WhatsApp has become one of the most popular messaging apps with over 2 billion active users worldwide. Many businesses and individuals use WhatsApp to communicate with their customers, clients, and contacts. However, WhatsApp has restrictions on sending bulk messages to avoid spamming. So what options do you have if you need to send bulk WhatsApp messages for promotions, announcements, etc.?
Apps to Send Bulk WhatsApp Messages
Here are some of the top apps that allow you to send bulk WhatsApp messages while complying with WhatsApp’s Terms of Service:
1. WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API is the official API provided by WhatsApp to send high volumes of messages to users who have opted in to receive messages from a business. With the Business API, you can:
- Send messages to up to 1000 users per day
- Create pre-approved message templates
- Receive delivery and read receipts
- Integrate WhatsApp into your existing business systems
The WhatsApp Business API has been adopted by many large enterprises to communicate with customers at scale. However, it requires technical expertise to implement and has a lengthy review process for approval.
2. Chat-API
Chat-API is a third-party platform that provides a REST API to integrate WhatsApp messaging into applications. Key features include:
- Sending messages to up to 1000 unique users per month
- Two-way messaging with delivery receipts
- Media attachment support
- Group messaging
- Easy integration with CRMs, databases, etc.
Chat-API abstracts away the complexity of the WhatsApp Business API. It offers paid plans starting at $15 per month.
3. SendChat
SendChat is another API platform to send bulk WhatsApp messages. Its features include:
- Browser-based dashboard
- Sending messages to up to 1000 unique users per month
- Schedule messages in advance
- Send media files
- Drip campaign support
SendChat has a free trial and paid plans starting at $12 per month. It provides client libraries to easily integrate with code.
4. ChatMeter
ChatMeter provides a dashboard and API for sending bulk WhatsApp messages. Key highlights:
- Sending messages to up to 200 unique users per day in the basic plan
- Message scheduling
- Media attachment support
- Two-way messaging
- Group broadcast
ChatMeter starts at $9 per month for the basic plan. It also offers customized enterprise plans.
5. WATI
WATI (WhatsApp Template Interface) offers WhatsApp Business API integration with features like:
- Easy template-based messaging
- Sending messages to up to 1000 users per day
- Media attachment support
- User analytics
- Two-way messaging
WATI has a free trial and paid packages starting at $25 per month. It allows seamless integration with your current tools.
6. MailerLite
MailerLite is a popular email marketing platform that also provides WhatsApp messaging capabilities, including:
- Sending broadcast messages to groups
- Two-way messaging with subscribers
- Integration with existing email lists
- Schedule messages in advance
- Delivery receipts
WhatsApp messaging is available in MailerLite’s $10 per month Creator plan.
Other WhatsApp Bulk Sending Options
Apart from dedicated apps and APIs, there are also some other tools you can use to send bulk messages on WhatsApp:
WhatsApp Business App
The official WhatsApp Business App allows you to send bulk messages to saved contacts and groups. However, it is limited to 256 users per group.
WhatsApp Web
WhatsApp Web can be used with automation tools like Selenium to programmatically send bulk messages. This approach requires more technical expertise.
Excel Plugin Tools
Some Excel add-in tools like Chatify claim to allow sending bulk WhatsApp messages from Excel sheets. However, these tools have limited functionality.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a bulk messaging app for WhatsApp, keep the following factors in mind:
- Compliance – Ensure the app complies with WhatsApp’s Terms of Service
- Reliability – Check reviews and uptime history to determine reliability
- Scalability – Pick an app that can scale with your messaging needs
- Deliverability – WhatsApp limits third-party tools, so deliverability varies.
- Two-way messaging – This allows contacts to reply to your broadcasts.
- Integration – See if the app provides APIs or plugins to integrate with your CRM, etc.
- Support – Look for responsive customer support in case of issues.
Conclusion
While WhatsApp has restrictions against spam messaging, there are legitimate solutions that businesses can use for sending bulk WhatsApp messages at scale. The WhatsApp Business API, third-party tools like Chat-API and SendChat, as well as email marketing platforms like MailerLite allow you to reach your audience via WhatsApp while respecting its policies.
Evaluate your requirements, target audience size, and budget to pick the right WhatsApp bulk messaging tool for your needs. Focus on deliverability, compliance, support, and ease of use. With the right solution, you can leverage WhatsApp’s immense reach to connect with your customers in a scalable yet personal way.