How to Send Stickers on Instagram DMs and Stories
Learn how to send Instagram stickers in DMs and Stories, from built-in and GIFs to custom designs, to boost creativity and audience engagement.
Introduction to Instagram Stickers
Instagram stickers are a popular feature that allow users to add personality, context, and interactive elements to their content. From enhancing Direct Messages (DMs) with expressive visuals to making Stories more engaging, learning how to send stickers on Instagram can significantly improve your communication and increase audience interaction. Whether it’s a witty GIF in a chat, a location tag for a Story, or a custom sticker in Reels, these visual elements bring a fun and creative touch to your social media presence.
In DMs, stickers can capture moods or reactions in a way that text alone can’t. In Stories, they can add context, invite participation through polls or quizzes, or simply make posts more visually appealing.
Before exploring how to send stickers on Instagram, make sure you’re using the most up-to-date version of the app to access the latest sticker collections and features.
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Update Instagram to the Latest Version
An old Instagram version may not support new stickers, updated search, or enhanced interactive options. Updating ensures you have access to everything covered here.
- On iOS: Open the App Store → tap your profile → locate Instagram → tap Update.
- On Android: Open Google Play Store → search for Instagram → tap Update.
Keeping your app current means more creative tools and fewer technical issues.
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How to Send Stickers in Instagram Direct Messages
Stickers in DMs can help liven up chats, convey humor, or express emotions instantly.
1. Open the Chat
- Launch Instagram.
- Tap the Messenger (speech bubble) or paper airplane icon in the top-right.
- Choose the conversation where you want to send a sticker.
2. Tap the Sticker or Emoji Icon
Look for the smiley face or sticker symbol inside the chat input box. Tap to open the sticker selection.
3. Choose Your Sticker Type
Options typically include:
- Trending Stickers – Seasonal or in-demand designs.
- Emojis – Animated or static emoji-style visuals.
- GIF Stickers – From GIPHY, for animated reactions.
- Custom Stickers – Your saved memes or artwork.
Pro Tip: Use the search bar to quickly find relevant GIFs or stickers.
4. Send the Sticker
Tap your choice; it will instantly post in the DM thread.
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How to Use Stickers in Instagram Stories
Stories provide a bigger canvas for creative and interactive sticker use.
1. Start a New Story
- Tap + on your profile image or swipe right from your feed.
- Select Camera to capture fresh content, or swipe up to choose from your gallery.
2. Open the Sticker Menu
With your media ready, tap the square smiley face on the top bar to view stickers.
3. Select Popular Sticker Categories
Instagram’s built-in stickers serve multiple purposes:
| Sticker Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Location | Tag a place for context and discoverability. |
| Mention | Highlight another user in your Story. |
| Hashtag | Help people find your Story by hashtag. |
| Poll | Engage viewers with quick, interactive questions. |
| Question | Gather audience input or feedback. |
| GIF | Add engaging animated visuals from GIPHY. |
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Adding Custom Stickers from Your Own Images
For personal branding or unique flair, create custom stickers.
- Step 1: Use an editing tool (Canva, Photoshop, remove.bg) to produce PNGs with transparent backgrounds.
- Step 2: Save them to your device’s gallery.
- Step 3: During Story editing, paste (iOS) or import (Android) your custom image as a sticker.
This lets you integrate branded items, memes, or signature elements into your content.
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Sending Animated GIF Stickers
GIF stickers make both DMs and Stories more dynamic.
- Open the sticker menu in your DM or Story.
- Tap the GIF option.
- Enter a keyword like "celebrate" or "funny cat."
- Select your favorite — it will appear instantly.
Because they loop, GIF stickers draw attention and can convey emotion or humor quickly.
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Tips for Making Stickers More Engaging
Follow these best practices to maximize impact:
- Placement Matters: Avoid covering focal points in photos/videos.
- Adjust Size: Pinch to fit — oversized stickers can distract.
- Interactivity: Include polls, quizzes, or Q&A stickers.
- Consistency: Align sticker design with your branding or color scheme.
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Troubleshooting: Stickers Not Appearing
Missing stickers? Try these fixes:
- Update the App: Ensures full feature access.
- Clear Cache: (Android) Settings → Apps → Instagram → Clear cache.
- Region Availability: Some stickers release gradually or regionally.
- Re-login: Sign out/in to refresh features.
If the issue persists, reinstall Instagram for a clean reset.
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Privacy and Etiquette for Sticker Use
Always consider:
- Avoid sticker spam in DMs.
- Get consent before tagging locations or people.
- Keep stickers relevant and respectful.
- Steer clear of offensive designs.
Balancing fun with thoughtfulness keeps interactions positive.
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Summary
Now you know how to send stickers on Instagram for both DMs and Stories:
- Keep Instagram updated for the latest tools.
- In DMs: Open conversation → sticker menu → select type → send.
- In Stories: Capture/upload media → sticker menu → choose built-in or custom stickers.
- Explore GIFs for energy and humor, and apply best practices for design and placement.
Using stickers strategically can boost engagement, add personality, and help communicate creatively. Try mixing sticker types in your next post or message and watch your audience interaction grow — start experimenting with Instagram stickers today for more vibrant social connections.
