Unveiling the Upcoming Message Limit on WhatsApp's Broadcast Function - The Lowdown
WhatsApp is developing a message cap; here's what prompted this move. - WhatsApp Developing Limit for Messages?
By Christian Hensen
In the ever-evolving world of WhatsApp, users of the Broadcast function need to brace themselves for some changes. The masterminds behind the messenger, as reported by the tech guru blog "Wabetainfo", are apparently cooking up a storm, aiming to put a cap on the number of broadcast messages. Meta has substantiated this development to the tech magazine "Techcrunch".
Starting soon, you'll only be able to fire off a maximum of 30 broadcast messages within a 30-day period. Broadcast lists, the cunning tool that lets you assemble distribution lists to shoot a single message to up to 256 contacts (much like sending an email to multiple pals), will bear the brunt of this change.
WhatsApp Tackles Spam and Goes Green
Broadcasts and groups differ in one crucial aspect: while broadcasts allow individual messages to be dispatched to recipients, groups are more like a community huddle. So, say you want to spread the same word to a chosen few, perhaps a new phone number or a birthday invite, a broadcast list can make things easy-peasy.
In Meta's book, the move is to quash spam. However, that's a bit puzzling — since broadcast messages can be sent only to contacts who've got the sender's number in their phone books. The notion of feeling besieged by unwanted mass messages from a buddy seems like a rare occurrence.
According to "Techcrunch", the limit will also extend to commercial users, but for a different reason. The publication reports that Meta is planning to slap a paywall to get rid of the message cap for these users.
WhatsApp: "Got a Problem with 30? Try Other Features!"
With such a limit hanging over their heads, users who lament this situation are advised to explore alternative methods in the app to reach the masses. The options on the menu include status updates, channels, or groups.
For now, this restriction is merely a piece of paper and hasn't made its way into the beta versions or the currently available app version. Meta hints that the rollout is due "in the coming weeks".
Extra Trivia:
- WhatsApp's message limit is based on the duration of the session, with a fixed number of messages allowed for each session. For instance, a 30-day session lets you shoot off 30 messages[1][3].
- For commercial users, particularly businesses, this limitation may require tweaking their communication game-plan. They might need to depend more on other features like WhatsApp Status or Channels for a broader audience, or upgrade to premium services[2][5].
- Meta is weighing the possibility of introducing paid versions of WhatsApp Business with advanced features like custom and scheduled messages, potentially at a fee[5].
In summary, the message limit is aimed at curbing spam and improving user experience, encouraging businesses to take up more personalized and meaningful communication strategies.
- The imminent restriction on WhatsApp's broadcast function, confirmed by Meta and Techcrunch, will limit users to sending a maximum of 30 broadcast messages within a 30-day period, affecting broadcast lists that allow distribution of a single message to up to 256 contacts.
- While the 30-message restriction is intended to combat spam, it may seemingly address a rare issue as broadcast messages can only be sent to contacts who have the sender's number in their phone books.
- Commercial users will also be subject to the message limit, but Meta is reportedly considering slapping a paywall to remove this cap for these users, pushing them to explore other features like WhatsApp Status or Channels, or upgrade to premium services.
