Summary
This article covers frequently asked questions about using broadcasts in Wati, including plan eligibility, scheduling options, access control, media upload errors, pricing changes, and known playback issues on WhatsApp. It also provides troubleshooting tips to help ensure your broadcasts run smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question: Does Wati support recurring broadcasts?
Answer: No, Wati doesn’t support recurring broadcasts yet. However, you can schedule a broadcast or even enable auto-try to attempt resending the failed messages.
Additionally, you can use the Sequences feature to send recurring messages to individual users.
Question: I want to send bulk messages or broadcasts using Wati. What plan is suitable for me?
Answer: The Broadcast feature is available on Wati’s Growth, Pro, and Business plans.
Note:
On the Growth plan, you can reach up to only 15K contacts per month.
Advanced features like Broadcast scheduling and Broadcast sequences are only available on Pro and Business plans.
Question: Can I restrict broadcast visibility to specific team members?
Answer: You can control access to broadcasts in Wati by assigning the right roles.
Only Administrators and Broadcast Managers can access broadcasts. If you don’t want certain team members to have access, simply assign them a different role that doesn’t include broadcast permissions.
Question: What is a media error in messages?
Answer: Sometimes, when sending template messages, you may see a media upload error because Meta cannot download the media in the template.
To fix this:
Go to the Template section in Wati.
Copy and re-upload the media (image, video, or document).
Ensure the media meets the required format and size.
If the media is already in the correct format and size, try converting it:
For images → Convert to JPEG or PNG.
For videos → Convert to MP4 using a tool like CloudConvert.
Once the template is resubmitted and approved by Meta, the issue should be resolved.
Note: The file converter link provided is just an example, not a recommendation. You can use any other tool or software you prefer to convert the file.
Question: Does Wati charge based on messages sent or messages delivered?
Answer: Wati charges based on the messages sent.
Please note: Effective 1 July 2025, Meta has moved from conversation-based to message-based pricing.
Question: Some Android users are having trouble playing MP4 videos they receive on WhatsApp via Wati. What's causing this?
Answer:
What's Happening? This is a known issue with WhatsApp itself (Meta's side), not with Wati.
Solution: Amend(adjust) the start time of the video to 0:03 seconds.
How to Adjust the Start Time:
You can use online video editor tools like CloudConvert to convert the video.
If you are still facing the issue, you can use a special command-line tool called "mp4checkAndRepair" to do this. This tool helps fix problems in the video file that might be preventing it from playing correctly.
Using mp4checkAndRepair:
What it does: mp4checkAndRepair looks for and repairs any structural issues in the MP4 video file. This makes sure the video can play properly.
How to get it: You'll need to download and install the GPAC framework first. GPAC has different versions for Windows, macOS, and Linux, which you can find on the GPAC website.
How to run it: Once GPAC is installed, you can run "mp4checkAndRepair" using the command line (or terminal) on your computer.
Cross-country messaging restrictions
Question: What is the new cross-country messaging restriction?
Answer: Effective September 2025, messaging users in certain high-risk countries, such as Brazil (BR) and Indonesia (ID), is subject to a new restricted process.
Question: Why is Meta implementing this change?
Answer: Meta has observed a rise in scam-related activities in these countries through cross-country messaging. To reduce and control these risks, Meta has limited the messaging volume for new accounts.
Question: When might I encounter this restriction?
Answer: You may see this restriction (error code 130497) in the following situations:
When your WhatsApp Business Account is based in Brazil and you try to message users in Indonesia.
When your WhatsApp Business Account is based in Indonesia and you try to message users in Brazil.
When a new account sends a large number of messages to users in these countries.
When your business category or message type is part of Meta’s restricted list for high-risk regions.
Question: What is the error code for this issue?
Answer: 130497 – This code indicates a cross-country messaging restriction.