BBM Chat Stickers Roll Out to All Users

BlackBerry may be considered by some as a joke, but the Canadian phone maker's April 1 announcement certainly isn't: All BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) users can now personalize their chats with an expansive sticker library.

The company launched a limited external beta in February, but now opens the doors to themed decals for all BlackBerry, Android, and iOS users.

Bolder than the typical emoticons, the new images allow for an infusion of extra personality. Stickers can be downloaded in packs of 20 to 25 decals inside the app's store; some are free, while other cost $1.99 (or the local currency equivalent).

'Stickers are another great example of how we're making the BBM experience more engaging and fun for our customers,' David Proulx, senior director of BBM, said in a statement. 'Stickers let you personalize your chats and strike the right chord with people around the world who rely on stickers in chats when they connect with colleagues, family, friends, peers and partners.'

Each pack relates to a theme or character, like CosCat, Gilbert's Tales, Bubble Bot, and others, including popular brands like Shaun the Sheep and World Wrestling Entertainment.

And, with WrestleMania 30 coming up, WWE will give away a free sticker pack to fans via BBM—so you can really lay the virtual smackdown on your friends.

Sticker packs are housed in the lower right corner of the app, among the emoticons. Swipe through to find your favorites, then send them to friends. Once you receive a sticker, tap it to zoom in, and to download the same set for yourself.

The new library also comes with more than 100 BBM emoticons, free to all customers who download the update. BlackBerry intends to add new sticker packs to the store on a regular basis.

The phone maker is also boosting its BBM photo capabilities, now allowing users to share images in multi-person chats. High-res photos, videos, and presentations up to 16MB are delivered as a thumbnail, which can then be opened in full size.