Send a WhatsApp broadcast
Broadcasts (/whatsapp-business/broadcasts) send an approved template to many opted-in contacts in controlled chunks. Use broadcasts for announcements; use Campaigns when you need A/B template testing.
Video
Who can do this
Marketing users with WhatsApp Business permission and sufficient credits.
Before you begin
- WABA connected and numbers synced
- At least one Approved template
- Audience with valid WhatsApp numbers and opt-in (see WhatsApp Contacts)
- Broadcast copy compliance sign-off
What you'll accomplish
- Named broadcast launched to selected audience
- Progress visible: Status, Sent, Failed
- Delivery errors visible on dashboard Recent errors
Open Broadcasts
Path: /whatsapp-business/broadcasts
Title: Broadcasts
Subtitle: Send approved templates to an audience in controlled chunks.
The page shows a centered wizard with steps:
- Audience
- Template
- Schedule
Step 1 — Audience
- Enter Broadcast name (required—toast Broadcast name is required if empty).
- Under Audience, choose:
| Option | Segment key |
|---|---|
| All opted-in contacts | segment:all_opted_in |
| Recent leads (7d) | segment:recent_leads |
| Custom list | custom |
- If Custom list: enter Phone numbers (one per line) in E.164 format (e.g.
+15551234567).
Select Continue.
Step 2 — Template
- Template — Select template → pick an Approved template by name.
- Sender number — Default sender or specific synced number.
Select Continue.
Step 3 — Schedule
- Schedule:
| Option | Value |
|---|---|
| Send immediately | now |
| Schedule for later | later |
- If Schedule for later: set Scheduled time (datetime picker).
Select Launch broadcast.
Toasts:
- Broadcast started
- Created but start failed (partial—check progress panel)
Monitor broadcast progress
After launch, Broadcast progress shows:
| Stat | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Status | Running / completed / failed |
| Sent | Successful deliveries |
| Failed | Errors (invalid number, template, rate limit) |
Progress bar appears when progress data is available.
Review failures on Dashboard → Recent errors (/whatsapp-business/dashboard).
Broadcasts vs Campaigns
| Broadcasts | Campaigns | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Single template to audience | A/B test two templates |
| Path | /whatsapp-business/broadcasts | /whatsapp-business/campaigns |
| UI | 3-step wizard | Split list + Create A/B campaign form |
| Split | N/A | Even 50/50 or Weighted |
| Toast | Broadcast started | A/B campaign created |
Use Campaigns when comparing two message variants—not for simple one-off sends.
Verify your work
- Toast Broadcast started
- Sent count increases; Failed stays low on test run
- Your test phone receives template with correct variables
- Contact timeline shows WhatsApp activity (if linked)
Tips
Send a Custom list broadcast to internal phones before All opted-in contacts.
Match Sender number to the WABA that owns the approved template.
Only Approved templates appear in the picker—Draft or Pending templates cannot broadcast.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| No templates in dropdown | Wait for Approved status |
| High Failed count | Invalid E.164; recipient blocked; quality limits |
| Broadcast name is required | Name field empty |
| Created but start failed | Credits; WABA disconnected; check Recent errors |
| Scheduled send unclear | Confirm schedule step selection; verify dashboard status |