WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature called Broadcast Credit that could significantly improve how businesses communicate with customers. The feature, aimed at Business account users on Android, is currently available to a limited number of beta testers via the Google Play Beta Program.
This new tool was spotted in the WhatsApp beta version 2.25.20.7 for Android and appears to be part of a promotional trial for Business accounts. It offers monthly messaging credits that allow eligible businesses to send more messages to customers without paying extra.
Broadcast Credit Could Change Business Messaging
According to the initial details, Broadcast Credit will allow businesses to send promotional content, offers, and updates to multiple customers at once. A banner describing the new feature appeared within the app, highlighting its benefits and goals for Business users.
The key perks of this trial include:
- Monthly credits for additional broadcast messages
- Ability to schedule messages and monitor their performance
- Extra free messages for six months
These features are designed to help businesses connect more efficiently with their audience without immediately switching to a paid messaging model.
Limited Access and Regional Availability
It’s important to note that Broadcast Credit is currently being tested in select markets and is not widely available. WhatsApp appears to be limiting access to accounts and countries that meet specific internal criteria. This is typical of WhatsApp’s rollout strategy, where new tools are first trialed with a small group before broader release.
Also, this feature is focused strictly on broadcast messages, not on personal one-to-one communications. Businesses cannot use the credits to send regular messages or engage in personal conversations with users—it’s strictly for business broadcasting.
This limitation helps WhatsApp maintain its integrity as a secure and private messaging platform, while still offering powerful marketing tools to verified business users.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
If WhatsApp rolls out Broadcast Credit on a wider scale, it could be a game-changer for small and medium-sized businesses. Unlike Meta’s other platforms like Facebook and Instagram, WhatsApp offers direct messaging as a key engagement method. Broadcast credits can reduce communication costs and expand customer reach without investing in paid ads.
Businesses that rely on WhatsApp for promotions and customer service would benefit greatly from the added message capacity and performance tracking. Plus, the initial six-month free credit period gives them a chance to test its impact before committing to any paid plans.
