Google is testing sticker suggestions in Messages and Gboard

Stickers have become a critical part of the messaging game. Communication apps need to have stickers if they’re going to be seriously considered. People see emoji, GIFs, and stickers as a more deft way to convey feelings. Google has embraced stickers in may ways, including the bizarre and oddly fun “Emoji Kitchen” feature in Gboard. Now, the company is testing a couple of new features for Messages and Gboard to make them easier to find and use.

We’ll start with Google Messages, where the company is testing sticker suggestions. The suggestions appear above the compose box so you can easily add them to the conversation. The feature can be toggled with a new switch in the “Suggestion in chat” section of the settings. The feature was first discovered last October by Jane Manchun Wong, but it appears to be closer to release as some people are seeing it appear without tinkering.

Next up is Gboard with sticker suggestions in a different way. Instead of suggesting individual stickers (which it already could do), Gboard is testing suggestions for entire sticker packs. When you go to the sticker section of Gboard you’ll see a pack in front of the list with a yellow star icon. Tapping the suggestion will bring up the sticker pack and you can “Pass” on it to hide the suggestion or “Add” it to your collection. This appears to be a server-side test.