A WhatsApp broadcast list sends one message to many contacts at once. Each person gets it as a normal one-to-one message from you, and if they reply, the reply comes only to you: nobody on the list sees who else got it.
| Limit | Value |
|---|---|
| Contacts per list | 256 |
| Number of lists | As many as you like |
| Who receives it | Only contacts who have saved your number |
| Where you can make one | The WhatsApp app on Android and iPhone, not WhatsApp Web, Windows or Mac |
| Replies | Private, in your own chat with each person |
| Monthly limit | Being rolled out in some countries |
How to create a broadcast list
- 01Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab.
- 02Open the menu (⋮ on Android) and tap Broadcast lists.
- 03Tap the button to make a new list.
- 04Search for or select the contacts you want, up to 256.
- 05Confirm, then type your message and send it like any other.
The list is saved, so next time you open it from your chats and send again without picking people. To rename it, add or remove people, or delete it, open the list and tap Broadcast list info.
Why some people don't get your broadcast
WhatsApp only delivers a broadcast to people who have your number saved in their phone's contacts. If someone isn't getting your messages, ask them to save your number. This is WhatsApp's protection against spam, and it's the main reason broadcast lists work for customers who already know you but not for reaching new people.
Broadcast list, group or channel?
| What | Broadcast list | Group | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replies | Come privately to you | Everyone in the group sees them | Followers can only react and vote in polls |
| Members see each other | No | Yes | No |
| Who gets it | Contacts who saved your number | People you add or invite | Anyone who follows the channel |
| Best for | Updates to people you know, one to one | Conversations among a group | Announcements to a large audience |
Pick a broadcast list when you want each person to feel they got a personal message and to answer you privately. Pick a group when people should talk to each other, and a channel when you only want to announce.
Business broadcasts in the WhatsApp Business app
In some countries, the WhatsApp Business app also has business broadcasts (they replace what used to be called marketing messages). Unlike a broadcast list, a business broadcast can reach customers who haven't saved your number. You find it under Tools › Business broadcasts.
- You choose the audience from your contacts, add a photo, your text and an optional button: your catalog, a one-tap reply, a phone call or a website.
- You can send straight away or schedule it, and see insights such as how many people read and replied.
- Each broadcast is reviewed by Meta before it goes out.
- It's paid: you're charged when you send, only delivered messages count, and you're refunded for any not delivered within 5 days. A Meta Verified subscription includes some free messages.
When you outgrow broadcast lists
Broadcast lists stop at 256 people a list, need everyone to save your number, and leave you to answer every reply by hand. Businesses that message more people use the WhatsApp Business Platform: approved template messages go to people who opted in, at Meta's per-message prices, and replies can be answered automatically.
MuChat runs on the WhatsApp Business Platform: it sends template broadcasts to the people who opted in, answers their replies with keyword replies and flows, and hands the rest to your team in one inbox. See WhatsApp automation.
Tips for broadcasts people want
- Make separate lists by interest, so each person only gets what's relevant to them.
- Tell people why to save your number: offers, order updates or early access.
- Keep messages short and useful, and don't send too often. People who feel spammed can block or report you, and too many reports can get a number banned.
- Ask a question or add a clear next step, so replies start conversations you can follow up on.
Answer every WhatsApp message
MuChat replies to WhatsApp messages straight away and sends template broadcasts to the people who opted in. The Free plan needs no card.