WhatsApp limits how many unique contacts you can message in a 24-hour period. Understanding these limits is crucial for campaign planning.
Messaging Tiers
Tier 1: 1,000 unique contacts per 24 hours
- Default tier for new numbers
- Sufficient for small businesses starting out
Tier 2: 10,000 unique contacts per 24 hours
- Unlocked after sending messages to 2x your current limit
Tier 3: 100,000 unique contacts per 24 hours
- For growing businesses with regular campaigns
Tier 4: Unlimited
- For established businesses with consistently high quality
How to Upgrade Tiers
- Maintain a green quality rating
- Send messages to at least 2x your current tier limit within 7 days
- Wait for automatic tier upgrade (usually within 48 hours)
- Repeat the process for each tier
Rate Limit Best Practices
- Start campaigns gradually (don't blast your entire list on day one)
- Spread large campaigns over multiple days
- Monitor quality rating closely during volume increases
- Keep a buffer (don't send to exactly your limit)
- Plan campaigns around your current tier capacity
Related: WhatsApp Quality Rating Guide
FAQ
How do I check my current tier?
You can check your current messaging tier in the "Phone Numbers" section of your WhatsApp Manager in Meta Business Suite.
Does the 1,000 free conversations count towards the limit?
Yes, every unique contact you send a message to counts towards your daily tier limit.
What happens if I exceed my limit?
WhatsApp will block additional messages until the 24-hour window resets. It's important to monitor your volume to avoid this.
Can I skip tiers?
No, you must progress through each tier by demonstrating consistent, high-quality messaging volume.`,
