WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps, with over 2 billion active users worldwide. For businesses, WhatsApp provides an easy way to reach customers directly through messaging. One useful WhatsApp feature for businesses is the ability to send broadcast messages to update customers about sales, promotions, new products and more.
What are WhatsApp broadcasts?
WhatsApp broadcasts allow you to send a single message to multiple recipients at once. It’s like an email blast, but sent through WhatsApp directly to your contacts. With broadcasts, you can easily reach hundreds or thousands of customers instantly.
Broadcasts differ from ordinary WhatsApp messages in a few key ways:
- Messages are sent to a list of recipients, rather than a single contact.
- Recipients cannot reply directly to a broadcast message.
- There is no indication that the message was sent as a broadcast.
This one-way communication allows businesses to send timely information without spamming customers with unnecessary back-and-forth messages.
WhatsApp broadcast limits
To prevent spam and abuse, WhatsApp does limit how many recipients you can reach with a single broadcast message. The exact broadcast limit depends on your WhatsApp Business account type.
WhatsApp Business API
For businesses using the WhatsApp Business API, you can send broadcast messages to up to 1000 recipients at once. The Business API provides the highest broadcast limit but requires more setup and coding.
WhatsApp Business app
If you use the official WhatsApp Business app, your broadcast limit is much lower. You can only send a single broadcast message to up to 256 recipients at one time.
While 256 may sound low compared to the API limit, for many small businesses this is sufficient to reach your customer base. You can always segment your larger contact list and send multiple 256-recipient broadcasts as needed.
Increasing your WhatsApp broadcast limit
If you need to reach larger audiences than 256 contacts per broadcast, there are a couple options to increase your limit:
Use the WhatsApp Business API
As mentioned above, the Business API allows you to broadcast to up to 1000 recipients. This requires more technical setup but lifts the limit significantly.
Use a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider
WhatsApp partners with Business Solution Providers to offer enhanced services like increased broadcast capacity. Partners may allow you to send broadcasts to thousands of recipients in certain cases.
Segment your recipient list
Rather than upgrading your account, you can also stay within the 256-recipient limit by segmenting your larger contact list. Split your recipients into groups of 256 or fewer, then send multiple broadcast messages until reaching your entire list.
Only broadcast to active contacts
One way to stay under the limit is to only broadcast to recent or frequent contacts. This helps ensure you are reaching engaged customers who actually want to hear from you.
Best practices for WhatsApp broadcasting
When sending broadcast messages, be sure to follow WhatsApp guidelines and best practices. This helps ensure your messages are delivered and not flagged as spam.
- Only broadcast useful, relevant information customers want. Don’t over-message.
- Always include a clear identity of your business.
- Give recipients the option to opt out of future messages.
- Be respectful of the broadcast limit based on your account type.
- Segment your larger lists and stagger your broadcasts as needed.
- Monitor open and clickthrough rates to see what resonates with customers.
WhatsApp broadcast message examples
Here are a few examples of effective broadcast messages businesses might send:
| Broadcast Message Type | Example Messages |
|---|---|
| Promotions / Sales | – Summer sale this weekend only! 30% off all products, in-store and online with code SUMMER30. – Flash deal! For the next 24 hours, get our popular t-shirt bundle for just $25. Shop now before this deal is gone. |
| Events / Announcements | – We’re excited to announce the opening of our 10th location on Main Street next Monday! Come celebrate with giveaways and special promotions all week! – Just a reminder that we’ll be closed this Thursday for the holiday. Reopen for regular hours on Friday. |
| Product Updates | – Try our refreshing new line of summer products! Mango, watermelon and coconut flavors available for a limited time. – Introducing 3 new exclusive designs added to our t-shirt collection. Check them out today! |
| Feedback Requests | – What products would you love to see added to our catalogue? Reply with your suggestions! – How can we improve our mobile app experience? Take our 2-minute survey to let us know! |
Conclusion
WhatsApp broadcasting provides a fast, affordable broadcast messaging channel for businesses to reach customers. Understanding the broadcasting limits based on your account type is key to staying within guidelines and delivering your messages effectively.
With proper segmenting, useful content and respect for recipients, WhatsApp broadcasting can be a valuable tool to complement your other marketing efforts and communicate with your audience at scale.