WhatsApp Sets Monthly Cap on Broadcast Messages
WhatsApp has announced a major update to curb spam by limiting the number of broadcast messages that individuals and businesses can send. The company will soon implement a monthly cap on broadcasts, aiming to create a better user experience. As part of the testing phase, users may be allowed to send up to 30 messages per month.
To continue engaging with a larger audience, WhatsApp suggests that users switch to Status updates or Channels, which provide alternative ways to share information broadly.
Businesses to Face Broadcast Restrictions with Paid Options
Meta is also considering similar restrictions for business accounts. Currently, WhatsApp Business users can send unlimited broadcast messages for free, but this will soon change. The company plans to introduce a paid version of the feature with added tools.
As part of the upcoming pilot program, businesses will have access to 250 customized messages at no cost. These messages can be used for product updates or holiday promotions. However, once they exceed this limit, they will need to pay for additional broadcasts. Meta has yet to reveal the pricing details for these messages.
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WhatsApp’s Strategy to Reduce Spam and Enhance User Experience
WhatsApp has been actively working on reducing spam in user inboxes. The company has already limited the number of marketing messages users receive daily. Additionally, last year, WhatsApp introduced an “unsubscribe” feature, allowing users to opt out of specific business messages without blocking the sender.
For Meta, WhatsApp Business has become a key revenue driver. The company provides the WhatsApp Business app for free, offering features like a landing page, business profile, and product catalog. However, it charges businesses for various types of messages, including marketing, service, and authentication messages via its API.
Until now, the only paid feature for non-API users was the Meta Verified subscription. The introduction of paid broadcast messaging marks a significant shift, creating a new revenue stream for Meta.
In addition to these changes, WhatsApp is also tweaking the logo of its Business app, reflecting its evolving strategy.