The WABA allows medium and large businesses to communicate with their customers at scale
via WhatsApp, using automation, CRMs, or customer support tools.
• A verified Meta Business Manager
• A dedicated phone number (not tied to an existing WhatsApp account)
• A display name that complies with Meta policies
• A business website and business use case
• Session messages (user-initiated) — free
• Template messages (business-initiated) — require pre-approval.
Pricing is based on conversation-based pricing, not messages. Each 24-hour conversation
window is charged based on the category:
• Marketing
• Utility
• Authentication
• Service (user-initiated)
Yes, Meta uses country-based pricing, which varies depending on the country code of
the recipient.
Meta assigns a quality score based on user feedback. Poor performance can lead to
limitations or bans.
Messaging limits define how many users a business can message per day. You start with
1,000 and scale up as your quality rating and message volume grow.
Once a number is registered for WhatsApp Business API, it can’t be changed. You’ll need
to apply for a new WhatsApp Business API if you want to change the number.
The number active on WhatsApp Business API cannot be used with WhatsApp Apps. If
you want to switch the number to WhatsApp Business API from WhatsApp Apps, you’ll
need to delete your WhatsApp account associated with that number. Deleting WhatsApp
Business App:
• Open WhatsApp.
• Go to More Options (three dots) > Settings > Account > Delete My Account.
• Enter your phone number and follow the steps to delete your account.
The API number can still be used for regular functionalities like calls, SMS, etc., but it
can’t be used to register on WhatsApp Apps.
In addition to keeping the registered phone number, business owners can retain the:
• Display Name
• Quality Rating
• Social Business Account Status
• Messaging Limits
• Previously Approved Template Messages
The WABA API supports sending and receiving:
• Images (JPG, PNG)
• Videos (MP4, 3GP)
• Audio (OGG, AAC, AMR)
• Documents (PDF, DOCX, XLSX, etc.)
• Stickers (WebP)
• Location
• Contacts
• Interactive messages (buttons, lists, catalogs)
• Product messages (for businesses with a WhatsApp catalog)
Templates must:
• Not contain promotional, abusive, or vague language
• Follow a clear purpose (marketing, utility, authentication)
• Have placeholder variables ({{1}}, {{2}}, etc.) used properly
• Be written in supported languages using correct grammar
• Avoid use of spammy terms like “Free”, “Buy now”, “Click fast”
• Not request sensitive data like credit card or password
• Submitted: Waiting for Meta’s review
• Approved: Can be used immediately
• Rejected: Violates Meta’s policies
• Paused: Temporarily blocked due to quality issues
• Disabled: Permanently blocked due to consistent negative feedback
• In Appeal: Under reconsideration after rejection
An Icebreaker is a pre-set button shown when a user starts a conversation with a
chatbot. It helps initiate interaction with suggested actions like “Talk to support” or
“Browse catalog”.
A Command is a special type of button or keyword that triggers a predefined response
or flow in automation or chatbot systems — like a quick reply triggering a specific API
call or function.
The Flow feature allows businesses to build mini web app experiences inside WhatsApp
— like multi-step forms, surveys, lead generation, or feedback collection — all without
leaving the chat interface.
It includes:
• Multiple screens
• Input fields
• Branching logic
• Button-based navigation
Currently available in Cloud API for selected regions and businesses.
A 24-hour session begins when the user sends a message to the business. Within that
window, you can reply freely with session messages.
Example:
• User sends: “Hi” at 10:00 AM
• You can reply any time until 9:59 AM the next day
• After that, you must use a template message to re-engage
• Static template: Fixed content with no variables. Same message goes to everyone.
• Dynamic template: Includes variables like {{1}}, {{2}} that get filled dynamically when
sending (e.g., names, order numbers).
• Static website button: Hardcoded URL, same for all recipients.
Example: “Visit our site” → https://example.com
• Dynamic website button: URL includes a variable (e.g.,
https://example.com/order/{{1}}) so each user gets a personalized link.
• Must reflect your business name or branding
• Cannot include emojis, all caps (unless part of the brand), or generic terms
• Must match what’s on your business website or social media
• Must avoid impersonation or misleading terms
• No spammy or overly promotional messages
• Avoid clickbait language
• No requests for sensitive info (e.g., passwords, PINs)
• Follow WhatsApp’s Business Policy and Commerce Policy
• Two-factor authentication (OTP)
• Appointment reminders
• Customer support via WhatsApp
• IVR and click-to-call
• Marketing campaigns
• E-commerce order updates
• Smart chatbots and virtual assistants