The _ChatMessagingSubscription data view in Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC) is an unofficial data view used for tracking WhatsApp messaging subscription events. While not documented in the standard data view list, it provides valuable insights into opt-in and opt-out behavior over the WhatsApp channel, particularly useful for compliance and audience segmentation.
This blog documents the fields available in this data view, typical use cases, and guidance for using it responsibly as part of your messaging strategy.
What is the _ChatMessagingSubscription Data View?
This data view logs opt-in and opt-out data for messaging apps such as WhatsApp via SFMC. It enables marketers to track subscription status across mobile messaging channels, giving insight into the subscriber’s consent and engagement behavior.
⚠️ Note: This is considered an unofficial data view and may vary between accounts. Usage should be validated with your Salesforce support representative.
Key Benefits of _ChatMessagingSubscription
- WhatsApp Subscription Tracking: Understand who opted in or out.
- Channel Attribution: See which channels (like WhatsApp) subscribers are using.
- Audience Segmentation: Build targeted lists based on opt-in status.
- Compliance Management: Ensure users who opted out are excluded from future sends.
Fields in _ChatMessagingSubscription Data View
| Field | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| _MobileNumber | Text(254) | The subscriber’s mobile number. |
| _ChannelId | Text(50) | ID of the channel used (e.g., WhatsApp channel ID). |
| _ChannelType | Text(20) | Type of channel (e.g., WhatsApp). |
| _OptOutStatusID | Text | Status ID indicating whether the user opted out. |
| _OptOutMethodID | Text | Method by which the user opted out (e.g., keyword, manual). |
| _OptOutDate | Date | Timestamp of the opt-out event. |
| _OptinStatusID | Text | Status ID indicating whether the user opted in. |
| _OptinMethodID | Text | Method used to opt in (e.g., reply message, form). |
| _OptinDate | Date | Timestamp of the opt-in event. |
| _Source | Text | Origin of the subscription (e.g., API, import). |
| _SourceObjectId | Text(200) | Source object reference. |
| _CreatedDate | Date | When the record was created. |
| _CreatedBy | Text | User or system that created the record. |
| _ModifiedDate | Date | When the record was last modified. |
| _ModifiedBy | Text | Who last modified the record. |
When and Why to Use _ChatMessagingSubscription
When to Use?
- To audit WhatsApp opt-ins and opt-outs.
- When building audiences for WhatsApp campaigns.
- To enforce compliance with regional consent regulations.
- For integrating multi-channel subscriber views.
Why Use It?
- Track Consent: Ensure only opted-in users receive WhatsApp messages.
- Multi-Channel Visibility: Understand subscriber behavior across platforms.
- Improve Relevance: Segment users based on their preferred channel.
- Support Compliance: Maintain historical logs of consent activity.
Sample SQL Query Examples
1. WhatsApp Subscribers Opted In
SELECT _MobileNumber, _OptinDate
FROM _ChatMessagingSubscription
WHERE _ChannelType = 'WhatsApp' AND _OptinDate IS NOT NULL2. WhatsApp Subscribers Who Opted Out
SELECT _MobileNumber, _OptOutDate, _OptOutMethodID
FROM _ChatMessagingSubscription
WHERE _ChannelType = 'WhatsApp' AND _OptOutDate IS NOT NULL3. Recently Subscribed Users (Last 30 Days)
SELECT _MobileNumber, _OptinDate
FROM _ChatMessagingSubscription
WHERE _OptinDate >= DATEADD(day, -30, GETDATE())4. Opt-In and Opt-Out Counts by Channel Type
SELECT _ChannelType, COUNT(*) AS TotalSubscribers
FROM _ChatMessagingSubscription
WHERE _OptinDate IS NOT NULL
GROUP BY _ChannelTypeConclusion
Although unofficial, the _ChatMessagingSubscription data view provides valuable insight into WhatsApp subscription behavior in Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Marketers using Mobile Messaging channels like WhatsApp can leverage this data to ensure compliant communication and deliver personalized, consent-driven campaigns.
For enterprise implementations, consider validating availability and behavior of this data view with Salesforce support.