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WhatsApp API that scales with you

Everything your team needs for high-volume WhatsApp chats, calls and collaboration — from CRM integrations and automation to deep analytics.

WhatsApp Business App vs API: Which is best for you?

WhatsApp Business App is a free and easy-to-use app with limited users and features, ideal for handling low volumes of messages.


Businesses that require more powerful features need WhatsApp API, a scalable solution that enables automation, multi-user access and third-party integrations to manage high volumes of customer conversations and data.


However, WhatsApp API doesn’t have a frontend interface to send and receive messages. Connect it to a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) like respond.io to unlock its full potential.


Here’s how to decide which WhatsApp solution you need.


WhatsApp Business App

WhatsApp API

Best for

Small businesses

Medium to large businesses

Number of Users

5

Unlimited

Broadcast Limit

256 contacts per broadcast

Unlimited

Automation Capabilities

Limited

Advanced AI and automation

Supports Third-party Integrations

Supports Voice Call

Respond.io supports; not all providers do

Blue tick verification

Paid, easy to get

Free, requires Meta approval

Reports/Analytics

Lead Management

Simple tagging

Manage the entire customer lifecycle on respond.io

How much does WhatsApp Business API cost?

There are two key costs to consider.


Meta fees: Conversation-based pricing depending on conversation type.


Solution provider fees: Many BSPs add hidden costs like setup fees or message markups. Respond.io doesn’t; pay only what Meta charges you.


Learn about conversation types and estimate your costs with our WhatsApp pricing calculator.

$0.0150 / 24 hours

0 Conversations

$0.00

$0.0150 / 24 hours

0 Conversations

$0.00

$0.0150 / 24 hours

0 Conversations

$0.00

FREE

To gain additional insight into the pricing structure for WhatsApp conversations, reach out to us.

What to look for in a WhatsApp API solution

Get more out of WhatsApp API with the right provider. Expect seamless setup, powerful features and real business growth on respond.io.

Omnichannel team inbox

No more switching between apps to chat. Unify contacts and conversations from voice calls, email, WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook Messenger, Instagram and more.

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WhatsApp Business Calling API

Don’t worry about losing voice calls when switching to WhatsApp API. This feature is available in beta from select BSPs, including respond.io.

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Customer lifecycle management

Prioritize high-intent leads, design customer journeys for each lifecycle stage or identify common drop-off points with analytics.

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AI and automation

Create an AI Agent to handle FAQs or collect customer data. Then, auto-qualify and route leads to the right agents, automate follow-ups and more.

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Native integrations

Connect WhatsApp with HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Sheets and more for context at your fingertips while you chat.

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Lead generation and conversion

Capture leads from Meta ads, automate appointment bookings, share product info instantly with Meta Catalogs and more.

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Customer retention at scale

Grow customer loyalty with targeted WhatsApp broadcasts for promotions, renewals, upgrades and CSAT surveys.

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Data-driven insights

Track response times, Meta ad and broadcast performance, and conversions to turn insights into revenue.

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Stability under high volumes

Never lose leads due to crashes or downtime. Unlike other providers, respond.io guarantees high platform reliability.

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Easily migrate to the most powerful WhatsApp API solution

Migrate from WhatsApp Business App to WhatsApp API

  1. 1. Purchase a phone number that’s not connected to a current WhatsApp Business account or sign up for a virtual number
  1. 2. Connect your number to your Meta business account
  1. 3. Connect your new WhatsApp API account to respond.io
  1. 3. Connect your new WhatsApp API account to respond.io

Migrate WhatsApp API from another BSP to respond.io

  1. 1. Turn off 2-step verification in your Meta account.
  1. 2. Follow the simple steps in the respond.io platform to migrate your account
  1. 3. Verify your number and you’re ready to go - you keep your number, templates, contacts and conversation history!

Migrate to the most powerful WhatsApp Business API solution in 3 steps

Migrate from WhatsApp Business App to WhatsApp API

  1. 1. Purchase a WhatsApp number or sign up for a virtual number.*
  1. 2. Connect your number to your Meta business account.
  1. 3. Connect your new WhatsApp API account to respond.io and start chatting with customers.

*Coming soon: Use WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API on the same number on respond.io

Migrate WhatsApp API from another BSP to respond.io

  1. 1. Create a respond.io account.
  1. 2. Follow the step by step WhatsApp connection guide or reach out to us for full migration assistance.
  1. 3. Keep your display name, green tick, previously approved message template and more.

How businesses like yours use WhatsApp API on respond.io

Connect teams in a shared inbox, simplify workflows and drive growth over chats and calls

Capture leads with WhatsApp Marketing

- Use Meta click to chat ads to get leads into WhatsApp

- Launch Workflows to respond to and qualify leads instantly

- Manage the entire WhatsApp customer lifecycle in one platform

- Track WhatsApp marketing performance with in-depth analytics

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Convert with WhatsApp Sales Automation and Calling

- Automate appointment and meeting booking

- Share product or service information instantly with WhatsApp Catalog

- Leverage WhatsApp Business Calling API to close high-value deals faster

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Retain with targeted broadcasts

- Send promotional broadcasts at scale

- Remind customers about renewals or upgrade opportunities

- Conduct customer satisfaction surveys

Learn More

Retail

Education

Healthcare

Professional services

Automotive

Travel

Whether you sell apparel, fine jewelry, electronics or furniture, market and sell at scale from any channel on a single platform.

Capture leads from anywhere by turning ad clicks, website visits and in-store foot traffic into WhatsApp conversations.

Streamline retail operations when you sync product inquiries, orders and deliveries with your CRM or ERP.

Recover lost sales with automated abandoned cart messages to re-engage potential buyers.

Build customer loyalty by creating personalized shopping experiences for returning customers and VIPs.

Enable direct sales in chat with payment links to simplify transactions and speed up the checkout process.

Frequently asked questions

WhatsApp Business API, officially known as WhatsApp Business Platform, is designed for medium to large companies looking to use WhatsApp for messaging at scale.

Unlike the WhatsApp Business App, the API does not have a front-end interface and must be connected to a messaging software like respond.io to send and receive messages.

Real success stories from customers

3x your business results with respond.io 🚀