Introduction

On this page, you learn about the general information on the WhatsApp Business API.

What is the WhatsApp Business API?

WhatsApp Business API was the first product of the WhatsApp Business Platform. It lets you connect your WhatsApp account to any other tool that gets connected to it and apply the features of those tools in WhatsApp. For example, if you connect it to a chatbot, you could automate your conversations, reply to customers’ FAQs around the clock, automate sending them payment reminders, order placement confirmations and more on WhatsApp. With WhatsApp Business API, the possibilities and features you get are limitless and depend on the features of the software you connect to it.

To access the WhatsApp Business API, you must contact Meta’s partners, known as Business Solution Providers (BSPs). BSPs host the API on their servers, and businesses can access it through them only. BSPs may or may not be able to support all of the Business API features, such as different message types, that Meta has built or will build in the future. They also differ in the kinds of support they provide. Before choosing a BSP, you must know what features and support you need and whether a BSP provides them. There’s more information about this under How to Choose a Business Solution Provider (BSP).

Unlike WhatsApp Cloud API, that you can access for free, BSPs charge a fee for granting access to the Business API. They have different pricing models and charge differently. We discuss their pricing models in detail under How to Choose a Business Solution Provider (BSP). For information about the cost of using the WhatsApp Business API for customer communications, please see WhatsApp Business Platform Cost.

Who Is the WhatsApp Business API for?

WhatsApp Business API is for any small business to enterprise that need advance communications such as WhatsApp integrations with other tools, automations and team collaboration. See WhatsApp Business Platform Benefits for more information.

In comparison with WhatsApp Cloud API, if your business needs personalized support and assistance, sticker packs, and regional hosting, WhatsApp Business API is a more suitable option.
If you’re not sure whether WhatsApp Business API or WhatsApp Cloud API is the right one for you, read WhatsApp Business API vs. WhatsApp Cloud API.