What is a Telegram sticker?

A Telegram sticker is a type of image-based emoji that users can send in Telegram chats. Stickers are larger and more expressive than standard emojis and come in themed packs. They can be static images or animated. Here's an overview of Telegram stickers and how to use them:

### Features of Telegram Stickers

1. **Expressive Imagery**: Stickers provide a wide range of expressions, emotions, and themes that go beyond traditional emojis.
2. **Custom Packs**: Users can create and upload their own sticker packs, making Telegram a platform with diverse and unique sticker options.
3. **Static and Animated**: Stickers can be static (still images) or animated (moving images), enhancing their expressive potential.
4. **Free to Use**: Telegram stickers are free to download and use, with a vast library available to users.

### How to Use Telegram Stickers

#### Adding Sticker Packs

1. **Discover Stickers**:
   - Open any chat and tap on the emoji icon.
   - Switch to the sticker tab by tapping the sticker icon at the bottom.
   - Tap on the "+" icon to access the sticker panel and browse popular and trending sticker packs.

2. **Add a Sticker Pack**:
   - Browse through the available sticker packs and tap on the "Add" button next to the pack you like.
   - The sticker pack will be added to your collection, and you can start using it immediately.

#### Sending Stickers

1. **From the Sticker Panel**:
   - In any chat, tap on the emoji icon and then switch to the sticker tab.
   - Scroll through your available stickers and tap on the one you want to send.

2. **Using Keywords**:
   - Type a keyword related to the emotion or theme in the message input field.
   - Suggested stickers will appear above the keyboard. Tap on the desired sticker to send it.

3. **Sticker Shortcuts**:
   - Frequently used stickers will appear as shortcuts in the sticker tab, allowing quick access to your favorite stickers.

### Creating Your Own Stickers

#### Requirements

1. **Static Stickers**:
   - Image format: PNG
   - Size: 512x512 pixels
   - Transparent background

2. **Animated Stickers**:
   - Format: .TGS (Telegram's custom animation format)
   - Created using vector graphics (Adobe Illustrator, After Effects with Bodymovin-TG plugin)

#### Uploading Stickers

1. **Contact @Stickers Bot**:
   - Open a chat with @Stickers bot in Telegram by searching for it.
   - Start the bot and follow the instructions to create a new sticker pack.

2. **Create a New Sticker Pack**:
   - Use the /newpack command to start a new sticker pack.
   - Provide a name for your sticker pack when prompted.
   - Upload each sticker one by one following the bot's instructions. You will need to send each image as a file (not as a photo) and assign an emoji to each sticker to represent its emotion or theme.
   - Use the /publish command to finalize and publish your sticker pack.

3. **Animated Stickers**:
   - If creating animated stickers, follow the same process, but ensure the files are in the .TGS format.

#### Sharing Your Sticker Pack

- Once your sticker pack is published, the bot will provide you with a link to your sticker pack.
- Share the link with others, or add the stickers to your own collection using the provided link.

### Conclusion

Telegram stickers are a versatile and expressive way to communicate within the app. With the ability to create and share custom stickers, Telegram offers a personalized touch to messaging that enhances user interaction and creativity.