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The WhatsApp Business Platform, explained

‘WhatsApp API’, ‘WhatsApp Business Platform’ and ‘Cloud API’ all refer to the same thing: Meta's official way for businesses to use WhatsApp at scale. Here's what it is and how to get it.

Updated 2 November 2026 · By the ChatWaba team

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The WhatsApp Business Platform is Meta's official API for businesses. You access it through a provider like ChatWaba, which gives you a shared team inbox, CRM, broadcasts and automation on your own verified number, while Meta bills each conversation category. ChatWaba includes all of this for ₹600/month or ₹5,000/year + GST, with Meta’s message charges at zero markup.

App vs API

  • WhatsApp Business app: free, one phone (plus linked devices), manual replies, basic labels. Good for very small shops
  • WhatsApp Business Platform (API): multiple team members, chatbots, integrations, broadcasts to large lists and green-tick eligibility, via a provider
  • You can't use the same number on both at the same time, but you can migrate your existing number to the API

What you pay

  • Meta's charges: per message, by category (marketing, utility, authentication). Service replies within 24 hours of a customer message are free
  • Provider fee: the platform subscription. ChatWaba is ₹600/month or ₹5,000/year + GST with zero markup on Meta's rates
  • Watch out for providers that add a markup on every message or charge extra per user

How to choose a provider

  • Is it a Meta Tech Provider using the official Cloud API?
  • Does the plan include a team inbox, CRM and automation, or are they paid add-ons?
  • Is there a markup on Meta's message charges?
  • Is there a mobile app and local support in India?

What it costs

One plan, every feature: ₹600/month or ₹5,000/year + 18% GST. Your whole team works on one verified number. WhatsApp message charges billed at Meta’s own rate with zero markup. No free trial; book a demo and we set it up with you. See pricing.

Frequently asked questions

Is WhatsApp Business API free?

Getting the API is free from Meta, but you pay Meta per marketing, utility and authentication message, plus your provider's subscription. Customer-service replies inside the 24-hour window are free.

Which is the best WhatsApp Business Platform provider in India?

It depends on team size and budget. ChatWaba is a Meta Tech Provider with one all-inclusive plan at ₹600/month or ₹5,000/year + GST and zero message markup. See our comparison of Indian providers for the alternatives.

Can I keep my existing WhatsApp number?

Yes. You can move an existing number to the WhatsApp Business Platform. It will then work through the API and your provider's apps instead of the WhatsApp Business app.

Continue exploring

Get on the official WhatsApp Business Platform.

One plan with everything included: ₹600 a month or ₹5,000 a year (+18% GST). Meta’s message charges at Meta’s own rate, with zero markup.

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