A WhatsApp broadcast lets you send one message to many contacts at once, and every recipient receives it as an ordinary one-to-one message. Unlike in a group, nobody can see who else received the message, and replies come back to you alone. This guide shows you how to create a broadcast list, which limits apply in 2026 and when it makes sense for a business to switch to the API.
What is a WhatsApp broadcast?
A WhatsApp broadcast is a saved distribution list that you use to send a message to up to 256 contacts in one go. Each recipient sees the message in their own chat with you. The other recipients stay hidden, and replies appear as a normal one-to-one chat in your Chats tab.
The term comes from radio and TV and simply means sending one message to many people. Depending on your device, the feature is called "Broadcast lists" or "Broadcast messages" in the app. On older Android versions you will still find it as the menu item "New broadcast".
Besides text, a broadcast list can also carry images, videos and documents. You set up the list once and reuse it as often as you like, without selecting your contacts again each time.
Broadcast, group, channel or community: what is the difference?
A broadcast is the only option where every recipient stays private and can still reply to you directly. The table below shows the four ways to reach many people on WhatsApp.
| Broadcast list | Group | Channel | Community | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recipients see each other | No | Yes | No | Yes, within the groups |
| Replies go to | Only you | Everyone in the group | No replies, only reactions | The respective group |
| Maximum size | 256 contacts per list | 1,024 members | Unlimited | Several groups under one roof |
| Recipient needs your number | Yes, saved in their address book | No | No | No |
| Typical use | Personal update to many people | Chatting within a team or circle of friends | Updates to followers | Clubs, schools, neighbourhoods |
For marketing, the channel is interesting because it reaches an unlimited number of followers. If you simply want to send a message to several contacts, our guide WhatsApp message to all contacts gives you an overview of every option.
How do you create a broadcast list?
You can only create a broadcast list in the smartphone app, which takes a few taps on Android and iPhone. According to the WhatsApp Help Centre, broadcast lists are not supported on Windows, Mac or the web.
Create a broadcast list on Android
- Open WhatsApp and tap Chats.
- Tap the menu in the top right corner (three dots) and then Broadcast lists.
- Tap the plus icon to create a new list.
- Select the contacts you want to add.
- Confirm with the tick.
Create a broadcast list on iPhone
- In WhatsApp, tap Settings or your profile picture.
- Select Broadcast messages and then New list.
- Search for or select the contacts you want to add.
- Tap Create.
Add or remove recipients
Open your broadcast list in the Chats tab and tap the list info. Under "Edit recipients" you can add new contacts or remove existing ones. You can create as many lists as you like and sort them by topic or customer group, for example. A clear list name helps you find the right list later.
Which limits apply to WhatsApp broadcasts in 2026?
Each list can hold 256 contacts, and in some countries there is also a monthly limit of 35 free broadcast messages. According to its Help Centre, WhatsApp is rolling out this monthly limit gradually. You can check your current status under Settings > Broadcasts, and WhatsApp warns you shortly before you reach the limit.
| Standard WhatsApp app | WhatsApp Business app | WhatsApp Business API | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of broadcast lists | Free | Free | Fee per delivered message |
| Recipients per list | 256 | 256 | Opt-in contacts, no 256 limit |
| Monthly limit | 35 broadcasts in some countries | No monthly limit mentioned in the help article | Sending limits per number that rise with quality |
| Recipient needs your number | Yes | Yes | No, an opt-in is enough |
As of November 2026. Sources: WhatsApp Help Centre and Meta for Developers.
The most important condition is in the last row. A broadcast only reaches people who have saved your number in their address book. For private users that is rarely a problem, but for online shops it is the most common reason why broadcasts from the app do not scale.
Is WhatsApp broadcast free?
Broadcast lists are free in both the standard app and the WhatsApp Business app. The limits are 256 contacts per list and, in some countries, the monthly cap of 35 messages.
The WhatsApp Business app now also offers business broadcasts, previously known as marketing messages. Business broadcasts also reach customers who have not saved your number. You pay for each message that is delivered within five days. The price depends on the recipient's country, and the feature is so far only available in certain countries.
On the WhatsApp Business API, Meta also charges per delivered marketing message, depending on the recipient's country. You can find the current rates in our article on WhatsApp Business costs.
Why is my WhatsApp broadcast not delivered?
In most cases the recipient has not saved your number in their address book. The message then simply never arrives, and you only see one grey tick. One tick means: sent, but not yet delivered.
Other reasons why a broadcast is not delivered:
- You have reached the monthly broadcast limit.
- The recipient has blocked you.
- The recipient's phone is offline. In that case the message arrives later.
Ask contacts who receive nothing to save your number.
Can recipients see who else received the broadcast?
No, each recipient only sees their own chat with you. The rest of the list stays hidden. Replies also go only to you and never to the other recipients.
That is exactly what makes a broadcast so handy for private occasions. You can invite friends and family to a party without creating a group that produces 40 messages an hour. Or you can share your new phone number, and everyone replies to you personally.
WhatsApp broadcast for businesses: app or API?
For shops with more than a few hundred customers, the WhatsApp Business API is the way to go. The app versions quickly hit their limits: customers have to save your number, lists hold 256 contacts at most, and there is no reporting.
With the API, you send campaigns to every contact who has given their opt-in. You use templates approved by Meta, segment your recipients by purchase behaviour and see opens, clicks and revenue per campaign.
Reach stays high even with large lists. According to our campaign size benchmark, WhatsApp campaigns still achieve an 82.7% open rate with more than 20,000 recipients. One rule matters for every business: each promotional message needs verifiable consent.
Using WhatsApp broadcasts with Chatarmin
With Chatarmin, you send WhatsApp broadcasts via the official Business API, without the 256 limit and without customers having to save your number. 510+ brands use Chatarmin to send campaigns to their opt-in contacts and answer follow-up questions in the same chat.
This is what the WhatsApp newsletter feature from Chatarmin lets you do:
- Build campaigns with images, videos, carousels and buttons in the visual editor
- Sync contacts from Shopify and Klaviyo and send to segments
- Schedule send times and test campaigns in advance
- Track opens, clicks and revenue per campaign
- Handle all replies centrally in one inbox
Book a demo and see in 15 minutes how to set up your first WhatsApp broadcast via the API.
Conclusion: broadcasts for private use, the API for your shop
A broadcast list is the quickest way to send a message to up to 256 contacts without starting a group. For private invitations, holiday greetings or a new phone number, it is all you need.
For businesses, the app has clear limits: a saved number, 256 contacts, 35 broadcasts a month in some countries and hardly any reporting. If you send campaigns regularly, you are better off with the WhatsApp Business API, for example through Chatarmin's WhatsApp newsletter feature. That way you reach every opt-in contact and measure the success of each campaign.
Frequently asked questions about WhatsApp broadcast
Can I create a broadcast list on my PC?
No. According to the WhatsApp Help Centre, broadcast lists only work in the smartphone app, not on Windows, Mac or the web.
How many broadcast lists can I create?
As many as you like. Each list holds up to 256 contacts.
Are replies to a broadcast sent to everyone?
No. Each reply appears only for you, as a one-to-one chat.
Can I send images and videos via a broadcast?
Yes. You can send text, images, videos and documents to your broadcast list.
Does WhatsApp broadcast cost money?
It depends. Broadcast lists in the app are free, while business broadcasts in the Business app and campaigns via the API are charged per delivered message.
What is the difference between a broadcast and a group?
In a group, all members see each other and every reply. In a broadcast, recipients stay hidden and replies only go to you.
