Official developer documentation for the WhatsApp Business Platform, maintained by Meta. Covers the full API surface for business-to-consumer messaging via WhatsApp.
Key capabilities
- Service messages — text, images, audio, video, documents, interactive buttons, carousels, lists
- Marketing communications — template-based messages with explicit consumer opt-in consent required; coupon/promotional functionality
- Authentication services — user verification via autofill, zero-tap, and code-copy methods
- Utility features — location sharing, call permission requests, group messaging management
- Commerce integration — product catalogs, single and multi-product messages, shopping carousels
Critical compliance requirements
- Opt-in requirement — customers must explicitly opt in before receiving WhatsApp Business messages
- 24-hour messaging window — for service communications, responses must be sent within 24 hours of the last customer message; template-based messages are required outside this window
- Marketing message consent — marketing template messages require explicit consumer consent; separate from the 24-hour service window rules
Architecture note for CDP activation
The documentation confirms the two-layer activation architecture: the CDP computes the audience and triggers the message; the CEP (or direct integration) holds the WhatsApp Business API credentials and handles delivery. CDPs do not directly hold API keys — they route event payloads to the messaging layer.
Pricing and partner programs
The platform documentation includes pricing structures, webhook integration, configuration for calling features, and enrollment details for technology providers and solution partners.