What is the WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Business API, now called the WhatsApp Business Platform, is Meta's way for businesses to connect WhatsApp to software, such as an AI agent or a shared inbox, instead of replying by hand in the WhatsApp Business app.
Also called: WhatsApp Business Platform, WhatsApp Cloud API, WhatsApp API.
By Santhul Joseph, AI EngineerUpdated
The app versus the API
- The WhatsApp Business app is free and made for replying by hand from a phone or a few linked devices.
- The Business Platform has no app of its own. Software connects to it, so a chatbot, an AI agent or a team inbox can send and receive the messages.
- On the Platform, people who message you can get an answer straight away, at any hour, from that software.
- To message someone who hasn't written to you recently, the Platform requires a pre-approved template message.
Getting access and what it costs
You need a Meta business account and a phone number. Most businesses connect through a Meta partner's embedded signup, which takes a few minutes and walks you through the steps on Meta's own screens.
Meta charges per delivered template message, with rates by category and country, while replies inside the 24-hour customer service window are free. Pricing and onboarding rules change from time to time, so check Meta's current rules.
WhatsApp in SimplyBoost
SimplyBoost is Meta approved for WhatsApp. You connect your WhatsApp Business number through Meta's embedded signup, and the AI agent answers on WhatsApp from the same knowledge it uses on your website: your pages, PDFs, documents and Q&As.
WhatsApp is on every plan, Starter included, with no extra fee per channel. When a customer needs a person, your team is alerted and the customer gets a short message that your team has it.
Questions people ask
Is the WhatsApp Business API free?
Getting access is free, but Meta charges for template messages. Replies to customers inside the 24-hour customer service window cost nothing from Meta.
Can I keep using the WhatsApp Business app on the same number?
In many cases, yes, through Meta's coexistence onboarding, though some features are limited. Check Meta's current rules for your number before you connect.
Do I need a developer to connect WhatsApp to SimplyBoost?
No. You connect your number through Meta's embedded signup from the SimplyBoost dashboard, and the agent uses the knowledge you've already added.