WhatsApp is testing a new way to use stickers on iPhone. The latest TestFlight beta introduces sticker suggestions directly in the chat bar. You no longer need to open the sticker panel and scroll through packs. Stickers now appear at the moment you type.
How sticker suggestions work
The feature works inside the message composer. When you type an emoji, WhatsApp checks whether stickers are linked to that emoji. If a match exists, a small sticker icon appears next to the send button.
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Tap the icon, and WhatsApp opens a compact results view. You see relevant stickers and GIFs tied to that emoji. If you want more options, you can tap “Show more results” without leaving the chat. The conversation stays uninterrupted.
This setup cuts down extra steps. You type an emoji, see matching stickers, and send one instantly. The flow feels faster and more natural, especially in active chats.
As spotted by WABetaInfo, the feature relies on emoji metadata added when a sticker is created. Stickers only appear as suggestions if the creator linked one or more emojis to them.
WABetaInfo explains:
“Only stickers that include these associations are eligible to appear as suggestions while typing, ensuring that results remain relevant and contextually accurate.”
Many third-party sticker creation apps on iOS already support emoji tagging. This increases the chances that a sticker shows up at the right moment. It also helps WhatsApp filter results, even if you have many sticker packs installed.
Limits of WhatsApp’s own sticker editor
Not all stickers work with this feature yet. Stickers made using WhatsApp’s built-in sticker editor on iOS do not support emoji associations. As a result, they do not appear in suggestions while typing.
That said, sticker packs from the official WhatsApp Sticker Store already include the required metadata. These packs work without issues. WhatsApp may add emoji tagging to its own editor before the feature reaches everyone.
Availability and rollout
Sticker suggestions are available to a limited group of beta testers running the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS through TestFlight. In rare cases, a small number of users on the stable App Store version may also see it enabled.
WhatsApp is rolling out the feature gradually. Availability can vary by account. For users who rely on stickers to express reactions quickly, this change makes conversations smoother and faster without changing how chats work.
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