WhatsApp Business broadcast lists: who gets them, paid business broadcasts and when to use the API
A broadcast list sends the same message to many customers at once, for free, but it only reaches people who saved your number. To reach the rest, WhatsApp Business offers business broadcasts (marketing messages), paid per delivered message and available in some countries. For large lists and teams there's the official API. Test below who gets your message with each option.
Updated: October 9, 2026
Why doesn't my broadcast list reach everyone?
Because broadcast list messages only reach contacts who have your number saved in their address book. Ask them to save you or use business broadcasts.
How do I create a broadcast list in WhatsApp Business?
In Chats open the menu and tap Business broadcast (or New broadcast), pick the contacts and confirm. You can also create one from a label: open the label and tap Message customers.
How much do WhatsApp Business broadcasts cost?
You pay for each message delivered within 5 days of sending. The price depends on the recipient's country and the app shows the total before you pay.
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Three ways to message many people
| Broadcast list | Business broadcast | Official API | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Per delivered message | Meta rate + platform |
| Reaches | People who saved your number | Also people who didn't | People who opted in |
| Photo and buttons | Text and files | Photo required; button optional | Template with buttons |
| Personalize with name | No | Yes, {receiver name} | Yes, with variables |
| Availability | Everyone | Some countries | Every API country |
Simulator: who gets it?
Tick who saved your number, change the sending method and see the result and the cost. The phone shows how Ana receives it.
1. How do you send it?
2. Who saved your number?
Tick who has your number saved in their contacts:
3. Your message
Marketing messages in the app require at least one photo.
Illustrative recreation based on the WhatsApp Help Center (checked October 9, 2026). Menus can vary by app version and country.
How to create a broadcast list
- In Chats, open the menu and tap Business broadcast.
- Search for or select the contacts you want to add and confirm.
- Write your message and send it: each customer gets it as an individual chat.
- From labels: open a label, tap the menu, then Message customers.
If someone replies, it arrives as a normal chat; the rest of the list doesn't see it. If you want participants to talk to each other, that's a group.
Marketing messages in the app
- Every one needs at least one photo (from your gallery, your catalog or an archived status).
- You can personalize with each recipient's name.
- Add a button: View catalog, Tap to reply, Phone call or Website.
- Send now or schedule it, and see how many read and replied.
- A broadcast list can be turned into a marketing message to reach people who didn't save you.
How not to get blocked
WhatsApp asks that customers expect your messages: get their opt-in for each type of message (orders, offers, recommendations), explain how to opt out and honor it. If many people report or block you, you get a warning and, if it continues, business broadcasts are suspended for 3 days.
| ❌ Avoid | ✅ Better |
|---|---|
| Sending promos to all your contacts | Only to people who agreed to receive them |
| The same message every day | Once or twice a week, with something useful |
| No way out | "Reply STOP if you don't want more messages" |
When to move to the API
If you send to hundreds or thousands of customers, need to segment by stage or behavior, schedule campaigns and measure sales, or several people will handle replies, the official API is the way. In ChatSales you build segmented broadcasts with Meta-approved templates and replies land in your shared inbox.
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Sources
WhatsApp Help Center: broadcast lists · turn broadcast lists into marketing messages · create marketing messages · business broadcast pricing · can't send business broadcasts. Checked October 9, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many broadcast lists can I have?
WhatsApp doesn't publish a list limit in its article; what it does limit is who gets it: only people who saved your number.
Can I use broadcast lists on WhatsApp Web?
No. Creating and viewing broadcast lists isn't available on linked devices.
Can customers see others on the list?
No. Each one gets the message as an individual chat.
Are business broadcasts available in my country?
They're available in some countries and rolling out gradually. If you don't see them in Tools, they aren't available to you yet.
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