Messaging app WhatsApp has introduced a new feature called ‘Broadcast Lists’ which will allow users to message several contacts at the same time without having to add them to any group. Users can send up messages to up to 256 people. However, make sure the contacts are saved in your phonebook.
Here’s how it works:
Android
1. Open the WhatsApp app on your device and click on Chats.
2. Tap on the three vertical dots placed on the upper-right corner of the screen.
3. Now click on ‘Choose New Broadcast’. Then, select all the names you want to send the message to.
4. Once done, click on the green tick placed on the lower-right hand corner. The list is ready.
iOS
1. Open the WhatsApp app on your device and click on Chats placed at the bottom on the screen.
2. Then, click on Broadcast Lists placed on the upper right-hand corner.
3. Click on the new list and mark the checkbox placed next to the contacts you want to send the message to.
4. Once done, the list is ready.
Facebook is reportedly trialing a 'Send to Whatsapp' option, which allows an alternative way to message a post directly to someone. When Facebook users find something that may be of interest to others they click 'share' and get a drop down menu of possible options: 'Share', 'Share Now (Friends)', 'Send as Message', 'Share on a Friend's Timeline', 'Share to a Page'.
And 'Send to WhatsApp' seems to be next. No official confirmation has come from either brand, but several beta users have already received this feature on their Facebook app.
Last year Facebook did something similar when it allowed users to link their Instagram stories to the "Story" on their Facebook app. This doesn't seem to have had any negative backlash for the company, but both Instagram and Facebook promote sharing, whereas Whatsapp is more focused on direct messages between individuals or small groups. More details are likely to come soon, but until then, update your Facebook app and keep a lookout.
