WhatsApp Now Lets You Import Custom Animated Sticker Packs From Third Party Apps: Report

WhatsApp is reportedly rolling out a feature that will allow users to import custom animated sticker packs. The feature is said to be rolling out in Brazil, Indonesia, and Iran for WhatsApp version 2.21.3.19 or newer on Android and 2.21.31.2 or newer on iOS. This feature will allow WhatsApp users to import custom animated stickers directly into the messaging app which can then be sent to contacts. The report states that if the feature isn't available in the aforementioned countries, it may take 24 hours to show up.

A report by Whatsapp feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted that the messaging service is rolling out a feature that will allow users to import custom animated sticker packs. It mentions a third party app called Sticker Maker (App Store | Google Play) which allows you to create static and animated sticker packs to be imported to WhatsApp. It should be noted that a paid version of Sticker Maker is required to import animated sticker packs to WhatsApp, though you can still create one with Sticker Maker by uploading a GIF or video using the Select File option. The process to create and import an animated sticker pack is mostly the same as it was with static stickers.

WhatsApp already lets you add third party sticker packs to be used in chats but the ability to add animated sticker packs is new. If you are in Brazil, Indonesia, or Iran, with a local phone number, you should be able to try the feature. Make sure you are on version 2.21.3.19 on Android or 2.21.31.2 on iOS, or newer, regardless of whether you're in the beta programme or on the stable channel. You can also WhatsApp via the App Store or Google Play, or download the latest version 2.21.4.23 (for Android) from the official website. As mentioned, WABetaInfo notes that the feature may take up to 24 hours to show up even on the latest version.

The report also points out that there may be some issues when trying to import both static images and animated stickers that are in the same pack. There must be at least three stickers in a pack for it to be imported to WhatsApp. As mentioned, the new feature is said to be rolling out to users in Brazil, India, and Indonesia, and support for more countries is expected to follow.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this article cited WABetaInfo to name India amongst the countries where the feature is rolling out, and has been updated to include a correction to Iran.

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