If you're looking to understand how WhatsApp Business API works, how it differ from the WhatsApp Business App, and how it can help small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), you've come to the right place. This guide will give you a quick primer on everything you need to know before getting started.

The WhatsApp Business API was launched to help medium to large companies communicate with multiple customers at scale. It enables businesses to automate communications with features like automated replies, WhatsApp chatbots, and interactive messages.

In short, the WhatsApp Business API helps businesses create a personalized communication flow that works best for their customers.

The WhatsApp Business App and its web extension are free-to-use apps designed to help small business owners connect with customers. They allow small businesses to offer their products and services and support customers throughout their journey. However, the app has limited capabilities and is not built for scale.

WATI is a powerful platform that helps you connect with your customers on WhatsApp. Think of it as a central hub for all your WhatsApp business communication. You can use WATI to send and receive messages, automate replies, and even build custom integrations to connect WhatsApp with your other business tools. By adding WhatsApp as a communication channel through WATI, you can improve your customer support, marketing, and sales efforts.

Before deciding to use the WhatsApp Business API, you should know a few basics about APIs and the rules:

After onboarding, businesses can send messages to customers only after a customer initiates a message. These messages are called session messages and can be sent by businesses to customers only within 24 hours of the customer sending a message.

→ The WhatsApp Business API is designed for medium to large businesses to communicate with multiple customers at scale. It enables automation through chatbots, interactive messages, and automated replies.

→ The WhatsApp Business App is a free tool for small businesses to connect with customers but has limited features. The WhatsApp Business API is built for businesses that need automation, scalability, and multiple-agent support.

→ The WhatsApp Business App is designed for small businesses and does not support bulk messaging, which is only possible via the WhatsApp Business API.

→ No, the WhatsApp Business App does not support multiple logins. The API, however, allows multiple users to access a shared dashboard.

→ No, automation and API-triggered messages are only available through the WhatsApp Business API.

→ No, if you onboard with a WhatsApp Business API provider (like WATI), previous chats will not be accessible.

→ No, once a number is onboarded to the WhatsApp Business API, it cannot be used on the regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business App.

→ Businesses can only send messages to customers within 24 hours of receiving a message from them. These are called session messages.

→ After 24 hours, businesses can only send template messages, which must be pre-approved by WhatsApp.

→ Template messages are pre-approved messages that businesses can send after the 24-hour session expires. They must follow WhatsApp’s Commerce Policies.

→ No, the WhatsApp Group Feature is not supported in the API.

→ No, WhatsApp Voice and Video Calls are not supported, but voice notes can be sent.

→ No, the WhatsApp Message Forwarding feature is not available in the API.

→ No, messages sent via the API cannot be deleted, as WhatsApp does not support this functionality.

→ You can manage your API settings, template messages, and automation through your provider’s dashboard (e.g., WATI).