You can create Telegram stickers from images you already have, then upload them as a set that you and others can use in chats

Telegram stickers are small images you insert into messages the same way you'd use emoji. You can create a set from your own artwork, photos, or designs, then share it with your audience or keep it private. The process involves preparing image files in the right format, uploading them through Telegram's bot system, and publishing the set so others can add it to their app.

The entire process takes 15 to 30 minutes once your images are ready. You do not need design software or coding knowledge — Telegram handles the technical conversion, and you can use free tools like GIMP or Photoshop to prepare your images beforehand.

Key Takeaways

  • Telegram stickers must be either 512×512 pixels (static) or 512×512 pixels (animated), and saved as PNG files with transparent backgrounds for static stickers or TGS files for animated ones.
  • You create and upload sticker sets through the official Stickers bot (@Stickers) by sending it your images and following the prompts to name your set and add descriptions.
  • A sticker set requires a minimum of one image but works best with 5 to 10 stickers so people find it useful enough to add to their collection.
  • Once published, your sticker set gets a permanent link you can share on social media, in your Telegram bio, or anywhere else to drive people to add it.

Prepare your images in the correct format

Telegram stickers must meet specific technical requirements or the upload will fail. For static stickers, each image needs to be exactly 512×512 pixels and saved as a PNG file with a transparent background. The transparent background is important because it lets your sticker sit cleanly over any chat background without a white box around it.

If you are starting with a photo or design that does not have a transparent background, use free software like GIMP (available for Windows, Mac, and Linux) or Photoshop to remove the background. In GIMP, select the "Select by Color" tool, click the background you want to remove, then press Delete. Export the result as PNG and make sure the transparency box is checked.

For animated stickers, the process is more complex — you need to create a TGS file, which is a compressed animation format. Most people start with static stickers because they are simpler. If you want animated stickers later, you can use tools like Lottie or After Effects, but that requires more design skill.

Open Telegram and find the Stickers bot

Launch Telegram on your phone or desktop and search for the official Stickers bot by typing @Stickers into the search bar at the top. Tap or click the result to open a conversation with the bot.

The bot will show you a menu with options. Tap "Create a sticker set" to begin. The bot will ask you to send it your first sticker image. You can send multiple images at once by selecting them from your phone's photo library or your computer's file manager, or you can send them one at a time.

Upload your images and name your set

Send your prepared PNG files to the Stickers bot. After you send each image, the bot will ask if you want to add emoji to it — this is optional but helpful. Adding emoji (like 😂 or 🔥) makes your sticker searchable by that emoji in Telegram's sticker picker, so people can find it faster.

Once you have sent all your images, the bot will ask you to name your sticker set. The name appears in the sticker picker and in search results. Use something clear and descriptive — for example, "CatsWithHats" or "BrandLogoStickers" rather than random characters. The bot will also ask for a short description of what the stickers are for.

The bot assigns your set a technical name (called a "short name") that you cannot change later. This name becomes part of the permanent link people use to add your stickers. For example, if your short name is "mycats", the link will be t.me/addstickers/mycats.

Publish your sticker set and share the link

After you confirm the name and description, the bot will publish your set and give you a link. This link is permanent and unique to your sticker set. You can share it anywhere — in your Telegram bio, on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, your website, or in email. Anyone who clicks the link will see your sticker set and can add it to their Telegram app with one tap.

Your sticker set is now live. People can search for it by name in Telegram's sticker picker, or they can use your direct link. You can create multiple sticker sets if you want — there is no limit on how many you can publish.

Edit or add stickers to an existing set

If you want to add more stickers to a set you already published, search for the Stickers bot again and choose "Edit a sticker set." The bot will show you a list of your published sets. Select the one you want to edit, then send it new images the same way you did the first time.

You can also remove stickers from a set by selecting "Edit a sticker set," choosing the set, and then choosing which stickers to delete. Telegram does not let you reorder stickers once they are published, so plan the order carefully before you upload.

Use sticker sets in your social media strategy

Custom sticker sets are a low-effort way to build brand recognition and give your audience something useful. Share your sticker link in your Telegram channel description, in posts on other platforms, or in your email signature. People who add your stickers will see your branding every time they use them in a chat.

If you run a Telegram community or channel, stickers themed around your brand or inside jokes encourage people to engage with your content. You can also create seasonal or event-specific sticker sets — for example, holiday stickers or stickers tied to a product launch — and promote them for a limited time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size should my sticker images be?

Static stickers must be exactly 512×512 pixels. If your image is a different size, use free software like GIMP to resize it. Make sure the background is transparent (PNG format with alpha channel) so the sticker does not have a white box around it.

Can I use photos or do they have to be drawings?

You can use photos, drawings, memes, or any image. The only requirement is that it is 512×512 pixels and saved as PNG with a transparent background. Remove the background in GIMP or Photoshop before you upload.

How many stickers do I need in a set?

Telegram requires at least one sticker per set, but sets with fewer than five stickers are less likely to be used. Aim for 5 to 10 stickers so people feel the set is worth adding to their collection.

Can I change the name or description of my sticker set after I publish it?

You can change the description through the Stickers bot, but the short name (the technical part of the link) cannot be changed once it is published. Choose your short name carefully before you confirm.

How do I see how many people have added my sticker set?

Telegram does not show public statistics on sticker set usage. You can only see how many people have added it if you check the set's page directly, but there is no dashboard or analytics tool for sticker creators.