The WhatsApp Cloud API is a cloud-based version of the WhatsApp Business API, empowering businesses and developers to customize their WhatsApp experiences and respond to customers quickly and effortlessly. Previously, businesses depended on official WhatsApp BSPs (Business Service Providers) to seek approval for the WhatsApp API, as Facebook did not directly provide access to the WhatsApp API.
The WhatsApp Cloud API changes this by enabling businesses to have their WhatsApp Business API accounts approved directly by Facebook.
It offers a streamlined approval process as businesses can obtain direct approval for the WhatsApp Cloud API from Facebook. With this cloud API, any business can easily access the service, build on top of WhatsApp, and engage with its customers seamlessly.
How does the WhatsApp Cloud API work?
The WhatsApp Cloud API opens up WhatsApp to businesses worldwide, allowing them to customize the platform based on their specific needs and experiences.
By leveraging it, businesses can set up their WhatsApp Business Accounts within minutes, with direct approval from Facebook.
While Facebook takes care of hosting, maintenance, and other responsibilities previously handled by Business Service Providers, they do not provide a platform for using the WhatsApp Cloud API. Businesses have the option to either build their own solution with their developer team or choose a WhatsApp Business API-based platform like EngageZap to utilize the WhatsApp Business API.
Benefits of the WhatsApp Cloud API
The WhatsApp Cloud API offers several benefits:
- Lightning-fast approval for the WhatsApp Business API directly from Facebook, taking just minutes. Businesses can contact BSPs (Business Service Providers) for a platform to utilize the WhatsApp Business API.
- Getting approved for the WhatsApp Business API requires no payment. However, Facebook does not provide a platform for using the API. EngageZap, an official WhatsApp Business API-based platform, can be used to broadcast campaigns and provide customer support under one platform.
- Instant access to new updates added to the WhatsApp Business API as businesses now have direct access to WhatsApp Business APIs via Cloud APIs.
Impact on Businesses already using WhatsApp Business API
If you already have an approved WhatsApp Business API Account, the WhatsApp Cloud API does not bring any significant changes. Although you can switch to the WhatsApp Cloud API, it won’t affect your existing WhatsApp Business API Account. It primarily aims to make the WhatsApp Business API more accessible to businesses worldwide.
For businesses without access to the WhatsApp Business API
If you are new to the WhatsApp Business API and seeking approval for your account, there’s good news. With the WhatsApp Cloud API, you can get your account approved within minutes for free. Previously, applying for the WhatsApp Business API required having an approved Facebook Business Manager Account.
However Now, you can apply and obtain approval for the WhatsApp API without the need for an FB Business Manager Account approval. We Recommend verifying your Facebook Business Manager alongside for broader access to the WhatsApp API.”
Is WhatsApp Business API free?
With the WhatsApp Cloud API, you can access the WhatsApp Business API for free, directly from Facebook. However, to communicate with your users using the API, you still need a platform. EngageZap offers an easy-to-use solution for utilizing the WhatsApp Business API.
Limitations of the WhatsApp Cloud API
There is one limitation when using the WhatsApp Cloud API: you cannot use the same WhatsApp number for both the on-premise WhatsApp Business API and the cloud WhatsApp API.
However, you can transfer your phone number from the on-premise WhatsApp Business API to the WhatsApp Cloud API. You have the choice to use a phone number with either the on-premise WhatsApp API or the Cloud WhatsApp API.