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How to Broadcast on WhatsApp: Complete Guide + A Better Way to Personalize

ยท 3 min read
Zakery Kline

Sending the same message to multiple contacts without creating a chaotic group chat is one of WhatsApp's most useful features. But there's a catch: WhatsApp broadcasts have serious limitations that most people don't realize until it's too late.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn:

  • โœ… Step-by-step instructions for Android & iPhone
  • โš ๏ธ Critical limitations (like the 256-contact cap and delivery issues)
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Why personalized messages get 80% response rates vs 45% for bulk
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ How to send personalized messages through WhatsApp with Hit Em Up

The Problem with WhatsApp Broadcastsโ€‹

WhatsApp's broadcast feature seems perfectโ€”send one message, reach many people privately. But here's what they don't tell you:

LimitationImpact
256 contact maxNeed multiple lists for larger audiences
Must save your numberRecipients who haven't saved you won't receive it
No personalizationEveryone gets "Hey there!" instead of "Hey Sarah!"
No schedulingMust send manually, right now

The Solution: Personalized WhatsApp Messagesโ€‹

Here's the plot twist: Hit Em Up can send personalized messages through WhatsApp.

Instead of:

"Hey there! Open house Sunday at 2pm."

You send:

"Hey Sarah! Open house Sunday at 2pm."

And it goes through WhatsAppโ€”with full personalization.


๐Ÿ“ฑ Interactive Demo & Full Guideโ€‹

We've built an interactive comparison demo showing WhatsApp Broadcast vs Hit Em Up side-by-side. Watch messages get delivered (or not!) in real-time.

The full guide includes:

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Live demo comparing delivery rates
  • ๐Ÿ“Š Animated response rate comparison (80% vs 45%)
  • ๐Ÿ“‹ Step-by-step Android & iPhone instructions
  • โœ… Feature comparison table
  • ๐ŸŽฎ Links to compliance resources

Quick Reference: WhatsApp Broadcast Stepsโ€‹

Androidโ€‹

  1. Open WhatsApp โ†’ Chats
  2. Tap โ‹ฎ menu โ†’ "New Broadcast"
  3. Select contacts (max 256)
  4. Tap โœ“ to create
  5. Send your message

iPhoneโ€‹

  1. Open WhatsApp โ†’ Chats
  2. Tap "Broadcast Lists" (top-left)
  3. Tap "New List"
  4. Add contacts โ†’ Create
  5. Send your message

Why Personalization Winsโ€‹

Research shows:

  • WhatsApp bulk broadcasts: ~45% response rate
  • Personalized messages (from people who know you): ~80% response rate

That's nearly 2x better engagement just by using someone's name.


Ready to Try Personalized WhatsApp Messages?โ€‹

Hit Em Up sends personalized messages through WhatsApp, iMessage, SMS, and more. Start your free 10-day trialโ€”no credit card required.