WhatsApp enabling on the Ward Directory

[kristaanncook]

I just discovered the WhatsApp enabling feature on my Directory listing.

Is there any guidance on how it works, who can use it, how, and so forth?

[caillines]

Interesting. I haven't seen that option before. No idea what it will be used for unfortunately.

For those following along, you can see the option at https://account.churchofjesuschrist.org ... nformation under the contact phone number fields.

[kristaanncook]

I did have an interchange with a Church programmer last March 2023 about bulk text messaging. (I had waited for the Church to start bulk text messaging but it never did.) He said it wasn't possible for the Church. It's too expensive and complex to send out bulk text messaging, especially with international carriers involved. In addition, carriers cut off bulk text messaging at about 10 recipients. He told me the Church had a pilot project with WhatsApp going. So, when I saw that button on the Directory, I assumed it is the result of that pilot project but I know no more than that. There is no instruction, guidance, announcements, or anything about it that I can find. That is why I'm asking.

[BrianEdwards]

Interesting indeed. I checked and discovered my contact phone number didn't have anything checked, so I toggled on the "can receive text messages", "can receive phone calls", and "this is my whatsapp phone #". I'll be interested to see where this goes. As mentioned elsewhere, the worldwide church is so disparate in what tech is used and who uses it, that anything they try and do, will assuredly run into roadblocks where many members will be left out. But at least it seems they're trying, which is better than not trying at all!

As for guidance, this is not the first time (and won't be the last), that implementation has preceded documentation. And the question always is: will the documentation actually arrive? I'd give it a 50/50 chance of having a structured rollout, with an official communication that contains links to Help Center faqs.

[sbradshaw]

I don't know for sure, but I'd assume that if you have WhatsApp installed, and someone in your ward has checked the box for WhatsApp, if you go to the member's profile page in Member Tools you would see a WhatsApp button that behaves similar to the text and email buttons (it would open WhatsApp so you can start a conversation with that person).

[linktowhatsapp]

WhatsApp for bulk messaging can be expensive. You should just use it for inbound communications and donations.

[pabloh007]

Hello all I have been for the past 2 weeks working on a whatsapp integration for broadcasting messages. My experience has been using twilio for text messaging which we use in our ward. But with more restrictions it seemed better to migrate to use whatsapp. Still through twilio but more cost effective. If you are interested to use the whatsapp broadcast, please take a look at the application https://ward-notification-pager.io this application was used and built around my ward needs but glad to share it with other wards that want to use it. https://ward-notification-pager.io/contact

[pabloh007]

I did have an interchange with a Church programmer last March 2023 about bulk text messaging. (I had waited for the Church to start bulk text messaging but it never did.) He said it wasn't possible for the Church. It's too expensive and complex to send out bulk text messaging, especially with international carriers involved. In addition, carriers cut off bulk text messaging at about 10 recipients. He told me the Church had a pilot project with WhatsApp going. So, when I saw that button on the Directory, I assumed it is the result of that pilot project but I know no more than that. There is no instruction, guidance, announcements, or anything about it that I can find. That is why I'm asking.

Indeed bulk text messaging is more complex whatsapp also has its challenges, I'm about 90% broadcasting messages is a bit more complex than text messages. Hopefully I can share soon with you guys the progress I'm making on my own application

[pabloh007]

Hello everyone just wanted to let you know I just finished implementing whatsapp integration through twilio. Twilio makes pretty easy to get started with whatsapp and communication is cheaper than sms. I'm starting to try it on my ward. So far is looking promising.

[sakina2]

Hello everyone just wanted to let you know I just finished implementing whatsapp integration through twilio. Twilio makes pretty easy to get started with whatsapp and communication is cheaper than sms. I'm starting to try it on my ward. So far is looking promising.

Please let me know has anyone else tried integrating WhatsApp through Twilio. How did it work for you, and did you find it more cost-effective than using SMS for communication? I'm testing it with my ward and would love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have.