Comparison between WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp offers the following solutions for businesses looking to connect with their customers:
WHATSAPP BUSINESS APP
Small businesses can communicate with customers from a single device through a free-to-download app.
WHATSAPP BUSINESS API
Recommended for medium and large businesses, the API allows companies to communicate with their customers at scale.
WHATSAPP BUSINESS APP | WHATSAPP BUSINESS API | |
Use Cases | • Manually send outgoing updates and answer incoming messages from a single phone number | •Proactively send notifications at scale •Answer incoming questions with automation and/or multiple live agents |
Scale | • Hundreds, manage responses from a single phone or computer with tools to help auto-reply | • Thousands to millions, with capacity limits |
Setup Time | • Immediate | • 5-15 days on average |
Key Features | • Business profile • Catalog • Away messages • Automated messages (Quick Replies) • Labels • Groups <256 people • QR codes, short links | • Business profile • Programmatic creation of QR codes, short links • Rich messaging (media, documents, buttons) • Integration into third-party systems (e.g., Customer service platforms, CRM, etc.) |
Product Limitations | • Manually send messages besides automated greeting or away messages • No green badge for an official business account | •System capacity limits on messages per hour •Paid templates required to initiate messages to customers outside of 24-hour window •Opt-in required for business-initiated messages |
Policy | • No bulk messaging | • No promotional notifications • No bulk messaging |
How to Access | • Download Business app in the Apple store or Google Play store • Free messaging | • Integrate with an authorized WhatsApp Business Solution Provider |
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