WhatsApp Business API

WhatsApp Business API uses a conversation-based billing model; when a user proactively sends a message to a business, a 24-hour customer service window is opened, within which the business can send any number of messages for free.

The WhatsApp Business API has explicit content review and sending frequency controls for proactively sent template messages, and marketing pushes without user opt-in may result in account bans

The WhatsApp Business API requires companies to go through Meta's business verification process, use pre-approved message templates, and comply with the 24-hour session window rule.

WhatsApp Business API is a programming interface opened by Meta for medium and large enterprises, allowing businesses to conduct large-scale message sending, automated workflow building, and customer service system integration through licensed third-party platforms (BSPs).

24小时客户服务窗口关闭后，商家若要主动联系用户需使用预审批的消息模板（Template Message）并支付费用

WhatsApp Business API的列表消息（List Message）最多支持10个选项，分组不超过10个section

WhatsApp Business API的按钮消息（Button Message）最多支持3个按钮，每个按钮文本不超过20个字符

The WhatsApp Business API is the official interface provided by Meta that allows businesses to send and receive WhatsApp messages programmatically.

The official WhatsApp Business API imposes constraints on message templates, session windows, and sending frequency, which affects how features such as proactive reminders and long-task follow-ups are implemented.

The AI-built flower shop CRM does not include the WhatsApp Business API out of the box; click-to-chat links work without setup, but automatic confirmations or reminders require connecting to the WhatsApp Business Platform through Meta or an approved provider, using your own account, approved templates and per-message billing.

In WhatsApp customer service scenarios, scheduled follow-ups and order notification messages must use message templates, while instant Q&A can make use of the customer service window.

When the WhatsApp Business API receives a new message, it sends a POST request to a preconfigured Webhook URL, triggering the subsequent processing flow.

In coexistence mode, the API side can only see messages sent and received through itself; actions taken manually on the Business app are invisible events to the API, and an additional event push (such as message.echo) is required to complete the view.

WhatsApp coexistence allows a business to use the WhatsApp Business app and the API on the same number at the same time.

The main barriers for individual developers using the WhatsApp Business API are business verification and number review; if it is only for testing, you can first connect via the sandbox environment of third-party service providers such as Twilio, and then migrate to the official API.

Meta usually provides a certain amount of free conversation quota for the WhatsApp Business API (billed by 24-hour session), and charges per conversation beyond that.

The WhatsApp Business API stipulates that businesses can only freely send messages within the 24-hour session window initiated by the user, and proactive outreach to users beyond the window must use a pre-submitted and approved "message template"

Each integration item (such as CRM, WhatsApp Business API, website widget, Twilio phone, Slack/Teams, custom API) adds $1,500.

The Business-Scoped User ID (BSID) is an identifier mechanism introduced by the WhatsApp Business API to protect user privacy; the same real user has a different BSID under different business accounts, making cross-account tracking impossible.

Enabling Meta Business Agent does not require applying for a WhatsApp Business API number; AI reply capability can be activated directly with a regular business number.