How to Send Group Messages on Different Platforms

Understanding Group Messaging Across Platforms

Group messaging allows you to send one message to multiple people at the same time rather than sending individual messages to each person separately. Different messaging platforms offer various ways to create and manage group conversations, each with unique features and limitations. Understanding how group messaging works on each platform can help you choose the right tool for your needs and communicate more efficiently.

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Most major messaging platforms—including text messaging services, social media apps, and dedicated messaging software—offer group messaging capabilities. According to Statista, as of 2023, over 4.6 billion people worldwide use messaging apps, with many regularly using group chats for work, family coordination, and social purposes. The way you send group messages varies significantly depending on whether you're using traditional SMS text messaging, internet-based apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, or workplace platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams.

Each platform has different rules about group size limits, notification settings, and how messages are delivered. Some platforms charge per message or require a data connection, while others use internet data with no per-message cost. Understanding these differences matters because sending a group message on one platform might work completely differently than on another, and some platforms may work better for large groups while others suit smaller circles.

Practical takeaway: Before setting up a group message, consider your audience size, whether everyone has the same messaging app, and whether you need features like read receipts or the ability to remove people from the conversation.

Sending Group SMS and MMS Text Messages

Traditional text messaging (SMS) and multimedia messaging (MMS) represent the oldest form of group messaging on mobile devices. SMS stands for Short Message Service and allows text-only messages up to 160 characters. MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service and supports images, videos, and longer messages. Almost every mobile phone can send and receive these messages, making them useful when you need to reach people who may not have smartphones or specific apps installed.

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To send a group SMS or MMS message on an iPhone, open the Messages app, tap the compose button (pencil and paper icon), and add multiple recipients by typing their names or phone numbers separated by commas or by tapping the plus sign to add each person individually. Once you've added all recipients, type your message and tap send. The message will be delivered as a group conversation, and responses from each person will appear in the same thread.

On Android devices, the process is similar but varies slightly by manufacturer and messaging app. Open your default messaging app (such as Google Messages, Samsung Messages, or another pre-installed option), start a new message, and add multiple recipients. You can often add recipients by typing names (if they're in your contacts) or phone numbers. Some Android messaging apps automatically create a group chat when you add more than one recipient, while others may send individual messages unless you specifically enable group messaging in settings.

Important considerations for group SMS/MMS include: carrier charges may apply per message depending on your phone plan, group conversations may show up as individual messages on some older phones or carriers, MMS messages count against your data or multimedia message allowance, messages longer than 160 characters may be split into multiple messages, and some carriers limit the number of recipients you can include in a single group text. According to the Pew Research Center, approximately 81% of Americans use text messaging, making it a reliable option for reaching most people.

Practical takeaway: Use SMS/MMS group messaging when you need to reach people across different phone types and when everyone has a standard phone plan. Keep messages concise (under 160 characters when possible) to avoid splitting across multiple message units, and verify that all recipients have SMS/MMS service active.

Creating Group Chats on WhatsApp and Telegram

WhatsApp and Telegram are two of the most popular internet-based messaging apps worldwide, with WhatsApp reporting over 2 billion monthly active users as of 2023. These apps use data connections (Wi-Fi or mobile data) rather than SMS, which can reduce costs for international or frequent messaging. Both platforms allow group chats with specific features designed for group communication.

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To create a group on WhatsApp, open the app and tap the message or compose icon (specific location varies by iPhone or Android). Select "New Group" and choose the contacts you want to add. WhatsApp allows up to 256 members per group. After selecting members, you'll name the group, optionally add a group icon or photo, and the group chat will be created. Everyone receives a notification that they've been added. On WhatsApp, group members can see each other's names, and the group creator can remove members, change the group name, and control who can add new members through group settings.

Telegram works similarly but offers additional features. Create a group by tapping the compose icon, selecting "New Group," and adding members. Telegram groups can include up to 200,000 members, making them suitable for very large communities or organizations. Telegram also offers "Supergroups" with enhanced moderation tools. Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram groups show a member list that anyone can view, and administrators can pin important messages to the top of the chat.

Key differences between these platforms include: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption for all group messages by default, while Telegram's regular groups use cloud-based storage (encryption can be enabled separately in Secret Chats, but these only work between two people); WhatsApp limits groups to 256 members while Telegram supports massive groups; WhatsApp shows when members have read messages (blue check marks), while Telegram doesn't display read receipts in groups; and WhatsApp is owned by Meta while Telegram is independently operated. Both require users to have the app installed and an active phone number or account.

Practical takeaway: WhatsApp works best for smaller group chats with privacy priority and where you want confirmation that people have read your message. Telegram is better for larger communities, public announcements, and when you want more administrative control over who can post messages.

Using Group Messaging on Facebook Messenger and Instagram

Facebook Messenger and Instagram Direct Messages both integrate group messaging into platforms where many people already spend time. Facebook Messenger has over 1.3 billion monthly active users, according to Meta's reports, and Instagram Direct Messages reach the platform's 2 billion monthly users. These services use internet connections and work on smartphones, tablets, and computers.

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To create a group chat on Facebook Messenger, open the app and tap the compose icon (pencil or plus sign depending on your device). Select "Create Group Chat" and add the people you want to include. You can add a group name and optionally a group photo. Facebook Messenger groups can include up to 256 members. Once created, everyone in the group can see all previous messages, and any member can add new people (unless the creator changes permissions). You can share photos, videos, files, links, and use reactions to respond to messages without typing.

Instagram Direct Messages work slightly differently. To create a group chat, open Direct Messages, tap the compose icon, and select multiple people to add to a conversation. Instagram groups function similarly to Facebook Messenger groups but are limited to the Instagram platform. Both platforms allow you to mute group notifications (so you don't get alerts for every message), leave conversations without deleting the chat history, and use features like reactions, voice messages, and video calls within the group chat.

Features available on both platforms include: message reactions using emojis, the ability to search previous messages within a group, video calling capabilities for group calls, the option to share media and links, and integration with other Meta services. However, both platforms have some limitations: they require people to have Facebook or Instagram accounts respectively, algorithms may affect message delivery and notification timing, and both platforms can be slower than dedicated messaging apps on older phones or slower internet connections. Privacy considerations include that Meta collects data about your messaging patterns and content for advertising purposes.

Practical takeaway: Use Facebook Messenger or Instagram Direct Messages for group chats when most participants already use these platforms and you want integrated access to other social features. These work well for casual group chats with friends but less ideal for time-sensitive professional communication.

Group Messaging on Slack and Microsoft Teams

Slack and Microsoft Teams are professional messaging platforms designed for workplace communication, though they're increasingly used by clubs, volunteer organizations, and community groups. Slack reports over 750,000 active workspace installations, while Microsoft Teams has over 280 million monthly active users. Both platforms organize communication into "channels" (public or private group spaces) rather than traditional direct messages, though they also support direct group messaging.

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On Slack, you