Bulk messaging in Dapple lets you send the same message to multiple creators at once, filtered by stage, status, or tag. Use it to notify shortlisted applicants of next steps, send rejection emails to a wave of creators, or communicate a deadline to everyone who has submitted. Messages are personalised per creator using merge tags and delivered immediately by email.
To send a bulk message in Dapple, filter the Submissions list to the creators you want to message, tick them, click With Selected → Send Message, write your message (or pick a template), and send. You can also bulk-message everyone in a Stage column via the three-dot menu. Bulk messages are transactional only — never for marketing or promotional content.
When to use bulk messaging
Notifying everyone in a stage about their status (shortlist confirmations, rejection messages, next-round info).
Sending logistical info about a programme (deadline reminders, event details, payment requests).
Communicating cancellations or significant programme changes.
Following up after a review cycle with the same outcome message for a cohort.
Scenario | Example |
Notifying shortlisted creators | 'You've been shortlisted — here's what happens next' |
Sending a rejection wave | 'Thank you for applying — on this occasion your submission was unsuccessful' |
Chasing incomplete submissions | 'Your submission is still in draft — the deadline is Friday' |
Announcing a result to all entrants | 'Winners have been announced — see the full list here' |
Deadline reminder to everyone in a stage | 'The exhibition opens next week — please confirm your attendance' |
Method 1: Bulk message from the Submissions list
Open the Submissions view.
Use filters to narrow to the creators you want to message (e.g. filter by Stage = Shortlist).
Tick the submissions, or use Select All.
Click the with selected button → Send Message.
Compose your message or pick a template.
Set Allow Replies on or off.
Send.
Method 2: Bulk message from the Stages view
Open the project's Stages board.
Find the stage column with the submissions you want to message.
Click the three-dot menu in the top-right of that column.
Choose Compose Message — this acts like Select All for every submission in that stage.
Follow the same compose / template / send flow as Method 1.
Transactional only — what Dapple allows
Bulk messaging in Dapple is for transactional messages only — communication related to specific submissions, like status updates, deadline reminders, and feedback delivery. It must not be used for marketing — promotional offers, discounts, campaigns, or any content unrelated to the recipient's submission.
If you want to run marketing outreach, export your creator data via the Submissions view and use a dedicated marketing tool that handles consent and unsubscribes properly. Dapple reserves the right to disable bulk messaging or remove accounts that violate this policy. Full guide on the distinction: Transactional Messages vs Marketing Messages.
How do I filter recipients before sending?
Filter by | How | Example use |
Stage | Stage dropdown in the filter bar | Message only creators in the 'Shortlisted' stage |
Status | Status filter (New / In Progress / Completed / Rejected) | Message all creators with status 'Rejected' |
Submission tag | Tag filter in the filter bar | Message creators tagged 'Needs clarification' |
Review score | Score filter in Reviews tab | Message creators who scored above 80 |
What merge tags can I use in a bulk message?
If a merge tag can't be resolved for a particular creator (e.g. they didn't provide a first name), Dapple leaves the field blank rather than sending a broken tag. Always preview before sending to catch any empty fields.
Merge tag | What it inserts |
/OrganisationName | Your organisation's name (from Settings → Organisation) |
/OrganisationLogo | Your organisation's logo (from Settings → Organisation) |
/CreatorName | The name of the creator you're messaging |
/CreatorEmail | The creator's email address |
/CurrentDate | Today's date (in your organisation's time zone) |
/CurrentTime | Current time |
/MyName | Your name (the user sending the message) |
/MyEmail | Your email address |
Is there a character limit or delivery delay?
There is no character limit for bulk messages. Messages are delivered immediately — there is no scheduled send or delay. For large sends (500+ recipients), allow a few minutes for all emails to clear the delivery queue. Dapple does not currently support scheduled bulk messages.
Can creators reply to a bulk message?
Yes if you allow them to. When sending the message you should toggle on/off whether you want creators to be able to reply. Replies go to your organisation's messages section in the dashboard.
How do I check who received a bulk message?
After sending, each recipient submission's Messages tab shows the bulk message in the thread, timestamped. To see the full recipient list, filter the Submissions table using the same criteria you used before sending — the records that match are the records that received the message.
Best practice for bulk messaging
Filter precisely before selecting — bulk-messaging the wrong cohort is hard to walk back.
Use a saved template — bulk messages are not where you draft from scratch under time pressure.
Turn Allow Replies off for one-way announcements (rejections, programme cancellations).
Send a test to yourself first if it's a high-stakes message — your name + email replace the merge tags so you see what creators will see.
Stagger bulk sends across stages — don't send four bulk messages in one day from one project. It looks spammy from the creator's inbox.
Where to go next