Required fields
- messaging_product: "whatsapp".
- to: destination phone in international format.
- type: text, template, interactive, or media types.
WhatsApp Business API send message API
How to use the send message API for WhatsApp Business API with templates and session messages.
The send message API lets you deliver text, template, media, and interactive messages via WhatsApp Business API.
Key takeaways
- Use template type for business-initiated messages; text/interactive for session replies.
- Include messaging_product, to, type, and payload objects in requests.
- Handle responses and message IDs for tracking and retries.
Related guides worth reading next
Strengthen this topic cluster by also reading WhatsApp Business API documentation, WhatsApp Business API integration.
Sending templates vs session messages
- Templates need name, language, and parameters.
- Session messages (within 24 hours) can be text/interactive without templates.
Error handling
- Log message IDs and statuses from responses.
- Implement retries with backoff for 5xx errors.
- Validate phone numbers and template parameters before sending.
FAQs
Can I batch send?
Some providers offer batch endpoints; otherwise loop with rate limits and respect quality.
How do I include media?
Upload media to get a media ID, then send with type "image"/"document"/etc referencing that ID.
Do I need different endpoints for Cloud API?
Cloud API uses Meta-hosted endpoints; BSPs may expose their own. Follow your provider’s base URL.
Explore more WhatsApp Business API resources
Technical Integration
WhatsApp Business API documentation
Key docs, SDKs, and sections to read first.
Technical Integration
WhatsApp Business API integration
Integration steps, auth, endpoints, and testing tips.
Technical Integration
WhatsApp Business API webhook
Set up webhooks, handle events, and verify signatures.
Technical Integration
WhatsApp Business API JSON example
Example requests for text, media, and interactive messages.
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