iMessage pranks: A fun guide to automated text barrages

Automated text barrages are all about sending a flurry of messages to your family and friends. These messages can be anything from funny one-liners to GIFs and memes. The idea is to ensure that such pranks remain harmless and enjoyable for all involved. On an iPhone, you can either use a scripting method to send automated barrages of text messages using iMessage. Alternatively, third-party apps available on the Apple App Store can be used for the same purpose.

How to send automated text barrages via iMessage

There are three ways to send automated text messages via iMessage:

Shortcuts app (supported on iOS 12 or later)

The Shortcuts app comes with pre-made shortcuts like “Repeat Text,” which allows you to send the same message multiple times. The same app can be used to create custom shortcuts, which will allow you to add delays between messages or include GIFs and images in the message. Here are the steps on how to use the Shortcuts app to send automated text barrages:

1. Launch the Shortcuts app and tap on the “+” button to create a new shortcut.

2. Start adding actions to your shortcut. You can search for actions by typing in the search bar or browsing through the categories.

3. Add the “Text” action to type the first message you want to send.

4. Add the “Send Message” action and choose the recipient from your contacts.

5. If you want to add a delay, you can use the “Wait” action, and then add the delay in seconds. You can repeat steps 3 through 6 to add more messages.

6. Tap “Next” and add a name (e.g., “Text Prank”) for your shortcut, and then tap “Done”.

7. The custom shortcut is now ready to use. You can tap the name of the shortcut to send automated text barrages.

The aforementioned example merely illustrates the basic use of the Shortcuts app for sending automated text messages. You can customise the messages by adding more actions. You can add GIFs and images using the “Find Photos” or “Get Images from the Web” actions. You can use the “if” action to add conditional logic, which will allow you to send different messages based on certain criteria.

ALSO READ: Evolution of the iPhone: How Apple built the poster boy for smartphones

Third-party apps

The Apple App Store has several apps that can be used for sending automated text barrages. These include AutoSender, Text Timer+, Scheduled App, and more. These apps offer a wide range of features, including scheduling messages, personalising messages with variables, and creating complex message sequences. 

Using scripts

Using scripts to send automated text messages is only possible if you are familiar with programming languages like Python and JavaScript.

ALSO READ: iPhone 15 models compared: iPhone 15 vs iPhone 15 Plus vs iPhone 15 Pro vs iPhone 15 Pro Max

Creative ideas for iMessage pranks

Here are some creative ideas for iMessage pranks:

1. Random facts:

You can bombard your friend with fascinating and obscure facts about anything and everything.

2. GIF overload:

You can send a barrage of funny GIFs that relate to a joke or your friend’s interests.

3. Lyric bomb:

Think of a song that your friend loves or hates and send them its lyrics line by line, one message at a time.

4. Emoji trouble:

Using only emojis, you can create a series of messages. Challenge your friend to decipher the hidden message or story behind the emoji sequence.

5. News flash:

Send a flurry of breaking news alerts about ridiculous and fictional events.

Things to remember

When planning a prank involving automated text barrages, it is crucial to consider your friend’s humour preference, choose an appropriate time, and avoid overwhelming them with messages. If your friend asks you to stop or seems genuinely annoyed, respect their wishes, and end the prank immediately. Do not forget to reveal yourself after the prank. We repeat, ensure the prank messages are harmless and fun for all involved.