WhatsApp Broadcast Group: Complete Guide, Limits & Tips for India
Are you tired of sending the same message to dozens—or even hundreds—of contacts one by one? Imagine reaching your customers, friends, or community with a single tap, all while keeping conversations private and organized. Welcome to the world of WhatsApp Broadcast Group—a game-changer for communication in India’s mobile-first era.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about WhatsApp broadcast features, including limits, how to send broadcasts without saving numbers, troubleshooting tips, and best practices for businesses. Whether you’re a small business owner, a marketer, or just someone who wants to streamline messaging, this post is your one-stop resource.
What is a WhatsApp Broadcast Group?
A WhatsApp Broadcast Group—more accurately called a broadcast list—lets you send messages to multiple contacts at once, but unlike a regular group, recipients don’t see each other or the other numbers in the list. Each person receives your message as a private chat, making it ideal for announcements, promotions, or updates without starting a group conversation.
Key Features:
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One-way communication: Recipients can reply, but only you see their response.
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Privacy: Contacts don’t see each other’s details.
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Repeat use: Save your broadcast lists for future messages.
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Available on both personal and business WhatsApp apps.
WhatsApp Broadcast vs. WhatsApp Group vs. WhatsApp Community Group
| Feature | WhatsApp Broadcast Group | WhatsApp Group | WhatsApp Community Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Message Visibility | Private (individual) | Public (all members) | Public (all members) |
| Replies | Only sender sees | All members see | All members see |
| Use Case | Announcements, promos | Discussions, teamwork | Large-scale communities |
| Member Limit | 256 per list (standard) | 256 per group | Higher (varies) |
| Privacy | High | Low | Low |
Why WhatsApp Broadcast is a Must-Have in India
With over 400 million active users, WhatsApp is India’s most popular messaging app. The country’s mobile-first culture means that WhatsApp broadcasts offer unmatched reach and engagement, with open rates often exceeding 90%. For businesses and creators, this is a golden opportunity to connect directly with your audience, drive sales, and build loyalty.
How to Create a WhatsApp Broadcast Group
Creating a broadcast list is simple, whether you’re using Android, iPhone, or Samsung devices.
On Android (including Samsung):
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Open WhatsApp and go to the Chats tab.
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Tap the three dots (More options) in the top right corner.
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Select “New broadcast.”
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Choose the contacts you want to add (up to the WhatsApp broadcast limit).
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Tap the checkmark to create your broadcast list.
On iPhone:
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Open WhatsApp and tap “Broadcast Lists” at the top of the chat screen.
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Tap “New List” at the bottom.
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Select contacts and tap “Create.”
Where to Find Broadcast List in WhatsApp Android:
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Your broadcast lists appear in the Chats tab, just like regular chats. You can search for the list by name or scroll to find it.
WhatsApp Broadcast Limit Explained
The WhatsApp broadcast limit determines how many recipients you can add to a single broadcast list:
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Standard WhatsApp & WhatsApp Business App: 256 contacts per broadcast list.
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WhatsApp Business API: Higher limits, starting at 1,000 and scaling up to 100,000 or more, depending on your account level and verification status.
Note: Only contacts who have saved your number in their address book will receive your broadcast messages. This is a privacy feature and a common reason why some recipients don’t get your messages.
How to Increase Your WhatsApp Broadcast Limit
If you’re a business looking to reach more people, consider these options:
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WhatsApp Business API: Apply for the API to unlock higher limits (1,000, 10,000, 100,000, or even unlimited users per 24 hours). This requires verification and, often, a business GST or MSME number.
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Multiple Broadcast Lists: On the standard app, create several lists to reach more than 256 contacts, but you’ll need to send messages to each list separately.
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KYC Verification: For WhatsApp Business API users, completing KYC can help increase your broadcast group limit.
WhatsApp Business Broadcast: Powering Indian Enterprises
For Indian brands, WhatsApp Business Broadcast is a powerful tool to:
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Send product updates, offers, and reminders.
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Share newsletters or delivery notifications.
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Personalize messages for segmented customer groups.
WhatsApp Business Broadcast Limit: The standard app caps at 256 contacts per list, but the API allows much higher limits, making it ideal for D2C brands and large organizations.
How to Send Broadcast Message on WhatsApp iPhone
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Tap “Broadcast Lists” at the top of your chat screen.
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Tap “New List.”
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Select contacts and tap “Create.”
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Type your message and send—it will go to all recipients as individual chats.
WhatsApp Broadcast Without Saving Number: Is It Possible?
By default, WhatsApp only delivers broadcast messages to contacts who have saved your number. However, with the WhatsApp Business API, you can send broadcasts to users who have opted in—even if they haven’t saved your number. This is especially useful for businesses running campaigns or transactional updates.
Troubleshooting: WhatsApp Broadcast List Not Showing
If your broadcast list is not showing up:
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Update WhatsApp: Outdated apps can cause display issues.
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Restart the App: Sometimes a simple restart solves the glitch.
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Check Storage: Clear cache or free up storage if your device is full.
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Reinstall WhatsApp: As a last resort, reinstall the app to fix persistent bugs.
WhatsApp Broadcast Group Link: Does It Exist?
Unlike WhatsApp Groups, you can’t share a join link for a broadcast list. You must manually add contacts to your broadcast group. This ensures privacy and control over who receives your messages.
WhatsApp Community Group vs. Broadcast Group
A WhatsApp Community Group is designed for large, interactive communities where members can participate in discussions. In contrast, a broadcast group is for one-way communication—perfect for announcements, updates, or marketing messages.
WhatsApp Broadcast Group Samsung: Any Differences?
On Samsung devices, the process for creating and managing broadcast lists is the same as on other Android phones. Simply use the three-dot menu in the Chats tab to access the broadcast feature.
Best Practices for WhatsApp Broadcasts in India
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Personalize Your Messages: Use names or localized content for better engagement.
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Segment Your Lists: Create different lists for customers, prospects, or friends to keep messages relevant.
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Respect Privacy: Only send broadcasts to users who have opted in or saved your number.
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Monitor Delivery: Check for double blue ticks to confirm receipt.
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Avoid Spamming: Stick to important updates to maintain trust and avoid blocks.
Real-World Example: D2C Brand in India
A direct-to-consumer (D2C) fashion brand uses WhatsApp Business Broadcast to send flash sale alerts to segmented lists of loyal customers. With a 98% open rate and personalized messaging, they see a 3x boost in sales compared to email campaigns. By leveraging the WhatsApp Business API, they overcome the standard broadcast limit and reach thousands of customers instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do people know they are in a broadcast list on WhatsApp?
No, recipients do not know they are part of a broadcast list. When you send a broadcast message, each person receives it as a regular, private chat from you. They won’t see who else received the message or that it was sent via a broadcast list.
What is the difference between community and broadcast in WhatsApp?
A WhatsApp Community is designed for interactive group discussions where all members can participate and see each other’s messages. A broadcast list, on the other hand, is for one-way communication—recipients receive your message privately and cannot interact with each other.
Can I broadcast 100,000 WhatsApp notifications?
You can only send broadcasts to up to 256 contacts per list on the standard WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business app. However, with WhatsApp Business API, businesses can scale up and send notifications to 100,000 or more users, provided they meet WhatsApp’s requirements and have user consent.
What are the disadvantages of WhatsApp broadcast lists?
Some disadvantages include the need for recipients to save your number to receive messages, the broadcast limit of 256 contacts per list (unless using the API), and the inability to send messages to unsaved numbers. Also, there’s no way to share a join link for a broadcast list.
How do I create a WhatsApp broadcast group?
Open WhatsApp, go to the Chats tab, tap the three dots (on Android) or “Broadcast Lists” (on iPhone), select “New broadcast,” choose your contacts, and send your message. Your broadcast group is now ready to use.
Why is my WhatsApp broadcast list not showing?
If your broadcast list isn’t showing, try updating WhatsApp, restarting the app, clearing cache, or reinstalling the app. Device storage issues can also cause lists to disappear temporarily.
Where can I find my broadcast list in WhatsApp Android?
Your broadcast lists appear in the Chats tab, just like regular chats. You can scroll through your chats or use the search bar to find a specific broadcast list.
Can I send a WhatsApp broadcast without saving the recipient’s number?
On the standard WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business app, you cannot send broadcasts to numbers that haven’t saved your contact. With WhatsApp Business API, you can send messages to opted-in users even if they haven’t saved your number.
What is the WhatsApp broadcast limit for business accounts?
For both standard WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business app, the broadcast limit is 256 contacts per list. With WhatsApp Business API, the limit can be much higher, depending on your account verification and usage tier.
How can I increase engagement with my WhatsApp broadcast messages?
Personalize your messages, segment your broadcast lists, send relevant and timely updates, and avoid spamming. Using engaging content and clear calls to action can also boost response rates and keep your audience interested.
Conclusion
WhatsApp Broadcast Groups are revolutionizing how Indians communicate, market, and build communities. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or community leader, mastering this feature can help you reach more people, drive engagement, and achieve your goals.
Ready to take your messaging to the next level? Start building your WhatsApp broadcast group today, experiment with the features, and watch your reach soar. Don’t forget to use the word “” in your next broadcast for that extra spark!