WhatsApp glossary

What is a WhatsApp broadcast?

A WhatsApp broadcast sends one approved message template to many customers at once — each message personalised, sent now or scheduled, with delivery reports.

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Last updated: 5 November 2026

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Quick answer

On the WhatsApp Business API, a broadcast sends one Meta-approved template to many opted-in customers at once. Variables fill in each person's details, you can send now or schedule it, and you track sent, delivered, read and failed counts. Because recipients may be outside the 24-hour window, a broadcast always uses an approved template.

Help Center: Broadcasts overview

In Lead Pattern

A broadcast in 5 steps

Pick your audience

A saved segment or broadcast group — or upload a spreadsheet of recipients.

Choose an approved template

Only approved templates can be broadcast. Language and category are set at Meta.

Personalise

Map template variables to each customer's details so every message reads individually.

Send or schedule

Send now, or pick a date and time that suits your audience.

Track results

Watch sent, delivered, read and failed counts as it goes out.

Why it matters for a business A broadcast reaches hundreds or thousands of customers in one step — sale announcements, order updates, reminders. Three Meta rules shape every broadcast: - Opt-in — send only to people who agreed to hear from you. [What is opt-in? →](/whatsapp-glossary/opt-in) - Messaging limit — how many unique customers you can reach in 24 hours. [What is a messaging limit? →](/whatsapp-glossary/messaging-limit) - Cost — Meta charges per delivered message; in India about ₹0.86 for marketing and ₹0.115 for utility (excl. GST).

App broadcast lists vs API broadcasts The free WhatsApp Business app has its own broadcast lists on the phone. If you connect the number with coexistence, Meta disables those lists (existing ones become read-only) and bulk messages go through the API instead.

An example A sweet shop schedules a Diwali offer template for 9 a.m. to its "Festive offers" segment. Each message starts with the customer's first name, and the report shows how many were delivered and read.

Frequently asked questions

Do WhatsApp broadcasts need an approved template?+

Yes. On the API a broadcast always uses an approved template, because recipients may be outside the 24-hour window.

How many people can I broadcast to?+

Up to your messaging limit of unique customers in 24 hours — starting at 250 for new business portfolios and growing to 2,000, 10,000, 100,000 and unlimited.

Can I schedule a WhatsApp broadcast?+

Yes. In Lead Pattern you can send a broadcast now or schedule it for a date and time.

Keep reading

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