Yes, iPhones do have support for WhatsApp stickers. WhatsApp stickers are customized images and illustrations that you can send to other users during chats. They add a fun and creative way to express yourself beyond just text messages.
iPhones have full support for finding, downloading, and using sticker packs within the WhatsApp app. There are thousands of free and paid sticker packs available, with more being added all the time.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about using WhatsApp stickers on your iPhone, including:
- What are WhatsApp stickers and how do they work?
- How to find and download WhatsApp stickers on iPhone
- How to use and send WhatsApp stickers in chats
- Creating and adding your own custom sticker packs
- Tips for finding the best WhatsApp stickers
Whether you’re new to WhatsApp or have been using it for years, stickers can add some extra fun and personality to your conversations. Let’s dive in to see how easy it is to access and use them!
What Are WhatsApp Stickers?
WhatsApp stickers are essentially large custom emoji that you can send to other WhatsApp users. Some key things to know:
- Stickers are larger and more detailed illustrations and images compared to standard emoji.
- There are thousands of sticker packs available with different art styles, themes, characters, and more.
- Stickers are supported on both iPhone and Android devices.
- You can find free and paid sticker packs – paid packs typically cost around $1.
- Stickers add a fun way to express emotions and reactions during chats.
- You can also create your own custom sticker packs and add them to WhatsApp.
Once you download a sticker pack, you can access and send the stickers right within WhatsApp chats just like sending a standard emoji. Tap on the sticker icon, and you’ll see all your available packs to choose stickers from.
How WhatsApp Stickers Work
Behind the scenes, WhatsApp stickers work just like sending any other media file on WhatsApp, like photos or videos.
When you send a sticker, WhatsApp uploads the sticker image file to their servers and then downloads it to the recipient’s device when they receive the message. This means both devices need to have the same sticker pack installed for the image to display properly.
If the recipient doesn’t have the sticker pack installed, they’ll still receive the message but see a blank box instead of the actual sticker image. This is why it’s important that both chatters have the same packs installed.
WhatsApp compresses sticker image files in order to optimize transfer speeds. Stickers usually download very quickly, even on slower internet connections.
The app also caches stickers on your device so they load instantly when choosing to send them – you don’t have to wait for them to download each time. Overall, the process is designed to be fast and smooth.
Finding and Downloading WhatsApp Stickers on iPhone
Finding fun new WhatsApp stickers to download is easy on the iPhone. Here are the steps:
- Open WhatsApp and go into a chat window.
- Tap on the smiley face emoji icon in the text box toolbar.
- This will open up your emoji keyboard. Tap on the stickers icon at the bottom (looks like a sticky note).
- You’ll see a list of your current sticker packs installed. Tap on the ‘+’ button at the top to add new packs.
- This will open up the sticker store where you can browse and search for new sticker packs. The store includes:
- Popular stickers – trending and recommended packs
- Recently added stickers – fresh sticker packs added to the store
- Search bar – look for specific themes and keywords
- Tap on any sticker pack to see a preview of the stickers.
- To download, tap ‘ADD’ on the pack you want.
- The pack will now be available in your My Stickers list to start using.
You can download as many free sticker packs as you want. Paid packs cost around $1 – you’ll be prompted to confirm the purchase.
How to Find the Best Stickers
The WhatsApp sticker store has an overwhelming amount of packs to choose from. Here are some tips for finding the best stickers for your interests:
- Browse the Popular stickers section to see packs most people are using.
- Search for keywords related to hobbies, interests, sports teams, favorite foods, animals, and more.
- Check the top charts for your country to see locally popular packs.
- Previews make it easy to see the sticker artwork before downloading.
- Look at sticker reviews and ratings to find the highest quality packs.
- Follow official brand accounts for sticker packs related to your favorite products and characters.
- WhatsApp highlights seasonal packs around events like Halloween, Christmas, birthdays.
Take your time browsing before downloading packs – with thousands of options, you can really fine-tune options to match your style and interests.
Using and Sending WhatsApp Stickers
Once you’ve downloaded some sticker packs, sending stickers in WhatsApp chats is quick and easy:
- Open up a chat in WhatsApp and tap the emoji icon in the text box toolbar.
- Tap on the stickers icon at the bottom to open your pack list.
- Scroll through your packs and tap a sticker to automatically send it.
- Or, tap on a sticker pack to open it up and browse all the stickers before choosing one to send.
- The sticker will be delivered instantly like any text message or emoji.
A couple usage tips:
- Frequently used stickers can be “favorited” to give them priority placement.
- Tap and hold on a sticker to enlarge and preview it before sending.
- Rotate through your recent stickers with the arrow buttons around the sticker tray.
Stickers give you a quick way to react to any moment in a conversation – just find the one that best matches your mood and thoughts!
Sticker Size and Visibility
WhatsApp will automatically resize stickers to fit on both the sender and recipient’s screens. Stickers retain full resolution but may be shown smaller or larger depending on device screen size.
Keep in mind recipients must have the same sticker pack installed to see the actual sticker image. Otherwise, they’ll see a blank placeholder instead of the sticker.
Make sure to inform chat partners if you’re using cool new stickers so they can download the packs and view the stickers properly. WhatsApp does notify users if a sticker is unavailable.
Creating Custom WhatsApp Stickers
Looking to get even more creative? You can make your own personalized WhatsApp sticker packs using photos and artwork. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Design sticker images – Use your own drawings, photos, or digital artwork. Stickers can be PNG or JPEG files up to 300KB in size.
- Crop images into individual stickers if needed. Each full image will become its own sticker.
- Create a JSON metadata file to describe the sticker pack.
- Bundle the sticker image files and JSON file into a ZIP archive.
- Open WhatsApp > Stickers > Add Sticker Pack > Tap the ‘+’ and select your sticker pack ZIP file.
- WhatsApp will validate and add the custom pack for you to start sending.
There are also apps like Sticker Maker that make it easy to custom crop images and build WhatsApp sticker packs from your photos.
The advantage of custom stickers is the ability to add inside jokes, personalized animations, trending memes, and other content perfectly tailored to how you chat.
Tips for Using WhatsApp Stickers
Use Stickers to Enhance Your Reactions
Stickers are a great way to react during conversations. They give you more options beyond just the standard emoji to express laughter, excitement, sadness, celebration and more.
For example, you can find stickers with funny facial expressions, actions, animated effects, and memes to really showcase your reaction to what someone said.
Coordinate Sticker Packs with Friends
For the best experience, get your WhatsApp friends in on the fun by having everyone download the same sticker packs. This way you’ll see the stickers as intended.
It also helps to coordinate unique stickers within certain friend groups or for specific inside jokes. You can even make custom packs just for your closest contacts.
Mix and Match Stickers into Messages
Don’t feel limited to only sending stickers alone. You can mix them into full conversations using text, emoji, photos, and videos.
Stickers help add your own reactions and commentary between the regular messages.
Stay Up to Date with New Sticker Releases
The WhatsApp sticker store is always releasing fresh pack options. Make sure to check the Latest and Trending sections often for new artwork styles and meme references.
Limited edition packs are also released around major holidays, events, and pop culture moments.
Give Stickers as Gifts
In addition to digital gift cards, you can gift your WhatsApp friends fun new sticker packs you find. It’s an affordable and personalized gift.
During the holiday season, gift festive sticker packs to spread extra joy and cheer!
Conclusion
WhatsApp stickers provide a fun extra element for conversing and expressing yourself on the popular messaging app. With full support on iPhones, you can easily find and download cool new stickers from the built-in WhatsApp store.
Use stickers to enhance your reactions, coordinate with friends, stay on trend, and add your own creative flair. With endless options to mix and match, you can show off your own style in chats beyond just words.
Stickers are a great way to inject humor, emotions, and ENERGY into your daily chats and group conversations on WhatsApp. Be sure to check out the huge selection of stickers for iPhone users today!