Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Related to WhatsApp Business API

1. General Overview

Q. What is WhatsApp Business API?
Ans. WhatsApp Business API is an official messaging solution designed for medium and large businesses to send automated, scalable, and verified customer communications through WhatsApp.
Q. How is WhatsApp Business API different from WhatsApp Business App?
Ans. The Business App is designed for small businesses with manual messaging. The API supports automation, CRM integration, multi-agent access, and high-volume messaging.
Q. Who should use WhatsApp Business API?
Ans. Businesses handling high customer volume, automation needs, customer support teams, or CRM integration benefit most from WhatsApp Business API.
Q. What types of messages are supported?
Ans. WhatsApp Business API supports utility, authentication, marketing, and service conversations, subject to Meta’s policy and template approval.

2. Device & Platform Support

Q. Which devices support WhatsApp Business API messages?
Ans. Messages can be received on all smartphones that have WhatsApp installed, including Android and iOS devices with an active internet connection.
Q. Does WhatsApp Business API work on feature phones?
Ans. No. WhatsApp requires a smartphone and internet connectivity to receive and send messages.
Q. Is WhatsApp Business API carrier dependent?
Ans. No. WhatsApp messages are delivered through internet connectivity rather than telecom SMS routes.

3. Features & Interaction

Q. Can customers reply to WhatsApp Business API messages?
Ans. Yes. WhatsApp supports two-way messaging within the 24-hour customer care window, allowing real-time responses and chatbot automation.
Q. Does WhatsApp Business API support automation?
Ans. Yes. Businesses can integrate chatbots, automated replies, CRM triggers, and workflow automation through API integration.
Q. Does WhatsApp support interactive buttons?
Ans. Yes. Messages can include quick reply buttons, call-to-action buttons, and list messages to guide user interaction.
Q. Can we insert website links in WhatsApp messages?
Ans. Yes. WhatsApp supports clickable URLs within messages and CTA buttons.

4. Message Structure & Content Limits

Q. What is the character limit for WhatsApp messages?
Ans. WhatsApp Business API messages can support up to approximately 4,000 characters per message, depending on template structure.
Q. Are message templates required?
Ans. Yes. Pre-approved message templates are required for initiating conversations outside the 24-hour window.
Q. What is the 24-hour rule in WhatsApp?
Ans. Businesses can freely reply to customer messages within 24 hours of the user’s last message. After that, a template message must be used.

5. Media & File Support

Q. What media types are supported?
Ans. WhatsApp supports images, videos, audio, documents, stickers, and interactive message formats.
Q. What file formats are supported?
Ans. Supported formats include JPG, PNG, MP4, PDF, DOC, XLS, PPT, and more, subject to size limitations defined by Meta.
Q. Does WhatsApp support document sharing?
Ans. Yes. Businesses can share PDFs and other supported documents directly within the chat interface.

6. Media Specifications

Q. What is the maximum file size for media?
Ans. Images can typically be up to 5 MB, videos up to 16 MB, and documents up to 100 MB, depending on format and Meta’s latest policies.
Q. What image formats are recommended?
Ans. JPG and PNG formats are recommended for better compression and compatibility across devices.
Q. Are there video format guidelines?
Ans. MP4 format is recommended for videos to ensure compatibility and smooth playback.

7. Compliance, Timing & Registration

Q. Is user consent required for WhatsApp Business API?
Ans. Yes. Explicit user opt-in is mandatory before sending marketing or utility messages.
Q. Are there timing restrictions for marketing messages?
Ans. WhatsApp requires opt-in compliance and responsible messaging practices, though there are no telecom-style time restrictions like SMS.
Q. Is DLT registration required for WhatsApp?
Ans. No. WhatsApp operates on Meta’s infrastructure and does not require DLT registration for messaging.
Q. What is required for WhatsApp Business API registration?
Ans. Businesses must complete Meta Business verification, number setup, and template approval before activation.

8. Performance & Support

Q. What delivery rate can I expect?
Ans. Delivery rates are generally high since messages are sent via Meta’s infrastructure, subject to user opt-in and account quality.
Q. What affects message delivery?
Ans. Delivery depends on internet connectivity, user opt-in status, template compliance, and account quality rating.
Q. What support does YourBulkSMS provide?
Ans. YourBulkSMS offers onboarding assistance, Meta verification support, template approval guidance, API integration, automation setup, and technical support.