> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/whiskeysockets/Baileys/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sending Messages

> Learn how to send messages using Baileys, from basic text to complex media messages

## Overview

Bailey provides a unified `sendMessage` API for sending all types of messages. Whether you're sending text, media, or interactive content, the same function is used with different content types.

## Basic Message Sending

All messages are sent using the `sendMessage` method:

```typescript theme={null}
const jid: string
const content: AnyMessageContent
const options: MiscMessageGenerationOptions

await sock.sendMessage(jid, content, options)
```

### Parameters

* **jid**: The recipient's WhatsApp ID
  * For individuals: `[country code][phone number]@s.whatsapp.net`
  * For groups: `123456789-123345@g.us`
  * For broadcast lists: `[timestamp]@broadcast`
  * For stories: `status@broadcast`
* **content**: The message content (see [AnyMessageContent](https://baileys.whiskeysockets.io/types/AnyMessageContent.html))
* **options**: Message options like quoted messages, ephemeral settings (see [MiscMessageGenerationOptions](https://baileys.whiskeysockets.io/types/MiscMessageGenerationOptions.html))

## WhatsApp ID Format

Understanding the JID (Jabber ID) format is crucial for sending messages:

<CodeGroup>
  ```typescript Individual theme={null}
  const jid = '19999999999@s.whatsapp.net' // +1 999-999-9999
  ```

  ```typescript Group theme={null}
  const jid = '123456789-123345@g.us'
  ```

  ```typescript Broadcast theme={null}
  const jid = '1234567890@broadcast'
  ```

  ```typescript Status/Story theme={null}
  const jid = 'status@broadcast'
  ```
</CodeGroup>

<Warning>
  The JID must not include `+`, `()`, or `-` characters. Only include the country code and phone number digits.
</Warning>

## Simple Text Message

The most basic message type:

```typescript theme={null}
await sock.sendMessage(jid, { text: 'Hello World!' })
```

## Message Return Value

The `sendMessage` function returns a WAMessage object containing:

```typescript theme={null}
const msg = await sock.sendMessage(jid, { text: 'hello' })

// Message structure
msg.key // { remoteJid, fromMe, id }
msg.message // The message content
msg.messageTimestamp // Unix timestamp
msg.status // Message status (PENDING, SERVER_ACK, DELIVERY_ACK, READ, PLAYED)
```

## Message Types Overview

Baileys supports a wide variety of message types:

### Text-Based Messages

* Text messages with mentions
* Link previews
* Quoted/replied messages

### Media Messages

* Images (with captions)
* Videos (including GIFs)
* Audio (voice notes)
* Documents
* Stickers

### Location & Contact

* Location sharing
* Contact cards

### Interactive Messages

* Polls
* Reactions
* Pin messages
* Events

### Special Messages

* Forward messages
* View-once messages
* Disappearing messages

See the following pages for detailed examples of each message type:

* [Text Messages](/messaging/text-messages) - Text, mentions, quotes, links
* [Media Messages](/messaging/media-messages) - Images, videos, audio, documents
* [Message Options](/messaging/message-options) - Ephemeral, quoted, mentions
* [Modifying Messages](/messaging/modifying-messages) - Edit and delete
* [Downloading Media](/messaging/downloading-media) - Download received media

## Error Handling

```typescript theme={null}
try {
  const msg = await sock.sendMessage(jid, { text: 'Hello!' })
  console.log('Message sent:', msg.key.id)
} catch (error) {
  console.error('Failed to send message:', error)
}
```

<Note>
  Messages may fail to send due to network issues, invalid JIDs, or the recipient blocking you. Always implement proper error handling.
</Note>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Text Messages" icon="message" href="/messaging/text-messages">
    Learn about sending text with mentions, quotes, and links
  </Card>

  <Card title="Media Messages" icon="image" href="/messaging/media-messages">
    Send images, videos, audio, and documents
  </Card>

  <Card title="Message Options" icon="sliders" href="/messaging/message-options">
    Configure ephemeral messages, quotes, and more
  </Card>

  <Card title="Modify Messages" icon="pen-to-square" href="/messaging/modifying-messages">
    Edit and delete sent messages
  </Card>
</CardGroup>