## Overview

A **WhatsApp campaign** sends a message to a **contact list** at once. You define the **audience**
(by labels), choose the **content** (an approved **HSM template** or a message with variants), and
decide **when to send**. The platform sends at a controlled pace and shows progress (sent, delivered,
read and replied).

It's the right tool for announcements, promotions, notices and contact re-engagement — always
respecting WhatsApp's rules for bulk messaging.

## Prerequisites

- Access to the **Campaigns** module.
- A connected **WhatsApp inbox**.
- **Contacts** with **labels** that define the audience.
- For template-based campaigns: **approved HSM templates** on the inbox (see the templates and
  variables article).

## Step by step

1. Open **Campaigns** in the sidebar and select the **WhatsApp** type.
2. Click **Create campaign** and give it a **title**.
3. Select the **WhatsApp inbox** that will send it.
4. Define the **audience** by selecting the **labels** of the contacts who should receive it.
5. Build the **content**:
   - **HSM template**: pick the template and language, then fill in the **variable values**; or
   - **Message with variants**: write the message (using the variable picker) and, if you want, add
     **variants** so each contact receives slightly different wording.
6. Adjust the **send settings** (min/max delay between messages, batch size and randomization) for a
   more natural send.
7. Choose **when to send**: **send now**, **schedule** for a date/time, or **save as draft**.
8. Confirm and track the **status** and **progress** in the campaign list.

## Settings & options

- **Title**: internal identifier for the campaign.
- **Inbox**: the WhatsApp number that will send the messages.
- **Audience**: contacts selected by **labels**.
- **Content**: HSM template (with variables) or a message with **variants**.
- **Send settings**: min and max delay (seconds), batch size and variant randomization — these help
  reduce the risk of blocking.
- **Scheduling**: send now, schedule, or draft.
- **Status**: draft, scheduled, sending, paused, completed or failed.
- **Actions**: pause, resume or cancel a running campaign.
- **Progress**: sent, delivered, read, replied and failed.

## Use cases

- Announce a **promotion** to customers in a specific label.
- Send an **important notice** (hours change, new product) to the right audience.
- **Re-engage** inactive contacts with a segmented offer.
- Confirm attendance at an **event** or remind people of a date.

## Tips, limits & best practices

- To start conversations with people outside the 24-hour window, WhatsApp requires an **approved HSM
  template** — free-text messages only work inside the service window.
- Use the **send settings** with **delays** between messages and smaller **batches**: very fast sends
  increase the risk of blocking (**anti-ban**).
- Segment well by **labels** and send only **relevant** content to reduce opt-outs and reports.
- Test with a small audience before a large send.
- Track the **progress** and **pause** the campaign if you notice many failures.

## Troubleshooting

- **I can't select the inbox**: confirm there is a connected WhatsApp inbox.
- **Empty audience**: check whether contacts exist with the chosen **label**.
- **Template doesn't appear**: verify there are **approved templates** on the selected inbox.
- **Many send failures**: lower the pace (increase the **delays** and reduce the **batch size**) and
  check the health of the WhatsApp number.

## See also

- [HSM templates and variables](/hc/ajuda/articles/campaigns-templates-hsm-variaveis-en)
- [Campaigns overview](/hc/ajuda/articles/campaigns-overview-en)
- [Website campaigns](/hc/ajuda/articles/campaigns-campanhas-site-en)