How to Make Telegram Stickers (In-App Editor and File Rules)

Custom stickers are a fun way to give a community, a customer group or a brand its own personality in chat. Telegram is one of the few apps that lets everyday users make them without any special software, which is why so many small businesses and creators use them.

I've followed Telegram's official stickers page for everything below. It gives file rules in detail but only a high-level outline of the step-by-step process inside the app, so where it's thin I've said so rather than invent menu names.

Making Telegram stickers with the built-in Sticker Editor

Telegram says any user can create custom stickers in any chat, turning photos into artwork that can be saved and shared. The built-in Sticker Editor lets you add text, drawings, emoji and more to a photo on your device.

1. Open any chat in Telegram.
2. Open the sticker panel from the message input field.
3. Tap the plus button.
4. Choose a photo from your device to turn into a sticker.
5. Use the editor to add text, drawings or emoji.
6. Save it, and add it to a pack if you want to share it.

Telegram's page confirms the first three steps. The later steps follow its description of what the editor does, and the exact buttons can differ between app versions, so follow the prompts on screen.

Making a Telegram sticker pack with the @Stickers mini app

Telegram says the @Stickers mini app lets anyone create and manage packs of both stickers and emoji, and see detailed usage statistics, from one interface. Its functions can also be used through text commands in the @Stickers bot chat.

Telegram's page doesn't spell out the exact commands, so I won't list any. Open the @Stickers mini app, follow its prompts, and upload your finished image or video files there.

Telegram sticker file rules for images

If you design in an image editor, Telegram says you only need a tool that exports PNG or WEBP. The requirements are short:

• For stickers, one side must be exactly 512 pixels and the other side can be 512 pixels or less.
• The file must be PNG or WEBP.
• Telegram's tip: a transparent background, a white stroke and a black shadow make your sticker stand out.

Telegram sticker file rules for video stickers

Telegram also supports video stickers built from WEBM files. It says these need Telegram 8.5 or higher, and the requirements are:

• WEBM format encoded with the VP9 codec.
• No audio stream.
• One side exactly 512 pixels, the other 512 pixels or less.
• Duration of no more than 3 seconds, and looping recommended for the best experience.
• Frame rate of up to 30 FPS.
• File size of no more than 256 KB.

Telegram animated stickers in the TGS format

For smooth vector animation, Telegram uses its own .TGS format. This route is aimed at artists, since it needs a vector graphics editor, Adobe After Effects and the Bodymovin-TG plugin. Telegram lists these rules:

• Canvas size of 512 by 512 pixels, with objects staying inside it.
• Animation no longer than 3 seconds, and looped.
• Final file size no more than 64 KB after rendering.
• 60 frames per second.

Telegram also lists After Effects features you must not use, including expressions, masks and layer effects. If you're a beginner, the built-in Sticker Editor is a much easier place to start.

Telegram sticker sizes at a glance

Type	Format	Size rule	Other limits
Static sticker	PNG or WEBP	One side 512 pixels, other 512 or less	None stated
Video sticker	WEBM, VP9, no audio	One side 512 pixels, other 512 or less	3 seconds, 30 FPS, 256 KB
Animated sticker	TGS	512 by 512 canvas	3 seconds, 60 FPS, 64 KB
Custom emoji	Static or video	Exactly 100 by 100 pixels	Premium needed to use sets

Telegram custom emoji compared with stickers

Telegram says custom emoji use the same technology as stickers, so you can convert your art to both. The difference is the size: emoji must be exactly 100 by 100 pixels. Everyone can create custom emoji, but Telegram says adding and using custom emoji sets is a Telegram Premium feature.

If you want simple solid-colour icons that change colour to suit where they appear, Telegram says to send the /adaptive command when you create your emoji set. If you also run a Discord community, my guide to adding emojis to Discord shows how server emoji compare.

Using Telegram stickers for a community or small business

A small set of branded stickers can make your chat feel friendlier. A few ideas that suit creators and shops:

• A thank-you sticker for customers.
• A sticker with your catchphrase or shop mascot.
• Reaction stickers for your community group, such as a thumbs-up or a cheer.
• Seasonal ones for launches or events.

Stickers also help when you're deciding where a community should live. If you're weighing up chat apps, my explainer on whether WhatsApp counts as social media is a useful companion read.

Keep the artwork yours. Use only images you made or have the right to use, because Telegram says it can take down sticker sets that violate intellectual property rights.

If your Telegram sticker won't upload or gets removed

1. Check the file against the size rules above, especially the 512 pixel side and the file size limit.
2. Check the format: PNG or WEBP for static, WEBM with VP9 and no audio for video.
3. Update Telegram, since video stickers need version 8.5 or higher.
4. Make sure the artwork is your own. Telegram can take down sets that break intellectual property rules.
5. If you believe a set was banned unfairly, Telegram's FAQ points to its abuse contact. Check the FAQ for the current details rather than relying on a copy.

Frequently asked questions

How do I make Telegram stickers?

Open the sticker panel from the message field in any chat, tap the plus button to open the Sticker Editor and turn a photo into a sticker with text, drawings or emoji.

What size should a Telegram sticker be?

Telegram says one side must be exactly 512 pixels and the other 512 pixels or less, as PNG or WEBP for static stickers.

Can I make animated Telegram stickers?

Yes. Telegram supports animated .TGS stickers and WEBM video stickers. Video stickers must be 3 seconds or less, up to 30 FPS and no more than 256 KB.

What is the @Stickers mini app?

Telegram says it lets anyone create and manage packs of stickers and emoji and see usage statistics from one interface.

Can anyone make Telegram custom emoji?

Telegram says everyone can create custom emoji, but adding and using custom emoji sets is a Telegram Premium feature.