Dive Brief: 

• Virtual goods company TextPride has signed a number of deals with major brands to create branded virtual stickers for texting. 
• The stickers could be a gateway for brands to be included in texting conversations on popular apps like Line and Kik. 
• TextPride wants to become the licensing bridge between brands and the messaging apps. 

Dive Insight: 

Many brands have been searching for a way to break into messaging apps because the volume of users is attractive. According to the article, for example, Line made about 20% of its revenue last year from selling virtual goods. The opportunity is there if brands can find the right avenue, and TextPride's stickers could be one solution.