WhatsApp launches Business API, will charge businesses for replies to messages sent after 24 hours

WhatsApp for Business app is getting a new update with a bunch of features that makes it easier and powerful for Businesses to communicate with their customers. The list includes requesting helpful information, start a conversation, get support.

The new request helpful information feature is very useful when you need a shipping confirmation or boarding pass, you can give your mobile number to a business on their website, on their app, or in their store and have them send you the information on WhatsApp. You will see a new ‘click-to-chat’ button on a website or Facebook ad to quickly message a business. Finally, you can get support from businesses in real-time on WhatsApp to answer questions about their products or help you resolve an issue.

These additions will full control over the messages you receive. Businesses will pay to send certain messages so they are selective and your chats don’t get cluttered. In addition, messages will remain end-to-end encrypted and you can block any business with the tap of a button.

WhatsApp Business APIs will now let businesses respond to messages from users for free only for up to 24 hours, after that they will be charged at a fixed rate by country per message.

WhatsApp said that it has been testing the WhatsApp Business API for months and it is working with more than 90 large businesses including B2W, MakeMyTrip, Singapore Airlines, Uber and Wish.

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