Your Complete Guide to WhatsApp Cloud API: Setup, Features & Pricing

Instant Access

Businesses can get their WhatsApp Business Cloud API account verified directly through Meta for free. This allows them to integrate and manage their API accounts instantly without any roadblocks or delays.

No Additional Cost

If you integrate the Cloud API, you won’t need to pay any additional installation or operational costs except the conversational pricing model. This allows businesses to concentrate their budget on additional fronts. To get a rough estimate on how much your WhatsApp Business could cost you, check out the WhatsApp API pricing calculator here

Less Resource Intensive

Since WhatsApp Cloud API hosts all the application data on the Meta, they can rest assured that they won't need to add unwanted additional resources that some BSPs would require them to add. This allows for a much smoother API experience.

Instant Updates

With the WhatsApp Cloud API, businesses can get instant updates on API functionalities as soon as they become available. This allows businesses to stay on top of API changes without worrying about their BSP’s update procedures.

Security

With the API hosted directly on Meta servers, businesses won’t have to worry about the security of their WhatsApp API information. The server will also help businesses to make sure that the applications stay up & running even during the peak of the season.

Step 1: 

The first step in the WhatsApp Cloud API setup is to connect your WhatsApp number to your Cloud API account by clicking the ‘Add phone number’.

Step 2: 

You’ll just have to fill your business information in the following step, and click Next.

Step 3: 

Add a phone number in the next box to connect your WhatsApp number with your Cloud API.

Step 4: 

Verify your phone number with the 6-digit verification code that you’ll receive.

Step 5: 

Create a Facebook for Developers Account or log in to an existing account. Then, click on ‘Create App’.

Step 6: 

Select the Business app type and then provide the basic information about your business.

Step 7: 

Select WhatsApp from the list of Apps & click on ‘Continue’ to accept the terms & conditions.

Note: Facebook will create a new business account if you leave your Business Manager account unselected in Steps 2 & 3.

Step 8: 

In the next step, send a message to the business number (that you added in Step 4) from the test number that is provided.

Step 9: 

Once you verified your phone number, you can connect the WhatsApp Cloud API with a BSP like Gallabox.

Step 10: 

To connect the Cloud API with Gallabox, you need to choose Channels & click on ‘Add Channels’.

Step 11:

In the dialog box, choose Gallabox and click on next. You can then continue the same process that you use to connect your WhatsApp Business Account. You can find the detailed steps in our How to open WhatsApp Business Account blog.

Limited Market Availability

The WhatsApp Cloud API is newly launched and hence is not widely available in the market. Since many BSPs don’t have the infrastructure to host Cloud API, you might need a good development team to benefit from WhatsApp Meta Cloud API integration.

No Hosting Assistance

One of the main advantages of using a BSP is the hosting assistance that they provide. Since WhatsApp chatbots are directly hosted on Meta, you might not get a custom user interface or comprehensive guidance on integration & maintenance.

Messaging Limit

The Business API account supports 250 messages per second but the Cloud API only supports 80 messages per second currently. While this limit will increase in the future, it might affect your business when it scales.

Reduced Customer Support

Another critical limitation of integrating the Cloud API system is that you might not get the personalized support that BSPs provide. When you integrate the Business API system, you can partner with a business solutions provider that’s based in your region. This allows you to get specialized support based on your region’s current market trends.

Certificate & Media Support

When you choose the Cloud API system, you will not be able to manage your Certificate Accounts (CA) and Webhooks CA certificates. While this might not be a major limitation, managing your certificates will slightly increase your chat security.

The Cloud API system doesn’t support the Stickerpack Management API, which allows you to manage first- & third-party stickers. Furthermore, media management is also depreciated when using Cloud API.

1.What are the costs associated with using the Cloud API?

The WhatsApp Cloud API is free to use. You will only be charged based on the conversations. If you are partnering with a BSP, then you might incur additional charges depending on their pricing structure.

2.How does the Cloud API differ from the on-premises API?

The main difference is where the API is hosted. With the on-premises API, your business or a BSP needs to install and run the software on your own servers. This means you're responsible for setup, maintenance, and updates.

Meta hosts the WhatsApp Cloud API, on the other hand. You don’t need to manage any servers, and updates are handled for you. This makes it easier to access, quicker to set up, and less demanding in terms of technical resources.

3.How can I integrate the Cloud API with my existing systems?

You can integrate the WhatsApp Business Cloud API with your systems by linking it through webhooks, setting up a callback URL, and using automation tools to manage business messaging. This setup helps connect your workflows and supports seamless communication across platforms.

4.How will WhatsApp Cloud API affect businesses already using WhatsApp Business API?

The Cloud API is directly provided by Meta, however, it only offers back-end hosting support and not a working front-end. This is similar to the Business API system. Since the only difference is the hosting location, there aren’t any major advantages or disadvantages in using either of the applications. Since the major advantage of Cloud API is its faster approval & integration time, there is little to no impact on businesses currently using the Business API.

5.How will WhatsApp Cloud API make it easier for new people to apply?

Currently, the approval process for the Business API lasts from a few days to a week. Since the process is also complicated, it dissuades several small businesses from using WhatsApp API. This fear is also compounded by the fact that some BSPs charge additional fees. The introduction of the Cloud API will help small & medium business owners get access to WhatsApp API systems easily & reap the benefits that it brings.

6.Which languages does the WhatsApp Cloud API support?

The Cloud API system supports all the languages supported by the Business API system. However, the Cloud API has a reduced messaging limit (80 messages per second) when compared to the Business API (250 messages per second).

7.Which is better for you: On-premise or Cloud API?

This is completely dependent on your business needs. In our opinion, the Cloud API can help you get access to WhatsApp API easily and integrate it faster. This is a clear advantage if you are a small business that is looking to improve your business communication. However, we will suggest you use the Business API for a long-term advantage. The on-premise hosting and regional support that you get by using the Business API can net you additional benefits and features in the long run.