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How to Create Animated Sticker Packs for Use in the Telegram App

Key Takeaways

  • Telegram allows users to create and share custom animated sticker packs using a unique .TGS file format
  • Creating animated stickers requires video editing software like Adobe After Effects and the Bodymovin-TG plugin
  • The @Stickers bot on Telegram guides you through the process of uploading and publishing your animated sticker packs

As an experienced writer and Telegram user, I understand the appeal of using fun and expressive stickers in messaging apps. Telegram takes this a step further by allowing users to create and share their own animated sticker packs. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the process of making animated stickers for Telegram.

What Are Animated Stickers?

Animated stickers are small, looping animations that can be sent in Telegram chats, just like regular static stickers or emoji. However, instead of being a single image, animated stickers are short video clips that bring characters and objects to life.

Telegram’s animated stickers are unique in that they use a specialized .TGS file format based on the Lottie animation library. This allows for incredibly detailed and smooth 60 FPS animations that are incredibly compact, with each sticker being less than 30 KB in size.

Requirements for Creating Animated Stickers

To create animated stickers for Telegram, you’ll need the following:

  1. Video Editing Software: Adobe After Effects is the recommended software for creating Telegram animated stickers, as it integrates with the required plugin.
  2. Bodymovin-TG Plugin: This plugin for After Effects allows you to export your animations in the required .TGS format for Telegram.
  3. Vector Graphics Editor: You’ll need a vector graphics editor like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape to create the artwork for your animations.

While Adobe’s software is industry-standard, the upfront cost can be prohibitive for casual users. There are some free and open-source alternatives, but the process may be more complicated.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Animated Stickers

Once you have the necessary software and plugins, follow these steps to create your animated sticker pack:

  1. Design Your Artwork: Use a vector graphics editor to create the characters, objects, or scenes you want to animate. Keep in mind that your animations should be 512×512 pixels and no longer than 3 seconds.
  2. Animate in After Effects: Import your vector artwork into After Effects and use the various animation tools to bring your designs to life.
  3. Export as .TGS: With the Bodymovin-TG plugin installed, you can export your After Effects composition as a .TGS file, which is the required format for Telegram animated stickers.
  4. Upload to @Stickers Bot: Open Telegram and start a conversation with the @Stickers bot. Follow the prompts to create a new animated sticker pack and upload your .TGS files.
  5. Publish Your Pack: After uploading your stickers, the @Stickers bot will guide you through the process of publishing your pack, including setting a name, icon, and sharing link.

Once published, your animated sticker pack will be available for you and anyone you share the link with to use in Telegram chats.

Tips for Creating Great Animated Stickers

While the technical process is straightforward, creating engaging and visually appealing animated stickers takes some creativity and design skill. Here are a few tips:

  • Keep It Simple: Subtle animations and loops often work better than complex scenes for stickers.
  • Use Clear Lines and Bold Colors: Stickers are small, so clean designs with high contrast will be more legible.
  • Consider Context: Think about common emotions, reactions, or situations where your stickers might be used.
  • Be Unique: With millions of sticker packs available, aim for original and creative designs that stand out.

Sharing and Using Your Animated Stickers

Once your animated sticker pack is published, you can share the link provided by the @Stickers bot with friends, family, or online communities. Anyone with the link can add your pack to their Telegram app and start using your custom animated stickers in chats.

To use your animated stickers, simply open a Telegram chat, tap the sticker icon, and select your pack from the list. Your animated stickers will appear alongside any other installed packs.

With some creativity and the right tools, you can create fun, expressive animated stickers that add personality and flair to your Telegram conversations. Give it a try and share your creations with the world!

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