Virtual events in WhatsApp groups
For anyone who wants to run classes, live sessions, meetups or launches with group members, using WhatsApp's own features.
How it works in practice
Direct answer: To create an event in a WhatsApp group, open the group, tap the attachment icon and choose Event. Enter the name, date and time and, optionally, a description, end time, location and a WhatsApp call link to host it by video or voice. Members respond Going, Maybe or Not going, and those who answered Going or Maybe get a notification when the event starts. Pin the event at the top of the group and send short reminders before it begins.
In short:
- WhatsApp's Event feature creates the invite with RSVPs.
- Pin the event and remind members on the day.
- An agenda and rules during the event keep the group tidy.
How to create an event in a group
According to the WhatsApp Help Center:
- Open the group and tap the attachment icon.
- Choose Event.
- Enter the name, date and time.
- Optionally add a description (up to 2,048 characters), end time, location and a WhatsApp call link.
- Send it. The event appears in the group and members respond Going, Maybe or Not going.
In communities, admins can also create events in the Announcements group, as the WhatsApp Help Center explains.
What to know first
- an event has a single host; co hosts are not available;
- only people in the group can be invited, and events cannot be forwarded to another chat;
- people who join later do not see events created before; to include them, delete and create the event again;
- with disappearing messages on, you may not be able to create events far in advance;
- only the creator can edit or cancel the event.
These points come from the WhatsApp Help Center.
Promote and remind without tiring the group
| When | What to send |
|---|---|
| One week before | The event with topic and who it is for |
| One day before | A short reminder with the time |
| One hour before | "We start at 8pm, the invite is pinned" |
| After | Summary, recording if any and the next date |
The event can be pinned at the top of the group for 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days. For live sessions outside WhatsApp, see how to automate live session promotion.
How to run the event
- Post a short agenda with times.
- During a class or talk, consider letting only admins send messages and opening questions at the end.
- Ask for questions in a single message each.
- Have a second admin moderating while you present.
- Close with the next step: materials, next date or a topic poll.
A group poll helps choose the next topic.
Event ideas for groups
- live class or Q&A session;
- welcome meetup for new members;
- Q&A with a guest;
- one week challenge with daily check ins;
- product launch for the waitlist; see launch groups.
To connect registration and ticketing platforms, see how to integrate WhatsApp with event platforms.
Automate reminders and agenda
With 9bot, the week, day and hour reminders can be scheduled, commands like .event and .agenda answer latecomers and the welcome message tells new members about the next session, since they cannot see older events. 7-day trial; with the coupon FIRST9, monthly plans are 50% off for the first 3 months after the trial.
If the group brings professionals together to trade referrals and opportunities, see how to structure a WhatsApp networking group.
Read also
FAQ
How do I create an event in a WhatsApp group?
Can a WhatsApp event include a video call?
Are members reminded about the event?
Do new members see older events?
Can an event have a co host?
