WhatsApp Business API is the official way for medium and large businesses to use WhatsApp at scale. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business app, it lets many agents share one number, send approved broadcast templates to thousands of customers, connect chatbots and CRMs, and get a green tick. You access it through a Meta Business Partner such as AiZapy, pay a platform fee plus Meta's per-message charges, and can usually go live the same day.
If your business gets more than a handful of WhatsApp enquiries a day, the normal WhatsApp Business app starts to feel small. One phone, one person replying, no automation and broadcast lists that only reach people who saved your number. That is where the WhatsApp Business API comes in.
What is WhatsApp Business API?
It is Meta's official platform for businesses that want to use WhatsApp at scale. There is no app to download. Instead you use it through a dashboard from a Meta Business Partner, which connects your number to features like a shared inbox, broadcasts, chatbots and integrations.
WhatsApp Business app vs API
| Business app | Business API | |
|---|---|---|
| Who replies | One phone, up to a few linked devices | Unlimited agents in one shared inbox |
| Broadcasts | Only to contacts who saved your number | To any opted-in customer, using approved templates |
| Automation | Basic greeting and away messages | Chatbots, flows, AI replies and follow-ups |
| Integrations | None | CRM, Shopify, Razorpay, Google Sheets, webhooks |
| Green tick | Not available | You can apply |
| Cost | Free | Platform fee plus per-message charges |
How much does it cost in India?
There are two parts. Meta charges per message based on its category, and your provider charges a platform fee for the dashboard and features.
- Marketing messages such as offers and festival greetings cost the most.
- Utility messages such as order updates and reminders cost much less.
- Service replies to a customer who messaged you are the cheapest.
On AiZapy, plans start at ₹499 a month, and our current rates are ₹1.05 per marketing message, ₹0.20 per utility message and ₹0.15 per service message after 1,000 free, plus GST.
What you need to apply
- A Facebook Business Manager (Meta Business Portfolio) for your company.
- A phone number that is not active on the normal WhatsApp app, or that you are ready to move.
- A website or business details that match your business name.
- Business verification documents, such as GST certificate or Udyam registration, when you want higher limits or a green tick.
How to get started with AiZapy
- Sign up and connect your Facebook Business Manager.
- Add your number and verify it with an OTP.
- Create your first templates and set up a welcome flow.
- Go live, usually within about an hour.
Our team helps with every step, so you do not need a developer. See the WhatsApp API page for details.
