Summary
An Official Business Account (OBA) on WhatsApp is a verified profile with a green checkmark that helps build customer trust. Only businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform can apply. Meta now requires all verification requests to be submitted by a Business Solution Provider, such as Wati. To apply through Wati, you need a verified Facebook Business Manager, an approved WhatsApp API account, and strong brand notability supported by reputable media coverage. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval, as the final decision is made by WhatsApp.
Instructions
Overview
What is an Official Business Account (OBA)?
An Official Business Account (OBA) on WhatsApp is a verified business profile that shows a green checkmark badge next to your business name. This verification increases brand credibility and helps customers trust that they're interacting with an authentic business.
Only businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform (WBP) are eligible to apply for OBA status.
Benefits of having an OBA
Your business name appears in place of the phone number, even if the customer hasn’t saved your number.
A green checkmark is displayed next to your business name in the chat.
Enhanced brand trust and visibility.
Customers are more likely to engage with verified businesses.
Recent changes to the verification process
Meta has updated its policies. Businesses can no longer request OBA verification on their own. Going forward, only Business Solution Providers (BSPs) like Wati can submit the request for OBA verification on behalf of the customer.
How to request OBA verification through Wati
If you meet Meta's eligibility requirements and want to apply for an Official Business Account, please submit a support ticket. Our team will review your case and apply for verification on your behalf.
Submit a ticket via the in-app help widget available in your Wati Team Inbox. Alternatively, you can also use the widget available at Wati Help Center.
Pre-requisites for Official Business Account (Blue Tick) verification
Before requesting OBA (Blue Tick) verification through Wati, please ensure that your business meets the following requirements:
You are using an approved WhatsApp API Business Account
Two-step authentication is enabled for your WhatsApp number
(This is enabled by default for Wati users)
Your Facebook Business Manager is verified.
Your WhatsApp display name is approved
Your account is in Messaging Tier 1 or higher
Tier 2 (10,000 messages per 24 hours) or above is recommended
You represent a registered business (individuals are not eligible)
Your business is notable and reputable, with media coverage from trusted publications indexed on Google News.
You can submit up to 5 supporting links from reputable sources to demonstrate your brand’s notability. These can include articles or listings from well-known publications such as India Today, The Economic Times, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, Wikipedia, or Business Insider.
These links help Meta assess the public presence and recognition of your business, which is an important factor in the verification process.
If any of these conditions are not met, your request is likely to be rejected by Meta.
Is Blue Tick verification guaranteed?
No, Blue Tick (Official Business Account) verification is not guaranteed.
It's important to understand that WhatsApp API access and Blue Tick verification are separate processes. A business may be approved to use the WhatsApp API but still be denied Blue Tick verification.
To be eligible, your business must meet all the prerequisites listed above. However, meeting these requirements does not ensure approval.
WhatsApp grants Blue Tick status only to a small number of highly reputable, well-known brands. The decision is entirely made by WhatsApp (Meta), and Wati has no control over the outcome.
If your request is rejected, you can submit a new request after 30 days. During this time, we recommend continuing to grow your brand presence, particularly by gaining coverage in reputable news sources, to improve your chances in future submissions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Understanding official business accounts
1. What is an Official Business Account (OBA) on WhatsApp?
An OBA is a verified WhatsApp business profile that displays a green checkmark next to your business name. It helps customers trust that they are interacting with a legitimate business.
2. Who can apply for an OBA?
Only businesses using the WhatsApp Business Platform are eligible to apply for an OBA.
3. What are the benefits of having an OBA?
Your business name appears instead of your phone number, a green checkmark is shown in the chat, and customers are more likely to trust and engage with your business.
Applying for OBA verification
4. How do I request OBA verification through Wati?
You can submit a support ticket through the in-app help widget in Wati’s Team Inbox or the widget in the Wati Help Center. Wati will review your case and submit the request on your behalf.
5. Can businesses apply for OBA verification directly through Meta?
No. Meta only accepts OBA verification requests submitted by Business Solution Providers like Wati.
Eligibility requirements
6. What are the prerequisites for OBA (Blue Tick) verification?
Your business must meet several requirements, including having an approved WhatsApp API account, enabling two-step authentication, having a verified Facebook Business Manager, using an approved WhatsApp display name, and being in Messaging Tier 1 or higher. You must also be a registered business with notable media coverage.
7. What kind of supporting links can I submit for notability?
You can provide up to five links from reputable publications indexed on Google News. Examples include India Today, The Economic Times, Reuters, Wall Street Journal, Wikipedia, or Business Insider.
8. What happens if any eligibility requirement is not met?
If one or more requirements are missing, your verification request is likely to be rejected by Meta.
Approval expectations
9. Is Blue Tick verification guaranteed?
No. Even if you meet all eligibility criteria, approval is not guaranteed. WhatsApp approves OBA status only for highly reputable and widely recognized brands.
10. Can a business have WhatsApp API access but still be denied OBA verification?
Yes. WhatsApp API approval and OBA verification are separate processes. A business may be approved for API use but still not receive the Blue Tick.
11. What can I do if my OBA request is rejected?
You can submit a new request after 30 days. During this period, focus on strengthening your brand presence, especially by gaining coverage in reputable news sources.