WhatsApp API for business: Cost, features & setup

Everything your team needs for high-volume WhatsApp chats, calls and collaboration — from CRM integrations and automation to deep analytics.

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WhatsApp Business App vs API: Which is best for you?

The WhatsApp Business App is free and easy to use, ideal for managing low volumes of messages, but limited in users and features.

Businesses needing more powerful capabilities should consider the WhatsApp API, a scalable solution enabling automation, multi-user access and third-party integrations for managing high volumes of conversations and data.

The WhatsApp API doesn’t include an inbox to send and receive messages, so you’ll need a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider (BSP) like AELYST to unlock its full potential.

Because switching to WhatsApp API can feel daunting, AELYST has become one of the first BSPs to offer WhatsApp Coexistence. This means you can connect to the WhatsApp API while still using your WhatsApp Business App with the same phone number.

Here’s what’s in for you.

Transition gradually as your business grows
Try WhatsApp API risk-free without permanent migration
Keep your existing contacts and chats in the WhatsApp Business App

Unsure if WhatsApp API is for you? Test it risk-free on AELYST and keep your Business App running as usual.

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Checkout Demos

	WhatsApp Business App	WhatsApp API
Best for	Small businesses	Medium to large businesses
Number of Users	5	Unlimited
Broadcast Limit	256 contacts per broadcast	Unlimited
Automation Capabilities	Limited	Advanced AI and automation
Supports Third-party Integrations	–	✓
Supports Voice Call	✓	✓
Blue tick verification	Paid	Free, require meta approval
Reports/Analytics	–	✓
Lead Management	Simple tagging	Manage the entire customer lifecycle on AELYST

The Complete Toolkit to Build, Launch & Scale

Get more out of WhatsApp API with the right provider. Expect seamless setup, powerful features and real business growth on AELYST.

Omnichannel team inbox

No more switching between apps to chat. Unify contacts and conversations from voice calls, email, WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook Messenger, Instagram and more.

Customer lifecycle management

Prioritize high-intent leads, design customer journeys for each lifecycle stage or identify common drop-off points with analytics.

AI and automation

Create an AI Agent to handle FAQs or collect customer data. Then, auto-qualify and route leads to the right agents, automate follow-ups and more.

Native integrations

Connect WhatsApp with HubSpot, Salesforce, Google Sheets and more for context at your fingertips while you chat.

Lead generation and conversion

Capture leads from Meta ads, automate appointment bookings, share product info instantly with Meta Catalogs and more.

Customer retention at scale

Grow customer loyalty with targeted WhatsApp broadcasts for promotions, renewals, upgrades and CSAT surveys.

Data-driven insights

Track response times, Meta ad and broadcast performance, and conversions to turn insights into revenue.

Stability under high volumes

Never lose leads due to crashes or downtime. Unlike other providers, AELYST guarantees high platform reliability.

Migrate to the most powerful WhatsApp Business API solution in 3 steps

1. Purchase a WhatsApp number or sign up for a virtual number. You can also use an existing WhatsApp Business App number.*

2. Connect your number to your Meta business account.

3. Connect your new WhatsApp API account to AELYST and start chatting with customers.

*AELYST supports using the same number for WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API

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Elevate Your Business with Smart, Scalable Solutions!

Retail

Education

Healthcare

Professional services

Automotive

Travel

Retail

Whether you sell apparel, fine jewelry, electronics or furniture, market and sell at scale from any channel on a single platform.

Use WhatsApp and TikTok ads for direct engagement on students’ favorite social apps.
Segment leads based on key factors like age, skill level and language to personalize outreach and improve conversions.
Automate appointment booking for campus tours, interviews and consultations to streamline the enrollment process.
Send targeted promotions and newsletters to keep students informed about new courses, events, and academic opportunities.
Automate reminders for tuition payments to reduce manual follow-ups and ensure continued engagement.

Education

Whether you sell apparel, fine jewelry, electronics or furniture, market and sell at scale from any channel on a single platform.

Use WhatsApp and TikTok ads for direct engagement on students’ favorite social apps.
Segment leads based on key factors like age, skill level and language to personalize outreach and improve conversions.
Automate appointment booking for campus tours, interviews and consultations to streamline the enrollment process.
Send targeted promotions and newsletters to keep students informed about new courses, events, and academic opportunities.
Automate reminders for tuition payments to reduce manual follow-ups and ensure continued engagement.

Healthcare

Handle appointments, inquiries and teleconsultations over messaging or calls.

Centralize operations across multiple locations for a complete overview of patient interactions and business performance.
Get a full view of patient data and interactions on WhatsApp, email and other channels by integrating your CRM, ERP, or EHR.
Automate patient routing and dedicated agent assignments for efficient handling of inquiries and appointments.
Automatically collect and store consent opt-ins to maintain regulatory compliance and streamline audits.
Send personalized appointment reminders and follow-ups to reduce no-shows and enhance patient experience.

Professional services

From photography and videography to home cleaning or accounting services, market, sell and support at scale from any channel.

Segment leads by service needs or location for highly targeted and personalized outreach campaigns.
Automate inquiry handling with AI for instant replies and 24/7 lead qualification, ensuring no opportunity is missed.
Send service updates, appointment reminders, and promotions to improve engagement and collect valuable client feedback.
Manage client relationships throughout their lifecycle by integrating AELYST with your CRM or ERP.
Recognize returning clients and personalize recommendations based on their preferences and past interactions.

Automotive

Whether you run showrooms, rental agencies or service centers, streamline customer communication on WhatsApp and more.

Centralize operations across multiple locations for a complete overview of customer interactions and business performance.
Use WhatsApp Catalogs to showcase vehicles and services, driving more leads and conversions in your sales funnel.
Segment customers based on interest or past purchases for personalized messaging that drives engagement and sales.
Create VIP routes for high-value customers, ensuring they receive priority attention for test drives, service bookings and special offers.
Automate service reminders, approvals and notifications to keep customers informed and satisfied at every point.

Travel

Promote and sell luxury vacations, adventure tours or hotel stays at scale across WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, web chat and more.

Automate multichannel campaigns triggered by customer actions such as abandoned bookings to engage travelers instantly.
Respond to inquiries in real-time to capitalize on traveler excitement and avoid missed opportunities due to delayed responses.
Manage customer journeys seamlessly by integrating your CRM or ERPfor full-profile views of each traveler.
Identify returning customers to provide tailored recommendations based on past purchases.
Simplify booking processes with automated appointment handling and in-chat payments.

Frequently asked questions

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What is WhatsApp Business API?

WhatsApp Business API, officially known as WhatsApp Business Platform, is designed for medium to large companies looking to use WhatsApp for messaging at scale.

Unlike the WhatsApp Business App, the API does not have a front-end interface and must be connected to a messaging software like AELYST to send and receive messages.

What is the difference between WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API?

WhatsApp Business App is made for micro to small businesses and is free to use, but it has limited features.

WhatsApp API is for medium to large businesses who require advanced features and integrations and handle high volumes of messages. As an API, it does not have a frontend interface and requires a platform like AELYST to manage chats and calls.

For best results, use an official WhatsApp Business Service Provider (BSP) like AELYST for access to the latest features and direct support from Meta.

Can I use chatbots with WhatsApp API?

Yes. AELYST users can access AELYST, which consists of an AI chatbot builder and a set of tools to automate FAQ responses, collect customer information, and assist human agents in quicker conversations. The AI chatbot, or AI Agent, can handle conversations on WhatsApp and other channels, including TikTok, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram and more.

Can I integrate other software with WhatsApp API?

Yes, you can integrate WhatsApp API with your existing CRMs, ERPs or tools like Zapier and Make to connect to thousands of other software solutions. AELYST has native integrations with Salesforce, HubSpot, Google Sheets and more.

Will my contacts and conversations be transferred over when switching from the WhatsApp Business App to WhatsApp API?

This will soon be possible! Stay tuned for our upcoming feature. At the moment, they won’t be transferred, but it’s easy to import contacts into AELYST and your past conversations will remain in WhatsApp Business App on the device you were previously using.

Can I use the same WhatsApp number for both WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API?

Yes, AELYST supports WhatsApp coexistence, allowing you to use a single phone number for WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp API simultaneously. You have the flexibility to test or transition to WhatsApp API gradually without giving up WhatsApp Business App.

Is WhatsApp coexistence available to everyone?

Yes, WhatsApp coexistence is available to all new and existing AELYST users.

Will customers notice a difference when I use coexistence?

Not at all. Your contacts still message the same number. All new conversations will appear on both AELYST (WhatsApp API) and WhatsApp Business App.

Will customers notice a difference when I use coexistence?

Not at all. Your contacts still message the same number. All new conversations will appear on both AELYST (WhatsApp API) and WhatsApp Business App.