# Understanding Whatsapp Groups

This article explains what WhatsApp Groups are in DoubleTick, who can use them, plan availability, limits, supported message types (including media specifications), and business benefits. It is written to help anyone understand the feature clearly before using it.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**What Are WhatsApp Groups in DoubleTick?**</mark>

WhatsApp Groups in DoubleTick allow businesses to create small, invite-only groups using their Cloud API business number.

These are not regular WhatsApp mobile app groups. Instead, they are:

* Created using your official Cloud API number
* Designed for structured business communication
* Centrally managed through DoubleTick
* Limited in size to keep discussions focused

They function as private business discussion spaces for selected customers, partners, or stakeholders.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Eligibility Requirements**</mark>

To use WhatsApp Groups in DoubleTick, your business must:

* Use a Cloud API number (not in Coexistence mode with the WhatsApp Business App)
* Be an Official Business Account (OBA)

If your number does not meet eligibility requirements, group creation will not be available.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Plans and Group Availability**</mark>

| Plan               | Groups Included   |
| ------------------ | ----------------- |
| PRO                | 5 groups included |
| ENTERPRISE         | 5 groups included |
| STANDARD / STARTER | 0 groups          |

Important details:

* Starter users must upgrade to PRO to create groups.
* If you reach your group limit, you will see a prompt to increase your limit or manage existing groups.
* Additional groups are charged at ₹50 per group per month.
* The first 5 groups in PRO and Enterprise are included.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Group Limits and Restrictions**</mark>

The following limits apply:

| Feature                                | Limit  |
| -------------------------------------- | ------ |
| Maximum participants per group         | 8      |
| Maximum groups per business number     | 10,000 |
| Maximum Cloud API businesses per group | 1      |

Additional rules:

* Groups are invite-only.
* Participants must join through a generated invite link.
* Removing a participant prevents rejoining using the same link.
* Deleting groups and pinning messages are currently not available inside DoubleTick.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Supported Message Types**</mark>

Inside WhatsApp Groups, you can send:

* Text messages
* Media messages
* Text-based templates
* Media-based templates

Participants can reply inside the group like a standard WhatsApp conversation.

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Media Formats and Size Limits**</mark>

When sending media messages, the following formats and limits apply:

**Images**

* Supported formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG
* Maximum file size: 5 MB

**Videos**

* Supported format: MP4&#x20;
* Maximum file size: 16 MB

**Documents**

* Supported formats: PDF, DOC, DOCX, PPT, PPTX, XLS, XLSX, TXT and other standard WhatsApp-supported formats
* Maximum file size: 100 MB

**Audio**

* Supported formats: AAC, MP4, MPEG, AMR, OGG&#x20;
* Maximum file size: 16 MB

If a file exceeds the size limit or is in an unsupported format, the message will fail to send.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Why Not Use Regular WhatsApp Groups for Business?**</mark>

Using normal WhatsApp groups for business operations creates serious risks as teams grow.

#### No Manager Visibility

Conversations remain on personal devices and Managers cannot monitor or track discussions.

#### Knowledge Loss

* If an employee leaves, group context and history may be lost.
* There is no centralized communication record.

#### Governance Gaps

* No control over who creates groups.
* No structured naming standards.
* No audit trail.
* No reporting.

#### Brand and Trust Issues

* Groups are created from personal numbers.
* No verified business identity.
* Communication appears informal and unstructured.

As businesses scale, these gaps become operational and compliance risks. WhatsApp Groups in DoubleTick address these challenges by centralizing and structuring communication.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Business Benefits**</mark>

#### Centralized Visibility

All communication happens through your official business number within DoubleTick.

#### Professional Governance

Groups are structured, controlled, and managed centrally.

#### Reduced Operational Risk

No dependency on employee personal devices.

#### Controlled Participation

Invite-only access ensures selected participants only.

#### Scalable Infrastructure

You can create up to 10,000 groups per business number as your business grows.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**When Should You Use WhatsApp Groups?**</mark>

WhatsApp Groups are ideal for:

* High-value client discussions
* VIP customer communities
* Coaching or training batches
* Investor or advisory groups
* Private event coordination
* Structured deal discussions

They are not suitable for:

* Large public communities
* Mass marketing broadcasts
* Unstructured casual groups

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WhatsApp Groups in DoubleTick allow businesses to create small, invite-only discussion spaces using their Cloud API number.

You can:

* Create structured business groups
* Manage up to 8 participants per group
* Send text, media, and template messages
* Access 5 included groups in PRO and Enterprise plans
* Purchase additional groups at ₹50 per group per month

Starter plan users must upgrade to PRO to start creating groups.

If your business requires controlled, professional, and scalable WhatsApp group communication, this feature provides a structured solution within DoubleTick.