Table of Contents

How to Make TikTok Stickers: A Creator’s Guide

So, you’re itching to inject some personalized pizzazz into your TikTok videos? You’ve come to the right place. The ability to create your own TikTok stickers is a game-changer, allowing you to build your brand, express your unique style, and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Here’s the lowdown on how to turn your creative visions into captivating digital assets for the platform:

Essentially, there are two primary routes to crafting your TikTok stickers: using the built-in TikTok sticker maker or employing third-party apps. Let’s delve into both methods:

Using the Built-In TikTok Sticker Maker

TikTok’s native sticker tool is surprisingly robust, especially for quick and simple creations. It’s perfect for spontaneous ideas and doesn’t require you to download any additional software. Here’s how to wield its power:

Start a New Video: Open TikTok and tap the “+” button to initiate a new video recording. Don’t worry too much about the content just yet; you can always delete this draft later.
Record Your Video (Optional): You can either record a video clip or simply upload an existing photo or video from your camera roll. This serves as the backdrop for your sticker creation. Remember, stickers can be added to existing videos as well!
Access the Sticker Menu: Tap the “Stickers” icon (it looks like a folded square with a smiling face) on the right-hand side of the screen. This opens up a treasure trove of existing stickers, but we’re here to make our own!
Find the “Cut Out” Tool: Look for the “Cut Out” option. It’s usually represented by a pair of scissors icon. This is your gateway to creating custom image-based stickers.
Select Your Subject: You’ll now be prompted to select the portion of the video or image you want to turn into a sticker. TikTok provides two options:
- Automatic Selection: The app attempts to intelligently identify the main subject and automatically outline it. This is great for clearly defined objects or faces.
- Manual Selection: This gives you precise control. Use your finger to trace the outline of the subject you want to isolate. Take your time for a clean, professional look.
Refine Your Selection: After the selection is made, TikTok offers tools to refine the edges. You can add or remove sections to ensure the sticker perfectly captures your desired shape.
Customize Your Sticker (Optional): While the built-in tool is simpler, it does allow for basic customization. You might be able to adjust the outline’s thickness or add a slight drop shadow for emphasis.
Save Your Sticker: Once you’re happy with your sticker, tap “Next” or “Save.” Your creation is now saved within your TikTok account’s sticker library.
Use Your Sticker: You can now apply your newly crafted sticker to the video you’re currently working on or use it in future TikTok creations. Resize, rotate, and position it as you see fit!

Creating TikTok Stickers with Third-Party Apps

While the TikTok sticker maker is convenient, third-party apps provide significantly more creative control. These apps often offer advanced editing features, animation capabilities, and a wider range of customization options. Popular choices include:

Adobe Photoshop: The industry standard for image editing. Ideal for creating complex, highly detailed stickers. Requires a subscription and a steeper learning curve.
Procreate (iPad): A fantastic digital art app for iPad users. Offers a wide range of brushes and tools, making it perfect for hand-drawn stickers.
PicsArt: A more user-friendly option with a wealth of editing tools, pre-made templates, and a large sticker library.
Phonto: Primarily focused on text-based stickers. A great choice for adding custom quotes, captions, or logos.
GIPHY: If you’re interested in creating animated GIFs to use as stickers, GIPHY is your best bet. TikTok integrates directly with GIPHY.

Here’s the general workflow when using a third-party app:

Design Your Sticker: Utilize the app’s tools to create your sticker. This might involve drawing, photo editing, adding text, or incorporating other design elements. Be sure to save your creation with a transparent background (PNG format) to ensure it blends seamlessly into your TikTok videos.
Export Your Sticker: Save your sticker as a PNG file.
Upload to TikTok: Open TikTok and create a new video or edit an existing one. Tap the “Stickers” icon.
Access Your Photos/Gallery: Look for an option like “Upload Sticker” or “From Photos.” This will allow you to access your phone’s gallery.
Select Your Sticker: Choose the PNG file you saved earlier. Your sticker will now appear in your video.
Adjust and Position: Resize, rotate, and position your sticker as desired.

Making Animated TikTok Stickers

For those who want to level up their sticker game, animated stickers are the way to go. GIPHY is a popular choice for this:

Create your GIF: Use programs like Photoshop, After Effects, or even online GIF makers to create your animated sticker.
Upload to GIPHY: Create a GIPHY account and upload your GIF. Make sure to add relevant tags so TikTok users can easily find it.
Use in TikTok: Within TikTok, when selecting stickers, search for your GIF using the tags you added.

Best Practices for TikTok Stickers

High Resolution: Always create your stickers at a high resolution to ensure they look crisp and clear, even when enlarged.
Transparent Background: A transparent background (PNG format) is crucial for seamless integration into your videos.
Relevance: Ensure your stickers are relevant to your content and target audience.
Branding: Use stickers to promote your brand or logo.
Creativity: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and designs.
Accessibility: Consider the color contrast and legibility of your stickers, especially for users with visual impairments.

FAQs about TikTok Stickers

1. What file format should I use for TikTok stickers?

The recommended file format is PNG with a transparent background. This ensures the sticker blends seamlessly with your video. For animated stickers, use GIF.

2. Can I use stickers created by other people on TikTok?

Yes, you can! TikTok offers a vast library of stickers created by other users and brands. You can find them by searching for specific keywords or browsing the trending sticker section.

3. How do I delete a sticker I created on TikTok?

Unfortunately, TikTok doesn’t allow you to directly delete stickers you created using the built-in sticker maker. However, you can avoid using them in future videos. Stickers created using third-party apps and uploaded from your camera roll can simply be deleted from your camera roll.

4. Are there any copyright restrictions on the stickers I create?

Yes. You are responsible for ensuring that your stickers do not infringe on any copyrights or trademarks. Avoid using copyrighted images, logos, or characters without permission.

5. How can I make my stickers more discoverable on TikTok?

If you’re uploading animated stickers to GIPHY, use relevant tags so users can easily find them when searching within TikTok.

6. Can I sell my TikTok stickers?

Currently, TikTok doesn’t have a built-in marketplace for selling stickers directly on the platform. However, some creators sell sticker packs through third-party platforms and promote them on their TikTok channels.

7. How do I add text to my TikTok stickers?

You can add text using either the built-in TikTok text tool (before creating the sticker) or by using a third-party app like Phonto or PicsArt.

8. Can I animate my own face or body movements into a TikTok sticker?

Yes, with a bit of creativity and the right tools. You can record a short video of your face or body movements, then use a third-party app like CapCut or Adobe After Effects to isolate the motion and create an animated sticker. GIPHY can then be used to upload it to TikTok.

9. What’s the difference between stickers and GIFs on TikTok?

While both are visual elements you can add to your videos, stickers are generally static images, while GIFs are short, looping animations. TikTok treats them somewhat interchangeably, but the creation process is different.

10. How do I find trending stickers on TikTok?

Browse the “Stickers” menu within TikTok. The app often highlights trending stickers and popular creations.

11. What are some creative ideas for TikTok stickers?

Reaction stickers: Expressing emotions or reactions to video content.
Branded stickers: Promoting your brand or logo.
Text-based stickers: Adding captions, quotes, or witty remarks.
Animated stickers: Bringing your creations to life with movement.
Interactive stickers: Encouraging viewers to participate or engage with your content.

12. How do I make stickers with transparent backgrounds on mobile?

Most photo editing apps on mobile devices allow you to remove backgrounds. Look for tools labelled “Cutout,” “Eraser,” or “Background Remover.” Make sure to save the sticker as a PNG file to preserve the transparency. Apps like PicsArt or Background Eraser work great for this!

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating captivating TikTok stickers that enhance your videos, build your brand, and engage your audience. Happy creating!