Tutorial••4 min read
How to Create Realistic WhatsApp Mockups: Complete Guide
Accurate, current steps for building WhatsApp mockups in Mock DM. Covers settings, timing, exports, and how to avoid common giveaways.
How to Create Realistic WhatsApp Mockups: Complete Guide
WhatsApp mockups are now a staple for launch assets, social posts, and UX demos. This walkthrough reflects how Mock DM works today so you can create believable conversations without second-guessing which features are available.
Quick setup in Mock DM (WhatsApp is available on the Free plan)
- Pick WhatsApp + theme: Select WhatsApp and choose light or dark mode based on where the mockup will live.
- Set the status bar: Adjust time, battery, Wi‑Fi, and cellular strength so they match your story (e.g., mid-morning at 09:41). WhatsApp uses 24-hour timestamps in Mock DM.
- Add participants: Name both sides of the chat, upload avatars, and mark who is “Me.”
- Write the conversation: Alternate senders, keep messages short, and space timestamps realistically. Emojis are supported; attachments/reactions are not in this builder.
- Optional: AI draft (Pro): Pro accounts can generate a full conversation from a prompt, then edit any lines manually.
- Preview and export: Play the conversation to check flow, then export an image (Free adds a watermark; Pro removes it) or export video (Pro).
Details that make WhatsApp mockups believable
- Space messages: 1–5 minute gaps feel natural; add a longer pause before a key reply.
- Keep language casual: mix short sentences and emojis; avoid perfect corporate copy.
- Align the date: set the first message date/time to a realistic moment for your use case.
- Use context-aware avatars: faces or logos that match the conversation topic.
- Pick the right mode: dark mode looks great on social; light mode is often better for slides.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Stacking every message at the same minute
- Using identical message lengths or overly formal language
- Forgetting to update the status bar or leaving battery at 3%
- Exporting an image for stories when a Pro video export would perform better
If you're using this for marketing or design
- Keep a shared template: save a base config with your brand colors and default avatars.
- Test a few variations: change tone and timing before exporting to see what feels most real.
- Match the destination: video exports land better on stories/reels; PNGs are perfect for decks and posts.
Ready to try it? Build a WhatsApp mockup in Mock DM.
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