Nov 24, 2025
2 min read
Dinesh Kumar, WhatsApp Automation Expert
This blog explains the key differences between WhatsApp Broadcasts and WhatsApp Groups, and how each can be used effectively by businesses.
Broadcasts are perfect for one-way updates like offers, announcements, or alerts—sent privately to individual customers.
Groups are designed for interactive conversations, feedback, and collaboration. However, adding customers to groups without consent can violate WhatsApp’s Business Policy.
Broadcasts protect customer privacy, while groups encourage open communication.
To reach large audiences, the WhatsApp Business API helps automate and scale broadcasts with personalization at scale.
Knowing when to use each tool can significantly improve how you communicate and engage with your customers.
A broadcast lets you send the same message to multiple contacts at once—privately. Recipients don’t see each other and replies come only to you. It's ideal for one-way, professional communication.
A group enables real-time interaction among all members. Everyone can see each other’s messages, making it suitable for team collaboration or community discussions.
In this guide, we’ll break down what each feature does, when to use them, and how to communicate more effectively without unnecessary back-and-forth.
A WhatsApp Broadcast allows you to send a single message to many contacts without creating a group. Recipients receive the message individually and privately.
Best used for:
Marketing announcements, offers, product updates, event invitations, service alerts, or any type of one-way customer communication.
How to Set Up a Broadcast List
Open the WhatsApp Business App
Go to the Chats tab
Open the menu
Android: Three dots (⋮)
iPhone: Settings → Broadcast Lists
Tap New Broadcast / New List
Select contacts
Only people who have saved your number will receive the broadcast
Tap Create
Start sending messages like you would in a normal chat
1. Reach Many Customers Effortlessly
Send updates or promotions to large segments without managing multiple chats.
Example: A fashion brand shares a weekend sale with thousands of customers instantly.
2. Keep Communication Personal and Private
Each message appears individually, maintaining a professional tone and protecting privacy.
Example: Healthcare providers sending appointment reminders or medical updates.
3. Use Templates and Automation
Pre-approved WhatsApp templates ensure timely, error-free messages.
Example: Online education platforms sharing schedules and reminders via automated templates.
4. Improve Engagement with Personalized Content
Using WhatsApp API, you can personalize broadcast messages with variables like names, dates, and order details.
Example: Travel agencies sending trip alerts or destination tips tailored to each customer.
5. Scale Easily with Business API
The WhatsApp app limits broadcasts to 256 contacts per list.
The WhatsApp Business API lets businesses send messages to thousands—with higher deliverability and compliance.
A WhatsApp Group is a shared chat space where all participants can message, reply, and collaborate in real time.
Perfect for:
Teams, customer communities, project collaboration, support groups, or feedback discussions.
How to Create a WhatsApp Group
Open WhatsApp Business
Go to Chats
Tap New Group
Add participants (up to 1024 members)
Add a group name and photo
Configure settings like disappearing messages
Tap Create