# Multi-language messaging

<YouTube id="A7l1_gK5yOA" playlabel="Youtube Video: Be closer to your audience by talking to users in their native language"/>

## What is multi-language messaging?

Multi-language messaging allows you to send push notifications and other messages that automatically display in each user's preferred language. By providing content in multiple languages, you ensure that messages are delivered in a way that feels natural and relevant to every user. If a user's language doesn't match any of the defined localizations, the message will be shown in the default language you set.
## Creating multi-language messages

Pushwoosh allows you to send multi-language messages across various communication channels, including:

* [Push notifications](/product/content/push-presets/#define-the-languages-you-want-to-use-in-your-push)
* [Emails](/product/content/email-content/set-up-your-email-in-the-editor/#define-the-languages-you-want-to-use-in-your-email)
* [SMS](/product/content/sms-presets/#define-the-languages-you-want-to-use-in-your-sms)
* [LINE](/product/content/line-presets/#define-languages)

This helps you deliver localized content to users in their preferred language, making it especially useful for apps with an international audience.
#### Example: Creating multi-language push notifications

In the [Push preset form](/product/content/push-presets/), first, create the default message content, which is sent to all users unless a more specific language version is provided. You can then add content for additional languages to tailor the message to users' device language settings. 


_For example, if your default language is English but you want to reach Spanish and German speakers as well, add those languages to your push notification. Users with Spanish or German phone settings will then receive the message in their preferred language, while others will see the default English version._

To add additional languages, click **Plus** at the top of the editor. A list of languages will appear, allowing you to choose the ones you need for your push notification.


<img src="/shared-36.webp" alt="Language selection interface showing Plus button to add additional languages to push notification content"/>

<Aside type="tip">
You can add languages that are already in your user base as well as those that are not currently present. This is particularly useful if you’re planning to enter a new region.
</Aside>

Next, create push content for each language you've chosen. [Learn more ](/product/content/push-presets#create-push-content)

<Aside type="note">
Don't forget about the payload limitations for some of the platforms! Different languages use different alphabets, and while your English version may fit in nicely, the push in Arabic text may exceed iOS quota.
</Aside>


## Language code standard
Language tag value is a _lowercase_ two-letter code according to the [ISO-639-1](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List\_of\_ISO\_639-1\_codes).
Devices with Language tag values inconsistent with the ISO-639-1 will receive the push message with default language localization.


## Implementing localization via API 
 This feature is also available in our API as a parameter of the `/createMessage` requests. For this, you’ll need assistance from your development team. Please share [this guide](/developer/api-reference/messages-api) with them for detailed instructions.

<Aside type="tip">
If you want to see the full stats for your currently registered languages, check out the [stats for your Tags](/product/audience-data-and-segmentation/user-data-tags/tags/#tags-statistics).
</Aside>

## Use cases for multi-language messaging 

Use multi-language push notifications, emails, SMS, and LINE messages to:

* Launch products across multiple regions with a single campaign
* Run promotions tailored to specific regions or markets
* Send onboarding or welcome messages in each user’s native language
* Notify global audiences of important updates or policy changes with localized content

## Best practices for multi-language messaging 

* Keep content culturally relevant and tone-appropriate.

* Test on devices set to different locales before launching campaigns.

* Track engagement metrics by language to refine future messaging.

* Consider text length for each translation
* Avoid relying solely on machine or AI-generated translations. Always review them carefully or use professional human translators to ensure accuracy, tone, and contextual relevance.  

## FAQ: Multi-language messaging

#### What is multi-language messaging?

Multi-language messages automatically display in a user’s preferred language based on their device settings. For example, if your campaign supports English, French, and Spanish, a user whose device is set to French will receive the French version.

#### What happens if a user’s language isn’t available? 

They’ll receive the message in your chosen default language.

#### Can I test multi-language push notifications before sending?

Yes. You can preview each language in the [content editor](/product/content/) and [test delivery](/product/first-steps/start-with-your-project/test-your-integration/) on devices set to different locales.

#### Can I use machine translation for message localization?

You can start with machine or AI translations, but reviewing them manually is highly recommended to ensure quality, especially for important messages.