WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion active users worldwide. One of the fun features of WhatsApp is the ability to send GIFs and stickers to friends and family. Stickers are especially popular, allowing users to express themselves in creative ways.
While WhatsApp has its own default stickers, many users want to create custom stickers and GIFs to send. The good news is, making your own GIF stickers for WhatsApp is easy and fun! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make awesome GIF stickers that will level up your WhatsApp game.
What are GIF Stickers?
GIF stickers are basically GIF files that have been converted into stickers so they can be sent on WhatsApp. A GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) is a short animated image file format that loops continuously. GIFs allow you to express emotions and reactions quickly and easily.
By converting a GIF into a WhatsApp sticker, you can send short looping animations and video clips to other users. GIF stickers on WhatsApp work just like regular stickers – they are large, full-screen expressions and animations.
Why Make Your Own GIF Stickers?
Here are some of the benefits of creating custom GIF stickers for WhatsApp:
- Express yourself creatively – Make stickers using your own photos, videos, artwork, animations, text, etc.
- Stand out – Custom GIF stickers help you express your unique personality and style.
- React quickly – GIFs are perfect for sending quick reactions and emotions.
- Entertain friends – Make funny or goofy GIFs and stickers to give your friends a laugh.
- Brand yourself – Design stickers with your name, logo, or brand to share.
- Cost-effective – Making your own stickers is free compared to buying sticker packs.
- Easy to use – Making and sending GIF stickers is quick and easy once you get the hang of it.
Step 1: Find a GIF
The first step in creating a GIF sticker is finding an awesome GIF to use. Here are some ways to find great GIFs:
- GIF websites – Sites like Giphy, Tenor, and Gifer have millions of searchable GIFs you can use and download.
- Google Images – Search for relevant keywords like “funny GIFs” and filter for animated GIFs.
- Video clips – Convert short video clips into GIFs using GIF maker tools.
- Your own videos/photos – Turn photos and videos from your own camera roll into unique GIFs.
- Animation apps – Create your own animated GIFs and stickers from scratch using apps like FlipaClip.
The key is choosing a high-quality GIF that is clear, short (under 15 seconds), and appropriate for WhatsApp. Make sure any text is large and legible when condensed into sticker size.
Step 2: Convert the GIF into a Sticker
Once you’ve chosen a great GIF, it’s time to turn it into a WhatsApp sticker using a converter tool. Here are some popular GIF to sticker converters:
| Converter | Platform |
|---|---|
| Sticker Maker Studio | Android, iOS |
| Sticker Maker | Android |
| GIF Eraser | iOS |
| GIFX | iOS |
These apps allow you to quickly import a GIF and convert it into a sticker in 3 easy steps:
- Import your GIF
- Crop the GIF into a square
- Save the finished sticker
The converter will optimize the GIF into a compressed sticker file that’s ready to upload to WhatsApp.
Step 3: Creating a Sticker Pack
Now that you’ve turned your GIF into an individual sticker, it’s time to add it to a sticker pack. A sticker pack can contain up to 30 total stickers, so you may want to convert multiple GIFs into stickers.
To create a new sticker pack:
- Open your sticker maker app and select “Create new sticker pack”
- Name your sticker pack and add an icon
- Add your converted GIF stickers to the pack
- Publish the sticker pack when complete
Feel free to get creative with your pack name and icon! Themed packs like “Happy Reactions” or “Sassy Stickers” with matching icons make your pack easily identifiable.
Step 4: Add Stickers in WhatsApp
Once your GIF sticker pack is created and published, it’s time to add it to WhatsApp so you can start sending the stickers!
To add stickers in WhatsApp:
- Open a WhatsApp chat
- Tap on the emoji icon
- Tap on the + icon next to the sticker tab
- Tap “Get Stickers” and search for your pack
- Tap “Add” to add the pack to WhatsApp
Your custom GIF stickers will now show up alongside your other stickers! Send away to friends and family to add some fun and reactions to your chats.
Step 5: Share Your GIF Sticker Pack
One of the best things about creating personalized GIF stickers is being able to share them easily with friends and family. Here are some ways to spread the word about your awesome sticker pack:
- WhatsApp: Forward stickers or share the pack using WhatsApp’s QR code.
- Text message: Share the download link for your sticker pack.
- Email: Email contacts inviting them to download your stickers.
- Social media: Post your stickers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc.
- In person: Show friends your stickers and how to add them to WhatsApp.
Troubleshooting Issues
While making your own GIF stickers is fairly straightforward, you may encounter minor issues along the way. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
- GIF not animated – Make sure the GIF has at least 2 frames of animation. Completely still images won’t convert properly.
- Too large – Optimize large file size GIFs online to reduce the filesize before converting.
- Won’t convert – Try a different GIF to sticker converter app if one isn’t working properly.
- Sticker not showing – Confirm the sticker pack was added correctly and published within the app.
- Glitchy animation – Crop out any black/white borders and use high-quality cinemagraphs for clean loops.
Conclusion
Creating fun, custom GIFs and stickers for WhatsApp is easy, fast, and adds a personal touch to your chats. With the right GIF source, converter tool, and a little creativity, you’ll be sending awesome GIF stickers in no time!
GIF stickers are sure to delight friends and family. While the basic process is simple, you can dive deeper and get very creative with your own animated stickers. The options are endless!
So try out some of these tips, make stickers you love, and take your WhatsApp game to the next level. Happy stickering!