WhatsApp is experimenting with a new feature that places monthly limits on the number of broadcast messages users can send, marking a significant shift in how the platform approaches one-to-many communication. The change is being introduced as part of the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.14.15, available via the Google Play Store, and is currently being tested with select beta users.
New Broadcast Management Section
A key part of this update is the introduction of a dedicated broadcast management section within the app’s settings. This eliminates the need to access broadcast lists through the overflow menu in the Chats tab. Instead, users can now manage all their active broadcast lists in one place, with WhatsApp displaying how many broadcast messages have been sent and how many remain available for the current month.
Read More: Pakistan tests missile weapons system amid India standoff
This new interface makes it easier for users to monitor and manage their broadcast usage, ensuring they can avoid hitting their cap unexpectedly. According to reports from WABetaInfo, in-app notifications will also be introduced to alert users as they approach their monthly limit.
Monthly Cap of 35 Broadcast Messages
Currently, WhatsApp is trialing a restriction that limits users to sending a maximum of 35 broadcast messages per month. However, this number is not final and may be adjusted based on various factors such as account type, region, or usage pattern. It remains unclear whether verified accounts or businesses will have different thresholds. The limitation is designed to reduce the misuse of the broadcast feature, often linked to spam or unsolicited messages, and encourage more intentional, high-quality communication.
Promoting Alternative Tools
This potential shift signals Meta’s broader strategy to modernise how users communicate en masse on WhatsApp. The platform now promotes the use of Status updates—similar to Instagram Stories—as a more scalable alternative for broadcasting information. Unlike broadcast messages, Status updates allow users to share content with all their contacts without restrictions.
Additionally, WhatsApp Channels, introduced in recent updates, are emerging as the preferred tool for one-to-many communication. These channels are designed to help users and organisations share updates with large audiences, offering a more streamlined and non-intrusive experience compared to broadcast messages.
Business Users and Subscription Model
WhatsApp is also considering the commercial implications of this feature. A subscription plan for business users is in development, which would allow them to extend their monthly broadcast limit. This option would provide greater flexibility for businesses while still encouraging them to explore Status and Channels for scalable communication.
Read More: India-Pakistan tensions hit tourism in Kashmiri valley
Even with the subscription option, WhatsApp is urging businesses to adopt more modern tools already integrated within the app, which offer broader reach and engagement with fewer restrictions. Though currently limited to beta testers, the feature is expected to roll out to more users over the coming weeks. The testing phase will help WhatsApp fine-tune the message cap and evaluate how users—especially businesses—adapt to the new structure.