What is WhatsApp Business API?
A programmatic interface that lets businesses send and receive WhatsApp messages at scale through approved software providers.
Detailed Explanation
The WhatsApp Business API (now part of Meta's Cloud API) enables medium and large businesses to integrate WhatsApp messaging into their own systems or third-party platforms. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business app, the API supports unlimited contacts, automated bot replies, message templates, and multi-agent access. Businesses access it through Meta Business Solution Providers (BSPs) or directly via Meta's Cloud API. It is the foundation for building AI sales chatbots that operate at scale on WhatsApp.
FAQs about WhatsApp Business API
- Is the WhatsApp Business API free?
- The API itself has no monthly fee, but Meta charges per conversation. Businesses pay for user-initiated and business-initiated conversation windows based on their country.
- How is the WhatsApp Business API different from the WhatsApp Business App?
- The WhatsApp Business App is a free mobile app for small businesses with one user, limited automation, and a single device. The API enables multi-user access, advanced automation, AI chatbots, and unlimited scale.
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