Quick Answer
There are a few different ways to send a WhatsApp message to multiple contacts at once:
– Create a WhatsApp group and send the message to the group. This will send it to all members of the group.
– Forward an existing message to multiple contacts by long-pressing on the message, tapping forward, and selecting multiple recipients.
– Use a WhatsApp bulk messaging tool or API service to send automated messages to a list of phone numbers.
– Copy and paste the same message and send it individually to different recipients.
Creating a group is the easiest way if you routinely need to message many people at once. For one-off blasts, forwarding or an automation service can work better.
Steps to Create a WhatsApp Group for Mass Messaging
Here are the steps to create a WhatsApp group to send messages to many people at the same time:
1. Open the WhatsApp app on your phone.
2. Tap the Chats tab in the bottom right.
3. Tap the New Group button in the top right (it looks like a speech bubble with a plus icon).
4. Give the new group a name at the top.
5. Under Add Participants, tap the contacts you want to add to the group. You can search or scroll to find people.
6. Tap the checkmark at the bottom right when finished selecting all contacts.
7. A new group chat will open with all your selected participants.
8. Type out the message you want to send to everyone and hit send!
All members of the group will receive your message instantly. You can add or remove people from the group later as needed.
Steps to Forward a WhatsApp Message to Multiple People
Forwarding an existing WhatsApp message is another fast way to send information to many contacts at once:
1. While viewing a chat, long press on the message you want to forward.
2. Tap the forward arrow icon that appears.
3. WhatsApp will open your contacts list. Tap each contact you want to forward the message to.
4. Once you’ve selected all recipients, tap the checkmark at the bottom right.
5. The message will now be forwarded to each person you picked.
This method allows quickly blasting a message you already have without retyping. You can include up to 5 recipients at once.
Using a WhatsApp Bulk Messaging Service
For frequent mass messaging, consider using a WhatsApp bulk messaging platform. These services let you:
– Upload contact lists with phone numbers
– Create message templates
– Schedule automated message blasts
– Analyze delivery reports
Popular providers include Chat-API, MissComm, WhatsWeb, and MsgClub. These tools can integrate with CRM software like Salesforce also.
The services work using WhatsApp Business API or simulated sending. Costs vary based on message volume. This method is best for regular promotion blasts, alerts, appointment reminders, and campaigns.
Copy and Paste for Individual Messaging
For a one-time blast to a short list, manually copying and pasting the message can work too.
1. Type out the full message in one chat.
2. Copy the entire text.
3. Open each recipient’s chat and paste the message.
4. Hit send to deliver it.
While more time consuming than other methods, this lets you customize parts of the message for each individual if needed. Use when messaging less than 10 people.
WhatsApp Group Messaging Limits
There are some limits to be aware of with WhatsApp group messaging:
– Max 256 people can be added to a single WhatsApp group.
– Once a group has over 100 participants, admin permission is required to send messages.
– All group members can see each other’s phone numbers since it adds them to your contacts.
– Anyone in the group can add new people without admin approval.
– There’s no way to see who has read your group message.
– If you exit a group, your messages remain visible.
– Anyone in the group can make you an admin without consent.
So use common sense when creating WhatsApp groups. Keep them targeted to relevant recipients to avoid spamming.
WhatsApp Broadcast Lists
WhatsApp also supports broadcast lists for mass messaging. These are like groups but with some differences:
– Broadcast lists are one-way – recipients can’t reply to the group.
– You remain anonymous – numbers aren’t shared with recipients.
– Only admins can send messages.
– There are no group chat features like naming, media sharing, etc.
Broadcast lists work best for important announcements and alerts. Normal groups facilitate more interaction and discussion.
WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to programmatically interact with WhatsApp at scale. The main features are:
– Send/receive messages using HTTP APIs
– Create smart messaging tools and bots
– Integrate with support, sales, or marketing systems
– Analyze message delivery and metrics
– Manage conversations at high volumes
The WhatsApp Business API powers most bulk messaging platforms and automation tools. But developers can also directly integrate it into their own apps and workflows via the REST API, SDKs, or WhatsApp Business Manager dashboard.
This enterprise-grade API delivers more advanced mass messaging capabilities for large businesses.
Tips for WhatsApp Group Messaging
To use WhatsApp groups effectively for mass communication, keep these tips in mind:
– Name groups clearly based on purpose or company.
– Only add relevant people to avoid spam complaints.
– Mention the recipient list in the message if needed for context.
– Keep messages concise and actionable.
– Limit sending too many messages which can be disruptive.
– Remind members they can mute notifications if desired.
– Make someone else an admin to share the workload.
– Announce departures or explain admins changes.
– Remove inactive members periodically to declutter.
– Don’t share confidential information in groups.
– Avoid political, religious, offensive, or illegal content.
– Mind global holidays like Diwali when choosing timing.
– Consider using a WhatsApp API service for large-scale messaging.
Following WhatsApp community guidelines and best practices will lead to better delivery and open rates. Make people want to stay part of your broadcast list or group.
WhatsApp vs SMS for Mass Messaging
Comparing WhatsApp to traditional text messaging shows some key differences for mass communication:
| Feature | SMS/Text Messaging | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Per message fee |
| Group messaging | Yes | No native support |
| Media attachments | Photos, video, etc | Text-only |
| Delivery receipts | Read receipts | No guarantee |
| two-way communication | Instant replies | Cumbersome |
| Opt-outs | Leave group | TEXT STOP |
WhatsApp provides a faster, richer experience at no cost but requires a smartphone and risks spam complaints. SMS offers reliable global reach but limited features without third-party services.
Evaluate your audience, use case, content type and budget when choosing a mass messaging channel. Combining both methods can be an effective strategy also.
Top WhatsApp Bulk Sending Services
For businesses that want advanced WhatsApp messaging capabilities, here are some of the top bulk sending platforms:
| Service | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Chat-API | APIs for automating WhatsApp Flexible messaging options Scales to any size |
| MissComm | Easy broadcast messaging Schedule messages Send to groups |
| WhatsWeb | Bulk messaging API Create unlimited groups Personalized content |
| MsgClub | Mobile & web apps Send surveys & forms Analyze open & click data |
| BulkGate | Two-way conversations SMS + WhatsApp Chatbot integration |
| WATI | Message templates Appointment reminders Send docs & media |
Research different platforms to find one aligned with your specific needs and budget. Read reviews and evaluate support options.
WhatsApp Business App
The free WhatsApp Business app provides useful tools for companies messaging customers including:
– Official business profile
– Quick replies for common questions
– Auto-greeting messages
– Labels to organize conversations by topic
– Messaging statistics and analytics
While not a full marketing platform, the business app streamlines responding to inquiries and provides a more professional presence. It integrates seamlessly for those already using WhatsApp regularly.
The app works alongside the main WhatsApp client for business use cases. It does not enable mass messaging itself beyond the normal group limits. But it is helpful for smaller businesses to start centralizing conversations.
Legal Considerations for Mass WhatsApp Messaging
There are some legal considerations when sending bulk WhatsApp messages:
– **Obtain opt-in consent** – Always get explicit permission from each recipient before adding them to a broadcast list. Document proof of consent.
– **Honor opt-out requests** – Provide a clear way for people to instantly unsubscribe and stop receiving messages.
– **Identify yourself** – Your name/number should display with messages so recipients know the sender.
– **Follow local spam laws** – Abide by all regulations for promotional communication in the jurisdictions you are messaging.
– **Avoid illegal content** – Do not send copyrighted material, dangerous instructions, prohibited goods/services, or offensive content.
– **Keep records** – Store message data securely in case you ever need to reference back for compliance purposes.
Following local laws and best practices will keep your WhatsApp messaging safe and avoid legal issues. Consult an attorney if ever in question.
Conclusion
WhatsApp has become a top channel for communicating with customers at scale. Groups, message forwarding, API services, and the WhatsApp Business app provide different options to reach people en masse.
Carefully plan your messaging strategy, build reliable processes, and focus on value for recipients. With best practices, WhatsApp can be a cost-effective way to engage your audience. Just be sure to avoid spamming people for maximum effectiveness.