What is double opt-in on WhatsApp?
Double opt-in means: Your prospect signs up and then confirms their registration in WhatsApp. Only then can you send them newsletters and follow-ups with SmartChat.
This is how double opt-in works in WhatsApp.
Your prospect enters their first name and WhatsApp number on your landing page or in the website popup . SmartChat automatically sends them a confirmation message on WhatsApp. Only after they click Confirm can you send them newsletters and follow-ups.
The confirmation message as SmartChat sends it by default.
This is what the law requires.
For newsletters via WhatsApp, you need your contact's prior consent, and you must be able to prove it. Double opt-in is the usual way to provide exactly that proof. That is why double opt-in is mandatory in SmartChat.
| Country | law say | What applies |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | § 7 para. 2 no. 2 UWG, Art. 7 GDPR | Prior explicit consent that you can prove |
| Austria | § 174 para. 3 TKG 2021, Art. 7 GDPR | Prior consent that you can prove |
| Switzerland | Art. 3 para. 1 lit. o UWG | Prior consent before you send messages to many recipients |
Meta also requires your contact's consent before you send them messages.
Without vs. with double opt-in.
With double opt-in, you know for every contact that they really want to receive your newsletter, and you can show it at any time.
Without double opt-in
- You can't prove that your contact agreed.
- Without proof, your WhatsApp marketing is not GDPR-compliant.
- Anyone can enter someone else's or wrong numbers into your form.
With double opt-in
- Messages are only sent to contacts who have confirmed in WhatsApp.
- Every consent has a proof as a PDF.
- Every contact on your list has confirmed their number themselves.
Every consent comes with proof.
SmartChat stores when and how your contact agreed and which consent text they agreed to. You download this proof of consent as a PDF for each contact.
With STOP, your contact unsubscribes.
Every contact has a status: Confirmed, Unconfirmed or Unsubscribed. Whoever has confirmed your newsletter can unsubscribe at any time with STOP. From then on, SmartChat sends them nothing more, and in your contacts they show as unsubscribed. The unsubscribe stays in place even after deletion and after an import.
Frequently asked questions about Double opt-in on WhatsApp.
What is double opt-in on WhatsApp?
Double opt-in means that a prospect signs up in two steps. They enter their details, for example on your landing page, and then confirm their registration in WhatsApp. Only then are they a subscriber to your WhatsApp newsletter.
Is double opt-in on WhatsApp mandatory?
The law requires your contact's prior consent, and you must be able to prove it. Double opt-in is the usual way to provide that proof. That is why double opt-in in SmartChat is mandatory and runs fully automatically.
Is WhatsApp marketing with double opt-in GDPR-compliant?
With double opt-in, you can prove for every contact that they agreed. That is exactly what Art. 7 GDPR requires. For this, SmartChat stores the source, time and consent text of every consent. For your individual case, ask a lawyer.
Does this also apply in Austria and Switzerland?
Yes. In Austria, § 174 TKG 2021 requires prior consent, in Switzerland Art. 3 para. 1 lit. o UWG. SmartChat works the same way in all three countries: Every contact confirms their registration in WhatsApp.
Is it enough if a contact writes to me first on WhatsApp?
No. A message to your business is not yet consent to your newsletter. You reply to them in the inbox, and they only receive newsletters once they have confirmed their registration.
What happens if a contact doesn't click Confirm?
Then they stay unconfirmed and receive no newsletters and no follow-ups.
Does double opt-in also apply to imported contacts?
Yes. With the contact import the contacts are unconfirmed at first. They only receive newsletters after confirming, either by clicking the confirmation message or with proof.
Can I customize the confirmation message?
Yes. You customize the confirmation message in the AI Chat. The Confirm button always stays. You can remove the note about STOP.
What happens after confirmation?
As soon as someone has confirmed, the thank-you message introduces your business. If you have set up follow-ups , they are sent automatically from then on. An example with a confirmation and thank-you message is shown in WhatsApp marketing for pharmacies.
What is in the proof of consent?
The proof shows the source of the contact, the time of their confirmation, the consent text they agreed to, and whether they have unsubscribed. You download it as a PDF for each contact.
How does a contact unsubscribe again?
Anyone who has confirmed your newsletter writes STOP in the chat with your business. From then on they get no newsletter, no follow-up and no automation anymore. The unsubscribe stays in place even after deletion and after an import.
Does Meta also require consent?
Yes. Meta requires that your contact has agreed before you send them messages. Meta doesn't prescribe double opt-in, but it meets this rule.
What does double opt-in cost in SmartChat?
Nothing extra. Double opt-in is part of every account, including Free. The confirmation message counts like any other message toward the messages in your plan. You can find all plans under Pricing.
Your double opt-in is ready in 60 seconds.
Enter your website. SmartChat AI analyzes it and creates a landing page, confirmation message and thank-you message for you.
Sources: § 7 UWG · Art. 7 GDPR · § 174 TKG 2021 (Austria) · UWG (Switzerland) · WhatsApp newsletter and GDPR · Meta, opt-in for WhatsApp.
This guide is not legal advice.