforms for self-expression, where text messages give way to vivid emotions. Creating your own set of stickers is not just fun, but also a way to personalize your communication, making it unique and recognizable. Owners of smartphones based on Android have a full set of tools to implement this idea right from the palm of your hand, without resorting to the help of a computer.
The process of preparing and loading graphics has become as democratic as possible thanks to the built-in bots of the platform. You don't need in-depth knowledge of graphic design or complex software. It is enough to have a smartphone at hand, a desire to create and a basic understanding of the requirements for images.
In this article we will analyze in detail the entire path from idea to publication of the package. We will discuss the technical nuances of formats, file sizes and ways to optimize images for ideal display on the screens of any device.
Technical requirements for images for stickers
Before you start drawing or processing photographs, you need to clearly understand the standards that the messenger imposes on graphic content. Ignoring these rules will result in the bot simply rejecting your file at the upload stage. The main format for static stickers is PNG, which provides high-quality color reproduction and support for transparency.
However, there is a more modern format WEBP, which is often recommended for use due to better compression while maintaining high quality. If you plan to create animated stickers, then the only standard here is the format TGS (for vector animation) or WEBM for raster animation. To start working on your phone, the easiest way is to focus on statics.
⚠️ Attention: The image must have a transparent background. If you upload a picture with a white or any other colored background, it will look like a square photo, which will ruin the visual style of the correspondence.
File sizes are also strictly regulated. One side of the image must be exactly 512 pixels, while the other side can be 512 pixels or less. In this case, the weight of one file should not exceed 512 KB. Compliance with proportions is critical for correct display in the sticker selection grid.
To check compliance with technical parameters, you can use various online converters or mobile editor applications. Many of them have pre-installed templates for Telegram sizes, which makes life much easier for beginners. Don't forget that outline quality also plays a role: avoid blurry edges and compression artifacts.
Preparing graphics on an Android smartphone
Creating the source material is the most creative stage of the process. You can draw a sticker by hand using a graphics tablet connected to your phone, or create one using a mobile app. A popular choice among users is the application PicsArt, which allows you to cut out objects, add a stroke and save the result in the desired format.
If you don’t know how to draw, using your own photos is a great solution. Take a selfie with a bright emotion or take a photo of your pet. Next you need to remove the background. Modern versions Android and many galleries have a built-in function for smart cutting out objects, which copes with this task in a couple of seconds.
- 🎨 Use applications like Background Eraser to accurately remove the background around complex objects.
- ✏️ Add a white or black stroke about 3-5 pixels thick so that the sticker is readable on any chat background.
- 💾 Save the final file in PNG format with maximum quality, but make sure that the size does not exceed the limit.
After processing the image, save it as a separate folder on the device so as not to lose files during the download process. It is convenient to name files sequentially, for example sticker_01.png, sticker_02.png, although this is not a strict requirement for the bot. The main thing is that the files are easily accessible for selection through the file manager.
To create the perfect stroke around the cut out object, use the "Shadow" or "Outer Glow" function in graphic editors, choosing a white color and a blur of 0%.
Working with the official Stickers bot
The central element of the set creation process is the official bot of the platform @Stickers. It is through it that all communication with the server occurs: creating a new package, loading images, assigning emojis and publishing. You can find it through a global search in the messenger by name.
When you launch it for the first time, the bot will prompt you to select an interface language. After this, the menu command will become available. To get started, you need to send the command /newpack. The bot will ask you to come up with a name for your future set of stickers. This name will be visible to all users who want to add your pack.
/newpack
The name can be anything, but it is better to choose something memorable and reflective of the content. After submitting the title, the bot will ask you to upload the first image. Here If you send it as a photo, the messenger will compress the image and it will lose transparency or change size.
⚠️ Attention: The bot interface and available commands may be slightly updated by the developers. If some command does not work, check the relevance of the instructions in the help of the bot itself using the command /help.
After loading the picture, the bot will ask you to select the corresponding emoji. This is necessary so that when you enter the appropriate emoticon in the text input field, your sticker is offered as a replacement. You can select one or more emoji, but you must select at least one.
Step-by-step guide for downloading a sticker pack
The process of filling the package requires care and consistency of actions. Let's look at the loading algorithm step by step to eliminate any errors. First, make sure that you have prepared at least 3-5 images, since it is impossible to create an empty package.
☑️ Algorithm for loading stickers
After you have uploaded the first image and attached an emoji to it, the bot will offer to upload the next one. You can continue to send files one at a time, or use the gallery's multi-select feature to send them as a group. The bot will process them sequentially, requesting an emoji for each.
When all the images have been uploaded, you need to complete the creation process. To do this, send the command /publish. The bot will offer to download an icon for your sticker set. This image will be displayed in the general list of packages. The requirements for the icon are the same: 100x100 pixels, PNG format, transparent background (although they often make a round or square background for the icon, it is better to check the current requirements of the bot).
If you do not want to create a separate icon, you can send a command /skip. In this case, the first image from your set will be used as the cover image. This is a valid option for personal small packages.
| Stage | User action | Required format | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creation | Command /newpack | Text | Unique name |
| Download | Send file | PNG / WEBP | 512px, max. 512 KB |
| Binding | Emoji selection | Smiley | Minimum 1 pcs. |
| Publishing | Command /publish | Image | 100x100 px (icon) |
The final step is to receive a link to your sticker pack. The bot will generate a short link like t.me/addstickers/Name of the Pack. This link can be sent to friends, published on social networks or added to the channel description.
The link to the sticker pack is eternal and does not require additional confirmation after publication, which makes it easy to share creativity with any users.
Editing and managing the created package
Creating a package is not the end point. You can always return to editing your creation. For this, there is a set of special commands in the same bot @Stickers. For example, if you notice an error in one of the stickers or decide to replace it with a better option, use the command /editsticker.
When you select this command, the bot will ask you to send a link to your package or select it from the list if you have previously interacted with it. Then you will need to send a new file that needs to replace the old one. The old image will be permanently removed from the set and replaced with a new one.
The function of deleting individual stickers through the command /delstickeris also available. This is useful if you don’t like some drawing or become irrelevant. The process is similar to replacement: select a pack, select a sticker, confirm deletion.
What happens if you delete the entire package?
If you send the /delpack command, the entire set of stickers will be permanently deleted from the servers. It will be impossible to restore it, so use this command with extreme caution.
Managing the order of stickers within a package is currently impossible through standard bot tools. They are displayed in the order in which they were downloaded. If it is critical for you to change the sequence, you will have to delete the package and create it again, loading the images in the desired order.
Promotion and exchange of sticker packs
After your masterpiece is ready, a logical question arises: how to make it visible to others? The easiest way is to distribute the link. You can add a link to your pack in your profile bio, pin a message in a personal chat with friends, or publish a post in a thematic channel.
There are sticker catalogs and communities in Telegram itself, where authors share their works. Getting into such a directory can bring hundreds of new installations. However, it is worth remembering the community rules: content should not violate copyright or contain prohibited materials.
- 🚀 Share the link in the comments under thematic posts on social networks.
- 🤝 Agree with administrators of small channels about mutual PR.
- 🏆 Participate in competitions stickers, which are periodically conducted by the platform.
If your sticker pack becomes popular, it may appear in the global search of the messenger when you enter keywords. Ranking algorithms take into account the number of additions and usage activity. The more often people send your stickers, the higher they rise in the search results.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I create a sticker pack if I am under 18 years old?
Yes, age is not a limitation for creating stickers. Bot @Stickers is available to all messenger users, regardless of the date of birth specified in the profile. However, the content must comply with the community rules.
Why does the bot write "Invalid images received"?
This error most often means that it does not meet technical requirements. Make sure that one of the sides is exactly 512 pixels, the format is PNG or WEBP, and the background is completely transparent. Also make sure that you are sending the file as a document and not as an image.
Is it possible to make an animated sticker directly on your phone?
You can create the original animation in special applications, but converting to the format TGS (Lottie) usually requires a computer with After Effects and the Bodymovin plugin. For the format WEBM there are mobile converters, but the process is more complicated than with static ones.
How many stickers can be in one package?
The official limit is 120 stickers in one set. If you want to add more, you will need to create a second package. For static stickers, this limitation is large enough to accommodate all the ideas.
Can other users edit my sticker pack?
No, only the creator of the package, that is, the account from which the command was sent, has rights to edit (adding, deleting, replacing). /newpack. Other users can only add the pack to themselves and use it.