How To: Broadcast a Message to Multiple WhatsApp Contacts Individually at the Same Time

Let's say you want to send out a message to all of your friends. Normally, you'd have to put all of the recipients into one giant group thread to do this. But when people started responding to your message, everyone in the group would get a notification, so your friends would probably be annoyed that you started the group thread in the first place. Luckily, if you're using WhatsApp, this isn't an issue.

WhatsApp's Broadcast feature lets you send messages out to multiple people without having to create a group chat in the first place. It's somewhat similar to using your email's BCC, and it's available for both Android and iOS, so everyone can try it. We've outlined the process below, so if you want to know more about this nifty feature, just keep on reading.

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Broadcast a Message

To get started, open WhatsApp and tap on the three-dot menu button in the upper-right corner of the main screen. From there, either select "New broadcast" (Android), or choose "Chats" followed by "Broadcast Lists" (iOS). Upon doing so, you'll be taken to either your list of "Contacts" (Android), or "Broadcast Lists" (iOS). Hit "New List" on the bottom if you're on an iPhone if you're starting a new broadcast.

Inside the contact list, select which people you want to include in your broadcast by simply tapping on their names to add them. Once you're satisfied with your selection, either tap on the green check mark button (Android), or press "Create" (iOS). From there, simply type or attach your intended message and send away.

Once you've sent your broadcast message, each recipient will see the message as if it were a direct message from you. In other words, the message will come through in your one-on-one thread with each of the recipients. When they respond, it will come through this same individual thread that only you and that person can see, so everyone else you broadcasted to doesn't have to hear all of the crosstalk.

This article was produced during Gadget Hacks' special coverage on texting, instant messaging, calling, and audio/video chatting with your smartphone. Check out the whole Chat series.