WhatsApp introduced stickers in 2018 as a way for users to express themselves beyond just text, photos, or videos. Stickers have quickly become one of the most popular WhatsApp features, allowing users to liven up conversations in a fun and creative way.
What are stickers?
Stickers are large emoji-like images that users can send in WhatsApp chats. They often feature pop culture characters, animals, food, and more. While emojis are small icons inserted inline with text, stickers are much larger, flashy images that grab attention.
Stickers come in pack sets, with each pack having a different theme. Packs can contain anywhere from a handful to hundreds of individual stickers. When you send a sticker, the entire image is visible in the chat, rather than just a small emoji.
How do I get stickers?
WhatsApp provides a default set of stickers, but there are thousands of sticker packs available as well. Here are the ways to get stickers:
- Official WhatsApp sticker packs – WhatsApp releases new free sticker packs occasionally, which appear in the Stickers section of the app.
- Third-party sticker packs – You can find sticker packs in the Play Store or App Store by searching for “WhatsApp stickers.” Popular packs include Line Friends, Minions, Hago, and many more.
- Creating your own stickers – WhatsApp allows you to create custom stickers from photos using apps like Sticker Maker.
How do I use stickers?
Using stickers in WhatsApp chats is easy and fun!
- Open any WhatsApp chat.
- Tap on the emoji icon in the text box.
- Tap on the sticker icon (square smiley face) next to the emojis.
- Scroll through your available stickers and tap on the one you want to send.
- The sticker will appear in the chat automatically.
A couple tips for using stickers effectively:
- Use stickers to accentuate reactions or express emotions more vividly than text.
- Respond directly to someone’s message with an applicable sticker, almost like creating a meme.
- Use stickers thematically in groups, coordinating with holidays, events, jokes, etc.
Managing Stickers
As you accumulate more sticker packs, organizing and managing them becomes important:
- Favoriting stickers – Tap and hold on any sticker to add it to your Favorites tray at the top for quick access.
- Reordering stickers – Tap and hold on a sticker pack and drag it to rearrange the order.
- Deleting stickers – Delete individual stickers by swiping left. Delete entire packs by tapping the trash icon.
Tips for Using Stickers
Here are some pro tips for mastering stickers on WhatsApp:
- Use stickers to make conversations more dynamic, emotional, and fun compared to plain text.
- Stickers with transparent backgrounds work better since they blend into chats seamlessly.
- Respond directly to someone’s text or photo with a relevant sticker for maximum effect.
- In groups, coordinate sticker themes around specific events, jokes, or people.
- Favorite the stickers you use most frequently for easy access.
- Check back regularly for new official WhatsApp sticker packs.
- Subscribe to third-party sticker packs to always have fresh and trendy options.
- Make your own stickers to perfectly express inside jokes or personalized messages.
Troubleshooting Stickers
While stickers are usually straightforward, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Can’t find new packs | Check for app updates. Restart your device. Check internet connection. |
| Stickers won’t send | Make sure the file size is under 100KB. Use fewer stickers in the pack. |
| Stickers sending as images | Make sure you are using the official sticker format. Images will send as photos. |
| Sticker order changing | WhatsApp automatically reorganizes based on usage. Pin your favorites to the top. |
Sticker Ideas and Trends
Stickers are extremely popular for expressing reactions, emotions, and humor. Some current trends include:
- Pop culture references – TV shows, movies, celebrities, etc.
- Cute animals – Especially dogs, cats, hamsters, bunnies
- Food – Fruit, desserts, vegetables, etc.
- Wojak characters – Expressing ironic humor and sarcasm
- Romantic stickers – For flirting and relationships
WhatsApp regularly releases new sticker packs tied to holidays, events, and trends. Some popular packs include:
- Diwali Stickers – For the Indian festival of lights
- SuperHeroes – Marvel and DC characters
- Stickers for Couples – Romantic stickers
- Thanksgiving Stickers – Turkey, pie, fall themes
- Gaming Stickers – Fortnite, Minecraft, and more
Conclusion
Stickers provide a fun way to communicate visually on WhatsApp. From the default packs to third-party packs, there are endless options to choose from. Frequently using your favorite stickers can take your chats to the next level.
With tricks like favoriting, reordering, and deleting stickers, you can organize your collection. Troubleshooting issues like updating the app or restarting your device can get stickers working again. Follow trends and holiday packs to expand your sticker library and creatively express yourself on WhatsApp!