imessage Platform Tool

iMessage Animated Sticker Maker (<500KB)

Build Apple HIG compliant animated stickers with optional white die-cut stroke and strict ≤500KB Xcode size verification.

Xcode Compliant ≤500KBWhite Die-Cut Outline408×408 @3x SpecLossless APNG

Upload GIF or Video to Convert

Drop any GIF or MP4/WebM video. 100% in-browser processing, private & instant. Converts directly to Discord, Slack, Twitch, and Telegram specs.

Supports .gif, .mp4, .webm up to 50MB

AI Transparent Cutout2 Credits

Remove complex backgrounds with neural AI. Smooth edges without white fringe.

Platform Settings

iMessage Animated Sticker

Target Size Limit≤ 250 KB

Standard for iMessage✓ Auto-Locked

Presets:

White Sticker OutlineDie-cut border visible on dark themes

Meme Caption Overlay

iMessage Standard Specs

Dimension:408 × 408 px (Regular @3x)

Max Weight:≤ 500 KB (Xcode hard limit)

Frame Limit:Recommended ≤ 45 frames

Format:APNG (Lossless alpha)

⚡ 30-Second Spec Cheat Sheet: iMessage Animated Sticker Maker (≤500KB APNG) Compliance Rules

Requirement	Strict Limit	Technical Notes & Why It Fails
Canvas Resolution	408 × 408 px (Regular @3x)	Square 1:1 prevents black letterboxing bars; retina display at 128px.
Maximum File Size	≤ 500 KB (Xcode Hard Intercept)	Strict binary byte check. Upload fails immediately if 1 byte over.
Frame Count / FPS	Recommended ≤ 45 frames	Auto-delay compensation preserves animation speed when frames are reduced.
Output Format	APNG (or GIF)	Optimized palette quantization and transparency masking.

Visual Proof: Real-World Optimization & Cutout Result

Plain GIF

1.2 MB · Blends into dark mode

Xcode build error: "Animated sticker exceeds 500KB"

Die-Cut APNG Sticker

380 KB · 408×408 APNG

Crisp white border that pops on both blue & green iMessage bubbles

How to Use iMessage Animated Sticker Maker (≤500KB APNG) (3 Simple Steps)

Upload your sticker artwork

Drop your GIF or transparent PNG.

Toggle white sticker outline

Optionally enable the die-cut white stroke effect.

Export for Xcode or direct iMessage sharing

Download the APNG file verified to be under 500KB.

Troubleshooting & Common Platform Errors

Why does Xcode reject animated stickers above 500KB?

Apple iOS enforces a strict binary build rule: every animated sticker in an iMessage app extension must be ≤500,000 bytes. EmoteGen automatically optimizes frames to stay safely under 500KB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can different stickers in the same pack have different sizes?

No! Apple requires every sticker in a pack to use the same category size (e.g. all 408x408 Regular, or all 300x300 Small).