How to drive TikTok leads to WhatsApp

Manychat allows businesses and creators to automate lead capture on TikTok and continue conversations on WhatsApp. By setting up TikTok and WhatsApp automations, you can connect with your audience and optimize customer interactions.

This article covers three ways to direct TikTok users to WhatsApp using Manychat:

• Capturing phone numbers on TikTok and sending WhatsApp messages
• Adding a WhatsApp link to your TikTok website field
• Encouraging users to message you on WhatsApp directly

Before setting up the automation, ensure that:

1. Your TikTok and WhatsApp accounts are connected to Manychat.
   • How to connect TikTok to Manychat
   • How to connect your WhatsApp account to Manychat
2. You have an approved WhatsApp Business API account.

Method 1: Capturing phone numbers on TikTok and sending WhatsApp messages

One way to transition TikTok users to WhatsApp is by collecting phone numbers in TikTok automations and automatically sending them a WhatsApp message. This method allows you to reach out directly on WhatsApp without waiting for users to initiate the conversation.

Step 1: Set up phone number collection in TikTok automation

1. Go to Manychat and open the Automation tab.
2. Click + New Automation and select TikTok as the channel.

3. Choose a trigger that starts the conversation, such as User sends a message:

4. Add a Message block to ask for the user’s phone number through the Data Collection content block:

5. Set the reply type to Phone Number to ensure valid entries.
6. Store the collected number in a User Field (e.g., Phone Number).

Step 2: Send a WhatsApp message automatically

1. After collecting the phone number, add an Action block to Send WhatsApp Message.

2. Choose Send a Message Template (WhatsApp requires approved templates for outbound messaging).
3. Select an existing WhatsApp Message Template or create a new one:
   • Use placeholders to personalize messages (e.g., {first_name}).
   • Include a strong call to action to encourage user engagement.

💡 Tip: WhatsApp message templates need to be approved by Meta before use. You can submit and manage templates in Settings → WhatsApp → Message Templates.

Step 3: Understand WhatsApp messaging costs

📌 Learn how to set up WhatsApp Message Templates: Help Center guide

📌 Check WhatsApp pricing in your country: WhatsApp pricing

Method 2: Adding a WhatsApp link to your TikTok website field

Another way to direct TikTok users to WhatsApp is by adding a WhatsApp link in your TikTok website field. This allows users to start a WhatsApp conversation with a single tap.

Step 1: Generate your WhatsApp link

1. Use the format https://wa.me/<number>, where <number> is your full phone number in international format. Omit zeroes, brackets, or dashes (e.g., for a Brazilian number: https://wa.me/5521999999999).
2. (Optional) Add a pre-filled message to your link to make it easier for users to start a conversation.
   • Example: https://wa.me/5521999999999?text=Hello!%20I%20want%20to%20learn%20more.
   • WhatsApp pre-filled messages must be URL-encoded.
3. More information in WhatsApp’s official documentation: How to use click to chat.

Step 2: Add the link to your TikTok profile

1. Open the TikTok app and go to your profile.
2. Tap Edit Profile.

3. In the Website field, paste your WhatsApp link (wa.me/...).

4. Save changes.

Step 3: Guide users to click the link

• Mention your WhatsApp link in TikTok videos, captions, and comments.
• Use a Call-to-Action (CTA) in your content, such as:
  • “Want more details? Check the link in my bio!”
  • “Message me ‘INFO,’ and I’ll send you my WhatsApp link!”

Method 3: Encouraging users to message you on WhatsApp first

Instead of collecting phone numbers and sending outbound WhatsApp messages, you can share your WhatsApp number directly in TikTok automations and instruct users to message you first. This method allows you to engage your TikTok audience without incurring messaging costs.

Step 1: Share your WhatsApp number in TikTok automations

1. Go to Manychat and open the Automation tab.
2. Click + New Automation and select TikTok as the channel.

3. Choose a trigger that starts the conversation, such as User sends a message:

4. Add a Message block to share your WhatsApp number.
5. Include a clear call-to-action (CTA), such as:
   • “Want to chat on WhatsApp? Message me at +55 00000000!”
   • “Join my WhatsApp group! Save this number and send me a message.”

Step 2: Encourage users to take action

To increase engagement, use TikTok content strategies to highlight WhatsApp as the primary communication channel:

• Mention WhatsApp in video content. For example, "Message me ‘INFO’ and I’ll send you my WhatsApp number!”
• Add WhatsApp details in video captions and pinned comments.
• Use incentives: Offer exclusive content, early access, or a private WhatsApp group.

Step 3: Automate WhatsApp replies for new messages

In Manychat, go to WhatsApp → Ice Breakers.

Using WhatsApp Ice Breakers by Manychat as conversation starters can boost your conversion rates on WhatsApp Business. By offering answers to visitors' inquiries, they create shortcuts that enhance subscription rates and ensure delivery of the most relevant content.

Driving TikTok leads to WhatsApp can significantly improve customer engagement and lead generation. Whether through automated messages, direct links, or organic outreach, Manychat provides the tools to create a seamless experience.

To get started, explore our detailed guides:

• How to set up your first TikTok automation
• Use cases and strategies for TikTok automations on Manychat
• Ice Breakers for WhatsApp
• WhatsApp pricing guide

Implementing these methods can enhance customer interactions and grow your business efficiently!