What are stickers on WhatsApp?
WhatsApp stickers are larger images that you can send in chat to express emotions or ideas. When you send a sticker, it appears larger than a standard emoji or text message on the recipient’s screen.
WhatsApp has a default set of stickers, but you can also add sticker packs to WhatsApp that you or other creators have made. This allows for a huge variety of stickers beyond the default options.
Why would I want to add custom stickers?
Here are some reasons you may want to add sticker packs to WhatsApp:
- To have stickers with your own drawings or designs
- To share private joke stickers within your friend group
- To access stickers tied to a particular show, movie, or franchise you like
- To get more diverse and inclusive stickers featuring different races, genders, etc.
- To use stickers in a different language or script
In short, custom stickers allow you to express yourself in ways that the default stickers may not. Adding sticker packs lets you customize your WhatsApp experience.
How to find and add new WhatsApp sticker packs
There are a few ways to find and add new sticker packs to WhatsApp:
Method 1: Search in WhatsApp
1. Open the WhatsApp chat where you want to use the sticker.
2. Tap on the emoticon button next to the chat box.
3. Tap on the + icon next to the sticker tab.
4. This will open up the sticker store inside WhatsApp. Browse through the available packs or use the search bar to find specific stickers.
5. Tap on ‘Add’ next to a sticker pack to download it.
6. After the sticker pack finishes installing, you can access it from the main sticker tab in any chat.
Method 2: Use Links to Sticker Packs
Sometimes sticker creators will share direct links to their sticker packs. Here’s how to add stickers using a link:
1. Click the link to the sticker pack on your phone. This should open the pack in WhatsApp automatically.
2. Tap ‘Add to WhatsApp’ to confirm installing the new pack.
3. The sticker pack will now show up with your other stickers.
Method 3: Use Third-Party Sticker Apps
There are various apps in the App Store and Google Play Store that offer WhatsApp stickers. Here are the steps to use them:
1. Download the third-party sticker app and enable WhatsApp integration.
2. Open the app and browse the available sticker packs. Tap on a pack to add it.
3. The app will automatically add the pack to your WhatsApp stickers.
4. Now you can access the new stickers in your chats!
Some popular sticker apps include StickerMaker, Sticker.ly, and more. Search your app store to find options.
Creating Your Own WhatsApp Sticker Pack
If you want fully custom stickers, you can make your own sticker pack! Here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Design Your Stickers
First, design your stickers! You can:
– Draw/doodle on paper, take photos, and digitize them
– Create digital illustrations and PNG files
– Find a sticker design app for your computer or phone
Tips:
– Stickers should be 512 x 512 pixels
– Use thick outlines and bright colors that stand out on various backgrounds
– Save each sticker design as an individual PNG file
2. Optimizing Sticker Files
WhatsApp stickers require specialized optimization. Follow these steps:
– Make sure all images are exactly 512 x 512 pixels. Delete any extra space around the sticker design so it fills the entire canvas.
– Reduce the file size of each PNG below 100 KB. There are online tools that can optimize PNG files.
– Use a sticker app like Sticker Maker to automatically trim, optimize, and prepare files.
3. Creating the Sticker Pack
Now it’s time to create the actual .wasticker file:
– Use Sticker Maker or a similar app to import your optimized PNGs.
– Arrange the order of stickers and add names.
– Add sticker pack info like title, author, and more.
– Publish the sticker pack file. This will generate a .wasticker file.
4. Adding Your Sticker Pack to WhatsApp
Finally, import the sticker pack file to WhatsApp:
– On Android: Tap the new sticker icon in any chat, then tap the + and select “Add sticker pack”. Select the .wasticker file you published.
– On iPhone: Tap on the new sticker icon, tap the +, then tap “Add from Photos”. Select the .wasticker file to upload it.
And that’s it! Now your custom sticker pack will show up along with your other WhatsApp stickers. Share away!
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re having trouble getting custom stickers to work, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Stickers Not Showing Up
– Make sure you properly published the sticker pack and installed the .wasticker file.
– Try restarting your phone and reopening WhatsApp.
– Check if WhatsApp is updated to the latest version.
Stickers Too Big
– Double check that each sticker PNG is trimmed down to exactly 512 x 512 pixels.
– Use an image optimizer online to reduce file sizes below 100 KB.
– Re-export your pack and re-add it to WhatsApp.
Error Adding Stickers
– Open your sticker pack in Sticker Maker and check for any error logs.
– Delete the pack and re-create a fresh .wasticker file before adding it again.
– Make sure your phone has enough storage space for new stickers.
Missing Stickers in Pack
– Open your project file in Sticker Maker and confirm all stickers were added and published correctly.
– Delete and re-add the sticker pack.
– Try a different sticker creation app if issues persist.
Using Emojis vs. Stickers on WhatsApp
While you can send both emojis and stickers in WhatsApp chats, there are some key differences between them:
| Emojis | Stickers |
|---|---|
| Small in size | Large in size |
| Limited designs and styles | Limitless designs and styles |
| Appear inline with text | Appear as separate message bubbles |
| Generic designs | Can be customized |
| Built into device keyboard | Need to be downloaded separately |
In general, stickers are better for expressing emotions vividly, referencing pop culture, and injecting your own unique visual styles into chats. But emojis remain convenient with their keyboard access and iconic status. Most WhatsApp users send both depending on the situation!
WhatsApp Sticker Best Practices
To create effective WhatsApp stickers that people will love, keep these tips in mind:
– Make sure your art style stands out from default sticker packs
– Include a good mix of emotions and expressions in each pack
– Focus on relatable situations for your target audience
– Reference Internet memes and pop culture in fun ways
– Maintain a consistent art style throughout each sticker pack
– Give your stickers an eye-catching icon image to represent the pack
– Keep file sizes optimized for quick sending and downloading
– Publish your custom stickers far and wide for others to enjoy!
WhatsApp Sticker Ideas
Need inspiration for your own WhatsApp stickers? Consider making stickers about:
- Your friend group’s inside jokes
- Reactions and emotions related to sports
- Popular catchphrases or memes
- Cute animals and pets
- Funny hypothetical situations
- Relatable challenges like dieting or exercising
- Multi-cultural and diverse occasions like holidays
- Whimsical fantasy creatures like dragons or unicorns
- Characters from popular TV shows or video games
The possibilities are endless! Make stickers about anything meaningful or amusing in your life and culture. WhatsApp’s global platform lets you share them far and wide.
Conclusion
Adding custom sticker packs takes WhatsApp messaging to the next level. With the ability to install stickers made by yourself and others, you can express yourself in creative new ways and bond with friends through funny images and pop culture references.
While default stickers are limited, custom stickers let you showcase your own artwork and jokes or find stickers tailored to specific interests. Follow the steps to add new packs, make your own from scratch, and troubleshoot any issues that arise. Soon your chats will flourish with unique and personalized stickers!
Summary
To add custom stickers to WhatsApp:
- Search and add premade packs in WhatsApp
- Use links from creators to install new packs
- Find sticker packs in third-party apps
- Create your own stickers with image editing and specialized apps
- Optimize and publish sticker PNG files into a pack
- Add the finished .wasticker pack to WhatsApp
With endless creative options, custom stickers let you take WhatsApp messaging to the next level. Add them today to liven up your chats!