How to create a WhatsApp broadcast list (and why most people do it wrong)
A WhatsApp broadcast sends the same message to many contacts as separate one-to-one chats — recipients don't see each other, unlike a group. On the free WhatsApp Business app the cap is 256 contacts per list, and recipients must have saved your number for the message to deliver. On the WhatsApp Business API there's no cap and no save-the-number requirement.
This guide covers both paths and the opt-in steps that keep your sender quality high.
- 1
Get explicit opt-in first
Meta requires recorded opt-in before any broadcast. Use a website checkbox, a 'Send YES on WhatsApp' flow, or a Click-to-WhatsApp ad. Log timestamp, channel and consent text — you'll need it during quality reviews.
- 2
Create the list on the Business app
Open the app > tap the menu icon > New broadcast > select up to 256 contacts (must have your number saved) > Create. Type the message, attach media if needed, tap Send. Each recipient sees a one-to-one chat.
- 3
Create the campaign on the API (no save-the-number)
In LandinChat, upload a CSV of phone numbers and merge fields > pick an approved template > schedule or send now. No saved-contact requirement. Marketing templates cost roughly $0.0107–$0.025 per conversation depending on country.
- 4
Segment by behaviour, not by random list
Group contacts by last purchase date, cart status, language or city. Targeted broadcasts outperform blanket ones 3–5×.
- 5
Monitor quality and reply rate
After sending, watch your phone's quality rating (Green / Yellow / Red). Two reds in 7 days can downgrade your messaging tier. Spam complaints from broadcasts are the #1 cause of bans.
Pro tips
- → Send marketing templates between 10am and 8pm local time.
- → Add a clear opt-out instruction (e.g. 'Reply STOP') in every campaign.
- → Personalize at least the first name — generic broadcasts get reported.
Frequently asked questions
What's the broadcast limit on WhatsApp Business app?
256 contacts per broadcast list. Unlimited on the WhatsApp Business API.
Do recipients see each other?
No. Broadcasts arrive as private one-to-one chats.
Why aren't my broadcasts being delivered?
On the app, recipients must have saved your number. On the API, your sender quality must be Medium or High.
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Official references
Skip the setup. Use LandinChat.
Official Meta Tech Partner powering WhatsApp marketing for 500+ businesses worldwide. Broadcasts, chatbot, shared inbox, integrations — one flat plan.
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