Sending bulk messages on WhatsApp to multiple contacts can be very useful for businesses, organizations, or individuals who need to communicate with large groups of people. However, WhatsApp limits how many messages you can send through their platform to prevent spamming. So how do you send bulk messages on WhatsApp without getting blocked or violating their terms of service?
Understanding WhatsApp’s Limitations
WhatsApp only allows you to message up to 256 people at once through the broadcast list or group messaging features. If you try to message more than 256 people at a time, many of your messages will fail to send and you risk getting blocked by WhatsApp for spam-like behavior. Here are some key limitations to understand:
- Broadcast lists are limited to 256 recipients
- Groups are limited to 256 participants
- You can only add a person to a broadcast list if they have your phone number saved in their contacts
- There are limits on how many chats a single account can start within a certain time period
Exceeding these limits will cause your messages to fail and can get your account flagged by WhatsApp as a potential spammer. So you need to find workarounds that allow you to message large audiences without detection.
Using Multiple Sim Cards
One workaround is to use multiple SIM cards and WhatsApp accounts to divide your audience and message them in batches under 256 people. Here’s how it works:
- Obtain multiple SIM cards and use them to create multiple WhatsApp accounts
- Divide your recipient list into batches of under 256 people
- Use each WhatsApp account to message one batch of recipients
- Stagger your messaging over time to avoid sending too many chats from one account
The more SIM cards and accounts you have, the more recipients you can message without exceeding WhatsApp’s limits. However, this can become cumbersome to manage when scaling to very large audiences. You’ll have to manually switch between different SIM cards and keep track of which accounts have messaged which batches of people. It’s doable but not very efficient.
Using WhatsApp Business API
A more powerful option is leveraging the WhatsApp Business API. This is a paid service that allows businesses to programmatically interact with WhatsApp at scale. Here are some key advantages of using the API:
- Send messages to up to 1 million recipients per month
- Faster speeds for sending a high volume of messages
- Automate your messaging with code rather than manual work
- Flexibly segment and manage your recipient lists
- Analyze message delivery reports and logs
With the API, you can focus on your messaging content and campaigns while letting the platform handle delivering your messages reliably at scale. The only catch is that recipients still need to have messaged your business phone number first for you to message them legally through the API.
Getting Set Up with the API
Here are the key steps to get started with the WhatsApp Business API:
- Apply for a WhatsApp Business account
- Get your business verified by WhatsApp
- Pay for and configure the API plan you need
- Integrate the API into your software, site, or app
- Upload your recipient contacts database
- Start building and sending your campaigns
The setup process takes some technical know-how but unlocks huge messaging capabilities for your business. WhatsApp offers excellent documentation and support to make it as smooth as possible.
Third-Party Tools
If you don’t want to deal with the API, there are also some third-party tools and SaaS platforms that can help you maximize WhatsApp messaging. Here are some examples:
Bulk WhatsApp Sender Tools
These desktop apps allow you to schedule and queue up bulk WhatsApp messages for delivery:
- WhatsBulkSender
- Bulk WhatsApp Sender
- WhatsApp Marketing Pro
- ChatBulk
They work by connecting to your WhatsApp account and automating the process of dividing recipients and pacing message delivery. This takes some manual workload off your plate. However, they still have to operate within WhatsApp’s core limits.
Third-Party API Access
Some companies offer indirect access to higher-tier WhatsApp Business API plans using their own interfaces. Examples include:
- BulkGate
- Chatlayers
- MsgClub
- MetaMorpho
- WATI
This can simplify access to the API while still giving you the benefits of large audience messaging. Just make sure to vet the third party thoroughly first.
Bot Providers
Bot platforms like Chatfuel, FlowXO, and ManyChat can automate personalized WhatsApp messaging at scale. For example, sending new subscribers a welcome message or providing online order updates. These tools handle API integration and let you build no-code bots.
The tradeoff is bot providers control the account and platform. But for one-way outbound messaging, bots can be very convenient.
Tips for Messaging Large Audiences on WhatsApp
When expanding your WhatsApp messaging, keep these tips in mind:
- Always get opt-in consent before messaging someone
- Spread large campaigns over multiple days
- Personalize messages with the recipient’s name when possible
- Make messages valuable rather than promotional
- Follow WhatsApp’s guidelines and best practices
- Monitor delivery reports for failures or blocks
- Use good contact list hygiene to remove invalid numbers
With the right tools and approach, you can unlock the power of WhatsApp to engage huge audiences. Just be thoughtful in how you use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to send bulk WhatsApp messages?
Yes, it is legal if you follow WhatsApp’s terms of service. You must have opt-in consent, not spam people, and honor recipient requests to stop messaging. Using the official WhatsApp Business API or trusted third-party tools is the best way to ensure compliance.
How many messages can I send on WhatsApp per day?
On standard WhatsApp, you can only send a certain amount of messages per day before getting blocked. Exact limits are not public. With the Business API or third-party tools, you can send up to 1 million messages monthly in a legal compliant way.
Can I get banned on WhatsApp for sending bulk messages?
You can get banned for violating WhatsApp’s policies, such as messaging people without consent, sending automated spam, or exceeding your account’s limits. Use the proper tools and follow guidelines to avoid bans when messaging large groups.
Is there any WhatsApp bulk messaging service free?
There are some free tools like WhatsBulkSender or Bulk WhatsApp Sender. But they have limited capabilities fitting WhatsApp’s standard account restrictions. For advanced automation and large audience messaging, the paid WhatsApp Business API or third-party services are required.
How much does the WhatsApp Business API cost?
WhatsApp Business API pricing depends on your monthly message volume and features needed. Plans start at around $10/month for basic usage up to thousands per month for enterprise-scale messaging.
Conclusion
Messaging large WhatsApp audiences takes some creativity given the platform’s limits. With multiple SIM cards and accounts, third-party tools, and the WhatsApp Business API, you can legally and reliably reach groups of any size. Focus on creating value for recipients, follow best practices, and leverage the right technology for your needs.