Stipop: Global Sticker Library for Developers

Stipop's Extensive Sticker Library

Boasting a collection exceeding 150,000 options, Stipop provides a diverse and vibrant library of stickers, offering expressive visuals for a wide range of users.

From App to API: A Shift in Focus

Initially launching as a direct-to-consumer application offering stickers on both iOS and Android platforms, supported by advertising, Stipop has strategically pivoted its focus.

The company now prioritizes providing its extensive sticker resources to developers, creators, and various online businesses.

The Genesis of Stipop's Business Model

“Our initial consumer app allowed us to amass a substantial collection of stickers and understand the complexities of artist collaboration,” explained Tony Park, Stipop’s co-founder, in an interview with TechCrunch.

The team leveraged the insights gained from operating their own application to address the challenges faced by others in sourcing and licensing stickers from a global network of artists.

Recognition and Acceleration

Stipop achieved the distinction of being the first Korean company accepted into Yellow, Snapchat’s highly selective accelerator program.

Furthermore, the company participated in the Y Combinator Summer 2021 cohort, bolstering its growth and visibility.

Developer Integration and Accessibility

Stipop’s sticker library is readily accessible through both an SDK and an API.

This allows developers to seamlessly integrate the searchable sticker collection into their existing software platforms.

Currently, over 200 companies utilize Stipop’s vast sticker trove, streamlining a process that would otherwise require significant effort.

A newly launched website facilitates quick and easy integration of the SDK and API for developers.

Enhancing User Engagement

“Developers can incorporate a single line of code to introduce a fully customized sticker feature, enabling users to enrich their conversations,” Park stated.

Stickers are recognized as a powerful tool for boosting user engagement, a critical factor for growth in social applications.

Diverse Applications Beyond Social Chat

While commonly used in chat applications, stickers are finding increasing utility in diverse contexts.

These include dating apps, e-commerce platforms, and even ridesharing services.

Stipop’s stickers even power the sticker search functionality within Microsoft Teams, a leading work collaboration software.

Strategic Partnerships and Brand Expansion

Stipop has established a partnership with Google, integrating its sticker library into Gboard, Android Messages, and Tenor – a GIF keyboard platform acquired by Google in 2018.

This collaboration resulted in 600 million sticker views within the first month of launch.

A forthcoming partnership with Coca-Cola will introduce Coke-branded stickers, and Stipop is actively seeking collaborations with other brands recognizing the unique appeal of stickers in messaging.

Stickers vs. GIFs: A Distinct Creative Space

Park emphasizes the distinction between stickers and GIFs, both serving as non-verbal expressions of emotion.

He asserts that stickers occupy a unique creative realm, fostering a community of artists, regional themes, and original characters that resonate with fans.

“Sticker creation has become a recognized profession,” Park noted.

Empowering Visual Artists

Visual artists can achieve significant visibility and success through sticker set releases, even without highly polished illustrations.

The emphasis on meaning over technical refinement allows artists of varying skill levels to create popular and viral stickers.

A Global Community of Creators

“Stickers offer a pathway to virality,” Park explained.

Stipop has partnered with 5,000 sticker creators representing 25 languages, providing a platform for artists to upload their work and earn income based on sticker usage.

Cultural Nuances in Sticker Usage

Sticker usage exhibits fascinating cultural variations globally.

In Western cultures, stickers often substitute for text, while in Asia, they typically complement and enhance textual meaning.

East Asian users favor simple black and white stickers, whereas bright, golden stickers are popular in India and Saudi Arabia.

South American users gravitate towards pixelated and uniquely styled stickers.

The Emotional Connection to Stickers

“Users develop an affinity for the characters they send, and these characters become an extension of their own identity,” Park concluded.

Correction

Please note: An earlier version of this article stated Stipop’s library contained over 270,000 stickers; the company has clarified this number is 150,000, excluding language variations.

The company also confirmed it has 5,000 sticker creators with approved uploads.