Definition

• Broadcast = sending the same message to many recipients

• Must follow Meta’s messaging policies

• Must use official WhatsApp Cloud API

• Requires the correct template category when needed

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Legal Requirements

• Business must use an official WhatsApp Business Account (WABA)

• All messages must comply with WhatsApp Commerce & Business Policies

• Marketing messages must use approved templates

• Users must consent to receive business communication

• Opt-out must be respected immediately

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When You Can Send Broadcasts

• If a user messaged you in the last 24 hours → you may send free-form messages

• If 24 hours passed → you must use a template message

• For marketing purposes → template is always required

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Types of Broadcast Messages

• Free-form messages (within the 24-hour session)

• Marketing templates (promotions, offers, invitations)

• Utility templates (status updates, confirmations)

• Authentication templates (OTP codes)

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Legal Marketing Templates

• Must be pre-approved by Meta

• Must clearly state value to the user

• Cannot mislead or pressure

• Cannot contain restricted content (finance, health claims, crypto, etc.)

• Example allowed categories:

  • reminders

  • event invitations

  • product launches

  • re-engagement messages

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User Consent Rules

• Users must opt-in to receive messages

• Opt-in methods can be:

  • website form

  • WhatsApp chat keyword

  • landing page

  • QR code

  • POS registration

• Opt-in must be clear and unambiguous

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Opt-Out Requirements

• User can reply with:

  • “Stop”

  • “Remove”

  • “Unsubscribe”

• Business must immediately stop messaging

• Opt-out must be respected across all systems

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Sending a Broadcast Legally (Step-By-Step)

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1) Prepare Your Audience

• Ensure all recipients opted in

• Remove users who opted out

• Clean invalid phone numbers

• Segment recipients based on relevance

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2) Create a Template (Only if Required)

Template creation is required only when sending outside the 24-hour session window or when sending marketing content. If sending within 24 hours, it is not necessary.

• Choose the correct template category (Marketing, Utility, Authentication)

• Write clear text and placeholders

• Add buttons if needed

• Submit for approval

• Wait for Meta approval

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3) Send Using Cloud API

• Use the /messages endpoint

• Loop through the recipient list

• Apply anti-spam logic (controlled batches)

• Monitor delivery and read events through webhooks

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Sending a Broadcast Using BarBot (Simplified Process)

BarBot automates most of the complexity and handles Meta approvals behind the scenes.

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1) Upload Your CSV

• Upload your list of recipients

• BarBot automatically validates numbers and removes invalid entries

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2) Write Your Message

• Compose your broadcast message

• Add variables if needed

• Name your message for tracking

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3) Click “Send”

• BarBot automatically:

  • generates a WhatsApp template (if required)

  • submits it to Meta for approval

  • waits for approval

  • sends the broadcast to all recipients

  • applies anti-spam batching automatically

You do not need to:

• interact with the API

• create templates manually

• wait for approval yourself

• implement batching or delivery logic

BarBot handles the entire flow end-to-end.

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Anti-Ban Practices for Broadcasts

• Start with small batches

• Increase volume gradually

• Avoid irrelevant or spammy content

• Keep engagement high (replies, clicks)

• Keep block rate extremely low

• Avoid daily broadcasts unless necessary

• Monitor template analytics

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What Not To Do (Illegal or High-Risk)

• Sending to users without opt-in

• Sending using the Business App broadcast feature for cold outreach

• Using unofficial APIs or device automation

• Sending identical messages too frequently

• Ignoring opt-out requests

• Sending restricted content (crypto, medical claims, financial advice)

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Difference: App Broadcast vs Cloud API Broadcast

WhatsApp Business App:

• Limited to saved contacts

• Low capacity

• Risky for marketing

• No templates

• Not suitable for large lists

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Cloud API:

• Scalable

• Template-based

• Tracks delivery + read

• Compliant with WhatsApp policies

• Safe for large marketing campaigns

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Best Practices

• Personalize templates (variables)

• Add value in every broadcast

• Keep messages short

• Use call-to-action buttons

• Segment leads by intent

• Send at optimal time

• Review template quality rating regularly

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Who Should Use API Broadcasts

• SMBs running promotions

• Service businesses sending reminders

• Membership clubs sending updates

• SaaS platforms managing user notifications

• Marketing teams needing scale

• Automation agencies

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Sample Legal Flow

• User opts in via form

• User receives first welcome template

• Business schedules broadcast template

• Meta approves template

• Broadcast sent in controlled batches

• Webhook tracks delivery and engagement