WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API (WABA) is Meta's official programmatic interface that lets businesses send and receive WhatsApp messages at scale. It supports templates, chatbots, and two-way conversations — unlike the free WhatsApp Business app which is for small-volume manual replies.
In depth
Launched by Meta (then Facebook), the WhatsApp Business API is what powers every WhatsApp chatbot, notification tool, or automation platform you see. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business app (meant for <50 messages/day, manual replies), the API supports unlimited messaging, template pre-approval, automated replies, and integration with CRMs and AI. Access to the API requires verification, a Meta Business account, and typically a Business Solution Provider (BSP) like Twilio, AiSensy, or Meta's direct Cloud API. In India, WhatsApp Business API pricing (2026) uses per-message costs: roughly ₹1.05 per marketing message and ₹0.17 per authentication/utility message. Service conversations (replies within 24 hours of the customer's message) are free. AI receptionists like Dvaarik (Business plan) use the API to handle inbound WhatsApp chats two-way.
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