What is WhatsApp Business API?
The WhatsApp Business API is the official channel Meta provides for companies to send and receive WhatsApp messages through software instead of a phone. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business app, the API has no app interface of its own โ it connects your billing software, CRM or website to WhatsApp so messages can be automated, sent in bulk to opted-in customers, and handled by more than one staff member at the same time.
In India the API is used for order updates, payment reminders, OTPs and marketing broadcasts. Meta charges per conversation โ a marketing conversation costs roughly โน0.78 to โน0.88, while service replies within a 24-hour window are free. A Rajkot saree shop, for example, can push a new-arrival catalogue to 5,000 opted-in customers in minutes, something the normal app would flag as spam.