WhatsApp Business App vs API
Last updated
Last updated
The WhatsApp Business App is a standalone application for small to medium-sized businesses. Companies can engage with their customers as they would through the standard WhatsApp app. The Business App allows small companies to communicate with customers with no coding for simple questions, answers, and even orders. To get started with the Business App, please visit the WhatsApp site.
The WhatsApp Business API allows growing companies to send more significant volumes of requests. Using the Business API opens the possibility of integrating with other systems, such as customer relationship software. You can automate business processes and customize your setup more. Using the Business API requires some coding knowledge. Please find a step-by-step guide on how to get started with the Business API here: WhatsApp Business step-by-step onboarding
WhatsApp Business App
WhatsApp Business API
Small to medium businesses
No developer knowledge needed
Immediate setup via WhatsApp
Answer questions from customers and enhance their shopping experience
No possibility of requesting an
It can only be used in one device by one person at a time.
Medium to large businesses
Requires coding knowledge
Use via official Facebook partners such as MessageBird
Automated answers, bots, and response captures via
Talk to customers using customized communication and send larger volumes
Possibility of requesting and getting an
Allows access by multiple users at the same time via the web and the connection to different CRMs such as Inbox or Zendesk.
You will need to migrate your number if you are using the App and would like to move to the API using the same number. To migrate the number, please follow the migration steps in this Phone Numbers Migration article. Below are a few things to know before you migrate your number:
Once a phone number has been migrated from WhatsApp Business, all chat history will be lost. To retain this history, you must back up this data before the migration.
Only a business admin for the WhatsApp Business Account can delete a phone number.
A number can not be deleted if the business has sent paid messages using that number within the last 30 days.