WhatsApp Marketing Error: “This message was not delivered to maintain a healthy ecosystem engagement”
WhatsApp is a powerful tool for businesses to connect with customers, but some users encounter a frustrating error
when sending marketing template messages through live chat or bulk broadcasts:
“This message was not delivered to maintain a healthy ecosystem engagement.”
or
“In order to maintain a healthy ecosystem engagement the message failed to be delivered.”
If you’ve seen this, it’s usually caused by
WhatsApp’s Per-User Marketing Template Message Limits—a system designed to prevent people from
receiving too many marketing messages in a short period. This guide explains what the error means, why it happens,
and how to avoid it.
Understanding the Error
WhatsApp enforces this rule to prevent users from being overwhelmed. When this error appears, it means:
- The recipient has already reached the maximum allowed number of marketing messages for that timeframe.
- WhatsApp blocked your message to protect user experience and overall ecosystem health.
You’ll often see one of these error codes:
- 131049 for businesses using the Cloud API
- 1026 for businesses using the On-Premises API
Why WhatsApp Uses Per-User Marketing Limits
These limits are designed to:
- Reduce message fatigue and improve read rates.
- Improve user sentiment toward business messages.
- Ensure that business communications stay relevant and valuable.
WhatsApp’s data shows that fewer, better-timed messages lead to higher engagement and better user satisfaction.
How to Avoid This Error
1. Space Out Your Marketing Messages
Avoid sending multiple marketing messages to the same user in a short period. Give users time to see and engage with
the first message before sending another one.
2. Prioritize Engagement
When a user replies to your message, you gain the ability to send additional marketing messages within the same
conversation window. Encourage engagement by using interactive elements like buttons, quick replies, or questions
that invite a response.
3. Use Active Marketing Conversations
If there is already an active marketing conversation with a user, focus on nurturing it. You can send follow-up
messages or additional information within that same conversation window without hitting the limit as quickly.
4. Don’t Resend Immediately
If your message fails due to the per-user limit, do not keep resending it right away. Instead, implement a gradual
retry strategy:
- First retry: after 12 hours
- Second retry: after 24 hours
- Third retry: after 48 hours
This reduces the chances of repeated failures and respects the user’s messaging limits.
5. Segment Your Audience
Prioritize users who have previously interacted with your business. Segment your audience based on engagement level
and preferences, and tailor your messages accordingly. Relevant messages are more likely to be read and less likely
to trigger negative feedback.
What to Do If You Receive This Error
Check the Error Code
Review the error details in your API or webhook response. Error codes
131049 and 1026 indicate that the per-user marketing template limit has been
enforced.
Pause and Retry Later
Avoid repeatedly attempting to deliver the same message in a short timeframe. Use incremental retry logic, waiting
longer between attempts, to reduce delivery failures and protect your sender reputation.
Review Your Messaging Strategy
Take this error as a signal to evaluate your messaging strategy: frequency, content, and targeting. Make sure you
are sending the right messages to the right people at the right time.
How the Error Notification Works
When a message is not delivered due to these limits, WhatsApp will send a status update through your webhook. The
message status will be marked as failed, along with the corresponding error code, so your system
can log and react to it.
Best Practices to Optimize Your Messaging
Use Personalization
Address users by name or reference previous interactions to create a more personal and relevant experience. This
can improve engagement and reduce negative reactions.
Send Value-Driven Content
Focus on messages that offer real value: promotions, helpful tips, educational content, reminders, or updates that
match the user’s interests.
Respect User Preferences
Always allow users to opt out of marketing messages. Respecting their preferences builds trust, improves long-term
relationships, and reduces unnecessary delivery issues.
Related Help
Facing another delivery issue like “WhatsApp Error 131026: Message Undeliverable”?
Check this guide: WhatsApp Error 131026: Message Undeliverable (Fix & Solutions).
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s Per-User Marketing Template Message Limits are not barriers—they are tools that help businesses
communicate more effectively. By understanding why this error appears and applying the best practices in this
article, you can achieve higher engagement, fewer delivery problems, and stronger customer relationships.
If you need assistance optimizing your WhatsApp campaigns or handling these types of errors, our team can help you
improve your strategy and make your WhatsApp marketing a success.