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What is WhatsApp Cloud API

• Meta’s official server-based interface

• No phone or device required

• Supports automations, bots, CRM, broadcasts

• Uses Meta’s cloud infrastructure

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Why it exists

• Replaces unofficial tools and device-based solutions

• Enables scale and compliance

• Provides reliable delivery and anti-spam protection

 

Meta’s infrastructure

• Handles routing, validation, delivery

• Stores media temporarily

• Enforces limits and policies

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Access Token

• Auth required for all API calls

• Linked to App ID, WABA ID, Phone Number ID

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API Requests

• Standard HTTP

• Example endpoint:
  POST https://graph.facebook.com/v19.0/{PHONE_NUMBER_ID}/messages

Webhooks

• Real-time incoming messages

• Status updates (sent, delivered, read)

• Template events

• Error notifications

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Message flow

• Server sends POST request

• Meta validates (policy + template + rate limits)

• Message enters internal queue

• WhatsApp delivers to user

• Webhook sends delivery + read receipts

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Message types

• Text

• Image

• Video

• Document

• Interactive (buttons, lists)

• Template messages

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24-hour session window

• Starts when user sends a message

• Free-form messages allowed for 24h

• After 24h → only template messages allowed

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Business Verification

• Not required for <250 daily messages

• Required for templates

• Required for tier upgrades

• Required for co-existence

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Anti-spam controls

• Meta monitors blocks, spam reports, reply rates

• Restrictions applied if thresholds exceeded

• Possible results: tier downgrade, temp suspension, template pause

Simple send example

POST /v19.0/PHONE_NUMBER_ID/messages { "messaging_product": "whatsapp", "to": "972501234567", "type": "text", "text": { "body": "Hello" } }

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Integrations

• n8n

• Zapier

• Make

• Node.js backend

• Python backend

• CRMs

• Custom dashboards

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Cloud API vs Business App

• Automations: Cloud API

• Chatbots: Cloud API

• Multi-agent: Cloud API

• CRM integration: Cloud API

• Broadcast scale: Cloud API

• Templates: Cloud API

• Webhooks: Cloud API

(App = basic usage only)

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Who it’s for

• SMBs

• Sales teams

• Support centers

• Coaches / schools

• Membership clubs

• SaaS platforms

• Automation agencies

• Enterprises

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High-level architecture

• Your server

• Meta Graph API

• WhatsApp infrastructure

• Customer device

• Webhook back to server