Sure, you’ve got TikTok’s attention, churning out content that keeps eyeballs glued, but maintaining the conversation going can be extra challenging — especially without direct links.
That’s where WhatsApp comes in, where businesses and creators are already seeing sky-high engagement and conversion rates. Combining these two platforms allows you to create a seamless lead-generation strategy that turns interest into action.
This guide will show you exactly how to pair TikTok’s reach with WhatsApp’s reliability to build an entire sales funnel — without wasting time or money on low-intent leads. TikTok is where the eyeballs are. WhatsApp is where the wallets open.
The Best Approach: TikTok Automation + WhatsApp Paid Messaging (Most Effective!)
Here’s the play-by-play:
- Capture phone numbers: Automate your TikTok comments or responses to ask users for their phone numbers in DM (e.g., “Drop your number if you want exclusive deals”)
- Qualify your leads: Before sending a message, use automation to ask follow-up questions and filter out low-intent users.
- Message them on WhatsApp (Paid): Once you’ve got the numbers, use WhatsApp’s paid outbound messaging (cost: $0.01-$0.08 per message) to send a high-converting message with your offer or next step.
Pro tip: Use Manychat’s WhatsApp Pricing Calculator to check costs based on your country.
Why this works:
- Proactive outreach = No waiting around for customers to reach out first.
- Only pay for high-intent leads, thanks to pre-qualification on TikTok.
- Works well for high-ticket offers where quick follow-ups = more sales.
The catch?
It’s not free. If you’re messaging thousands of people, costs add up. But by pre-qualifying leads before moving them to WhatsApp, you ensure that every message goes to a high-value prospect, making this a smart investment.
Two Free Ways to Move Leads from TikTok to WhatsApp
Not ready to pay? No problem. Here are two free ways to transition leads from TikTok to WhatsApp. They require a little more patience but zero ad spend.
1. Add a wa.me link in your TikTok bio.
A wa.me link is a direct WhatsApp chat link. Add it to your TikTok bio or LinkTree and guide users to click it.
How to set it up:
- Use this format: wa.me/yourphonenumber (Example: wa.me/5521999999999 for Brazil)
- Add it to your TikTok bio or LinkTree.
- Encourage users in captions and videos to click the link.
Why it works: It’s simple and free.
The consideration: Users need to take the extra step of leaving TikTok to click the link.
2. Share your WhatsApp number in TikTok messages.
Instead of collecting phone numbers, you can share your WhatsApp number and invite users to message you first.
How to do it:
- Set up a TikTok automation that replies with: “Want more details? Message me on WhatsApp at [your number], and I’ll send you everything!”
- Set up a default WhatsApp reply to auto-respond instantly when users message you (Step-by-step guide).
Why it works: No cost, and you only get messages from genuinely interested users.
The consideration: Relies on users taking the first step, which may reduce overall volume.
Best use case: If you already have an engaged TikTok audience that is likely to take action.
How to get More People to Move from TikTok to WhatsApp
If you’re serious about building a TikTok-to-WhatsApp funnel, you need to give people a reason to jump. Here’s how to increase your success rate.
People love getting something valuable for free. Offer them:
- A discount code only available via WhatsApp.
- A behind-the-scenes look at your business.
- Access to a VIP WhatsApp group where you share special content.
Want people to act fast? Use FOMO:
- “Only available for the next 24 hours! Message me on WhatsApp now!”
- “First 50 people who message me on WhatsApp get an exclusive deal!”
Most people respond best to videos. Make TikTok videos showing:
- How easy it is to connect with you on WhatsApp.
- The benefits of continuing the conversation there.
- Testimonials from happy customers who converted on WhatsApp.
Mistakes to Avoid When Moving Users to WhatsApp
Even the best strategies can fall apart if you’re making common mistakes.
Being too pushy
No one likes feeling pressured. Make it natural instead of spamming your audience with “Go to my WhatsApp now!” messages. Reach out to them and let them feel they’re getting something valuable.
Not setting up an auto-reply on WhatsApp
People expect instant responses. If they message you on WhatsApp and get silence? You’ve lost them. Set a default reply to acknowledge their message and guide them to the next step.
Failing to track leads
If you’re using TikTok to collect leads but not tagging them properly in your system, you won’t know which leads came from where. Use automation tools to keep everything organized.
How This Strategy Works for Different Businesses
Every business is different, but this approach works across niches.
E-commerce brands
- Promote limited-time offers on TikTok.
- Drive users to WhatsApp for exclusive discounts.
- Use WhatsApp to close sales with high-intent shoppers.
Coaches and course creators
- Share valuable free content on TikTok.
- Encourage users to message you on WhatsApp for bonus lessons.
- Sell premium courses through WhatsApp conversations.
Local businesses
- Post engaging TikTok videos showcasing your products or services.
- Invite users to WhatsApp for appointments, bookings, or consultations.
- Keep the conversation going with WhatsApp broadcast messages.
Why This Matters for Businesses and Creators in LatAm
If you’re running a business or growing your audience in Latin America, this strategy is especially powerful because:
- TikTok is expanding rapidly in the region, creating new opportunities to connect with potential customers.
- WhatsApp is already the go-to communication tool for businesses.
- This approach makes it easy to transition conversations from engagement to sales.
Goal: Help more businesses and creators integrate TikTok with WhatsApp to strengthen their marketing and sales strategies.
How to Choose Your Strategy
Choose your fighter:
- Want the fastest results? Use TikTok automation + WhatsApp paid messaging to engage high-intent leads proactively.
- Prefer an organic approach? Add a wa.me link to your TikTok bio to guide interested users toward WhatsApp.
- Want to engage for free? Share your WhatsApp number in TikTok automations and invite users to reach out first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I don’t have a big TikTok following?
A: No worries! Start small and focus on consistent, high-quality content. Even a small, engaged audience is better than thousands of uninterested followers.
Q: How do I know if my TikTok-to-WhatsApp strategy is working?
A: Track metrics like number of messages received on WhatsApp, conversion rates, and revenue generated from WhatsApp conversations.
Q: Can I automate responses on WhatsApp?
A: Absolutely! Manychat lets you set up smart automations to keep the conversation going even when you’re not available.
Ready to Build Your TikTok-to-WhatsApp Funnel?
You’ve made it this far, which means one of two things: you’re pumped to start funneling leads from TikTok to WhatsApp, or you just love reading about sales funnels for fun. Either way — respect.
Of course, none of this works unless you do something about it. So set up your wa.me link, build your TikTok automation, or start testing WhatsApp’s paid messaging.
And if you’re still hesitating? Just remember: while you’re thinking about it, someone else is already capturing your leads and turning them into customers.
Don’t let them beat you to it.
