WhatsApp is all set to launch the WhatsApp Cloud API as a move to push itself in the business market.
WhatsApp Business API
It was introduced in the Last November into beta testing, this new developer tool is a cloud-based version of the WhatsApp Business API.
It is the company’s first revenue-generating enterprise product — but hosted on parent company Meta’s infrastructure.
The company has been building out its Business API platform over the past several years as a part of making money.
With rates that vary based on the region and number of messages sent, businesses pay WhatsApp on a per-message basis.
Brands like Vodafone, Coppel, Sears Mexico, BMW, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Iberia Airlines, Itau Brazil, iFood, Bank Mandiri and others have already set up non-cloud-based version of the Business API as of last year. It is a free to use on premise version of the API.
The company said that with the cloud-based version, the company aims to attract a market of smaller businesses and reduces the integration time from weeks to only minutes which will be for free.
Businesses integrate the API with their back-end systems, where WhatsApp communication is usually just one part of their messaging and communication strategy. They may also want to direct their communications to SMS, other messaging apps, emails and more. Typically, businesses would work with a solutions provider like Zendeks or Twilio to help facilitate these integrations. Providers during the cloud API beta tests had included Zendesk in the U.S., Take in Brazil and MessageBird in the E.U.
Zuckerberg About WhatsApp Cloud API
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the global, public availability of the cloud-based platform, now called the WhatsApp Cloud API during the Meta’s messaging-focused “Conversations” live event today.
He said that the “The best business experiences meet people where they are. Already more than 1 billion users connect with a business account across our messaging services every week. They’re reaching out for help, to find products and services, and to buy anything from big-ticket items to everyday goods. And today, I am excited to announce that we’re opening WhatsApp to any business of any size around the world with WhatsApp Cloud API”.
He said that for both businesses, big & small, the company believes the new API will help businesses to help them to connect with more people.
Cloud API will help partners to eliminate costly server expenses and help them provide customers with quick access to new features as they arrive, says Meta.
Launched in 2018, the WhatsApp Business App is aimed at smaller businesses that want to establish an official presence on WhatsApp’s service and connect with customers.
Some features that are not free are provided by this app. These include support automated quick replies, greeting messages, FAQs, away messaging, statistics and more.
New power features like the ability to manage chats across up to 10 devices will be offered by WhatsApp Business app. This will be a paid feature.
New customizable WhatsApp click-to-chat links that help businesses attract customers across their online presence will be provided by the company. This will include Meta’s other applications like Facebook and Instagram.
These will be a part of a forthcoming Premium service for WhatsApp Business app users. Further details, including pricing, will be announced later.