---
title: "How to Plan Messages"
description: "Planning messages in Chatfuel means scheduling a broadcast to be sent at a specific date and time."
canonical_url: https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/how-to-plan-messages
markdown_url: https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/how-to-plan-messages.md
last_updated: 2026-08-12
lang: en
site: https://chatfuel.com/docs
llms_txt: https://chatfuel.com/llms.txt
---

# How to Plan Messages

Planning messages in Chatfuel means scheduling a broadcast to be sent at a specific date and time.

## Overview [#overview]

Planning messages in Chatfuel means scheduling a broadcast to be sent at a specific date and time. This is done through the Re-engage feature — it lets you pick an audience, choose a [WhatsApp template](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/how-to-create-whatsapp-templates), and set a delivery time in the future.

## How to Plan a Message [#how-to-plan-a-message]

1. Open the **Broadcasts** tab in the main menu.
2. Click **Create re-engage**.
3. Choose a **WhatsApp template** — this is the message your contacts will receive. Templates must be pre-approved by Meta before they can be used.
4. Connect a **payment method** — Meta charges per template message sent. Make sure your payment method is active in your [billing settings](https://chatfuel.com/docs/billing/chatfuel-plans-and-pricing).
5. Choose your **audience** — select which contacts should receive the message. You can target specific segments or your full contact list.
6. Set the **date and time** — pick when you want the message to go out. You can also send it immediately if you don't need to schedule it.

## Good to Know [#good-to-know]

* **Planned message = broadcast = re-engage** — these are all the same thing in Chatfuel. If you see "broadcast" or "re-engage" mentioned elsewhere, it refers to this exact feature.
* **Templates must be approved first** — you can't plan a message until your template is approved by Meta, which can take up to 24 hours. Create your templates ahead of time so they're ready when you need them.
* **Only works outside the 24-hour window** — planned messages use WhatsApp templates, which are designed for reaching contacts after the [24-hour messaging window](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/24-hour-messaging-window) has closed. If your contact is still actively chatting, you don't need a broadcast — the AI handles the conversation automatically.
* **Messages not arriving?** — check [Problems with sending messages on WhatsApp](https://chatfuel.com/docs/whatsapp/problems-with-sending-messages-on-whatsapp) for troubleshooting steps.
* **Want automatic nudges instead?** — if you'd rather have the AI follow up with quiet contacts on its own, use [follow-ups](https://chatfuel.com/docs/ai-features/how-to-set-up-follow-ups) instead of planning a manual broadcast.