# PeopleStage WhatsApp channels

## Setting up a PeopleStage WhatsApp channel

To set up a PeopleStage channel:

1. Open PeopleStage, select **File** \> **Administration** \> **Channel Editor**.
2. Select **Add WhatsApp Channel**.
3. Enter a descriptive **Channel Name**.
4. Select **Output Settings**.

   | Row item | Description |
   | --- | --- |
   | Username | The Username in FastStats that generated the token |
   | App | Meta App name (Apteco if using Apteco's Meta App) |
   | Meta Business Account | Meta business name as it appears in Meta |
   | WhatsApp Business Account | WhatsApp Business name as it appears in Meta |
   | Mobile Number: Variable Name | Select the variable for Mobile from the Apteco system |
   | Mobile Number: Variable Description Override | Optional variable description override |
   | Add Communication Key | N/A |
   | Output Type | WhatsApp |
   | Response File Key Type | Mobile With Broadcast Id |

   > **Note**
   >
   > For Apteco's Meta WhatsApp integration, the audience list for recipients must use E.164 international formatting only (e.g. `+449876543210`). See the [E.164 standard](<https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E.164>).
5. **Parameter Settings**: the Auto Exclude Opt-Out parameter defaults to `True` and you can't change it.