[FEATURE] Add Sticker Packs Support for Chat Messages

[Akash504-ai]

Feature Description

Allow users to send stickers in both direct and group conversations using built-in or third-party sticker packs. The sticker picker should provide an intuitive browsing experience with categorized packs, recent stickers, and favorites.

This feature enhances communication by offering expressive, lightweight alternatives to images and GIFs.

---

Problem it solves

While text, emojis, and GIFs are useful, stickers have become a popular way for users to communicate emotions and reactions. Currently, users must rely on external sticker apps or static images, resulting in a fragmented experience.

Native sticker support provides a more engaging and modern messaging experience.

---

Possible Solution

• Add a sticker button to the message composer.
• Support sending stickers in both private and group chats.
• Organize stickers into categorized packs.
• Display recently used stickers for quick access.
• Allow users to mark stickers as favorites.
• Support adding new sticker packs in the future.
• Optimize sticker loading with lazy loading and caching.
• Ensure stickers are synchronized across devices.

---

Additional Context

Acceptance Criteria

• Users can browse available sticker packs.
• Users can send stickers in both direct and group chats.
• Recently used stickers are displayed.
• Users can favorite frequently used stickers.
• Sticker loading is optimized for performance.
• Existing messaging functionality remains unaffected.

This feature is inspired by messaging platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, Discord, and LINE, where sticker packs provide a richer and more expressive communication experience.

[Navami-Bhat]

Hi I would like to work on this issue under ECSoC26.
Could you please assign it to me?
Thank you!

[Akash504-ai]

Thanks for your interest! Feel free to work on this issue and raise a PR once it's ready. I'll review it.