Use Robocalling to send scheduled pre-recorded or AI-generated voice messages to multiple records through the Deliver module. You can track delivery outcomes with real-time reporting and analytics.
⏸️ Before you begin
To enable robocalling, you’ll need an SMS/Voice account with credits purchased in Slate.
Purchase a block of Slate Credits by going to Database → Slate Credits.
Provision an SMS/Voice number by going to Database → Deliver Configuration.
Configuring a robocall
Select Deliver in the top navigation bar.
Select New Mailing.
Use the following settings, then Save:
Name: Give the new message a descriptive name.
Folder: Add it to an existing folder, or create a new one by selecting Other and entering a folder name.
Method: Select Voice.
Select Edit Recipient Lists to add a recipient list. See Recipient Lists for more details on adding and configuring recipient lists.
Be sure to include an export for Phone Number in your recipient list.
Return to the top-level page of the mailing by selecting the link with the mailing’s name. Then select Edit Message.
Set the Sender for the mailing to your desired SMS/Voice phone number.
Set the Recipient for the mailing to the merge field for the person’s phone number.
For Type, choose between Recording and Voice AI.
For Recording:
Select the microphone icon to record the message. For best performance, the message should be less than 100 seconds in duration.
When complete, select the stop icon.
Review the recorded message and re-record if necessary.
For Voice AI:
Type the desired message into the Message area, including any desired merge fields.
Select a voice from the Voice list.
Select Save.
Select Send Mailing to review send settings and schedule the message for delivery. See Sending a Mailing for more information.
⚠️ Having trouble recording a message?
Connect a microphone to the computer to record a message. When prompted by the web browser select Allow to give Slate access to your microphone.
Additional considerations
Transactional vs Marketing and Recruitment Robocalls
Before configuring a robocall, consider the purpose of the message and its intended audience. If the call is marketing/recruitment-related, be sure you have a mechanism to log and act on opt-out information.
Currently, it is not possible for a call recipient to opt out during a call.
For additional best practices, see the Maintaining Compliance for SMS article which discusses robocalling and compliance with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Delivery Statistics
There is no capability on any platform for detecting "opens" with voice messages.
Recipient Data Fees
The recipient may incur usage fees from their mobile provider for any voice calls received.
Answering Machine / Voicemail Detection
Slate robocalling can detect if a call is answered by a person or by a voicemail service. For this detection to work, Slate must first receive audio from the recipient’s end.
If Slate detects a human answering the phone, it will begin playing the recorded message immediately.
If Slate detects an answering machine or voicemail, it will wait for the indication sound (“beep”) to begin the entire recorded message.