What is WhatsApp Business API?

WhatsApp Business API is an enterprise-level solution that enables businesses to communicate with customers at scale. Unlike the standard WhatsApp Business app, the API allows:

Automated messaging for notifications, alerts, and updates
Two-way conversations with customers
Integration with CRM systems and business tools
Multiple agent support for customer service teams
Verified business profiles with green checkmarks

WhatsApp Business API is ideal for businesses sending high volumes of messages or requiring advanced automation and integration capabilities.

What are WhatsApp Business API Accounts Used For?

WhatsApp Business API accounts serve various business communication needs:

Customer Notifications

Order confirmations and updates
Appointment reminders
Delivery notifications
Payment receipts

Authentication & Security

One-Time Passwords (OTPs)
Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Account verification codes
Login alerts

Customer Support

Automated responses to FAQs
Support ticket updates
Real-time assistance
Post-purchase follow-ups

Marketing & Engagement

Product announcements
Promotional offers (with user consent)
Cart abandonment reminders
Customer feedback requests

Understanding WhatsApp Message Templates

Message templates are pre-approved message formats required by WhatsApp for business-initiated conversations. Templates must be submitted and approved before you can start messaging customers.

Why Templates?

WhatsApp requires templates to:

Prevent spam and maintain quality
Ensure user privacy
Provide consistent user experience
Comply with messaging policies

Template Components

A WhatsApp template consists of:

Component	Description	Required
Header	Text, image, video, or document	Optional
Body	Main message content with variables	Required
Footer	Additional info (e.g., disclaimer)	Optional
Buttons	Call-to-action or quick reply buttons	Optional

Types of WhatsApp Templates & Pricing

WhatsApp offers three distinct template categories, each serving different purposes and having different pricing structures.

1. Authentication Templates

Purpose: Used for account verification, OTP codes, and security-related messages. Pricing: 25 IQD per message Important Restrictions:

Authentication templates have a fixed, static format that cannot be customized. WhatsApp enforces this to maintain security standards and ensure consistency across all authentication messages.

Format Structure: Authentication templates have a fixed, preset structure that includes:

Fixed preset text: {{1}} is your verification code.
Optional security disclaimer: For your security, do not share this code.
Optional expiration warning: This code expires in {{2}} minutes.
Button options: One-tap autofill, copy code button, or no button (zero-tap)

Example - Authentication Template:

{{1}} is your verification code.

For your security, do not share this code.

This code expires in {{2}} minutes.

Button: [Copy Code]

Variables allowed:

{{1}} - Your verification code (required)
{{2}} - Expiration time in minutes (optional, 1-90 minutes)

Button Types:

One-tap autofill: Automatically fills the code in your app (Android only)
Copy code: Copies the code to clipboard
Zero-tap: No button, user manually enters the code

Use Cases:

One-Time Passwords (OTP)
Login verification codes
Account activation codes
Password reset codes

Authentication templates are the most affordable option, making them ideal for high-volume verification needs like OTPs and login codes.

2. Utility Templates

Purpose: Used for transactional updates, notifications, and important account-related information. Pricing: 25 IQD per message Customization: Fully customizable - You have complete control over content, format, and design. Example - Order Confirmation Template:

Header: 🎉 Order Confirmed!

Body: Hi {{1}},

Your order #{{2}} has been confirmed and will be delivered by {{3}}.

Track your order: {{4}}

Total Amount: ${{5}}

Thank you for shopping with us!

Footer: Questions? Reply to this message.

Buttons:
[Track Order] [View Invoice]

Variables: Up to 10 variables allowed Parameter Formats:

Positional: {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} (ordered by appearance)
Named: {{customer_name}}, {{order_number}} (can appear in any order)

Use Cases:

Order confirmations and updates
Shipping notifications
Appointment reminders
Payment receipts
Booking confirmations
Account alerts

3. Marketing Templates

Purpose: Used for promotional content, offers, and marketing campaigns. Pricing: 60 IQD per message Customization: Fully customizable with additional requirements for opt-out options. Requirements:

Marketing templates must include an opt-out mechanism and are only allowed if you have explicit user consent to send promotional messages. Users must have opted in to receive marketing communications.

Important Restrictions:

Starting April 1, 2025, WhatsApp will temporarily pause delivery of marketing template messages to users with United States phone numbers. This affects global businesses sending to US users.

Example - Promotional Offer Template:

Header: [Image: Promotional Banner]

Body: Hi {{1}}! 🎁

Exclusive offer just for you!

Get {{2}}% OFF on your next purchase of {{3}}.

Use code: {{4}}
Valid until: {{5}}

Shop now and save big!

Footer: Reply STOP to unsubscribe from promotional messages.

Buttons:
[Shop Now] [View Catalog]

Variables: Up to 10 variables allowed Parameter Formats:

Positional: {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} (ordered by appearance)
Named: {{customer_name}}, {{discount_percent}} (can appear in any order)

Use Cases:

Product launches
Special offers and discounts
Seasonal promotions
Abandoned cart reminders
Customer re-engagement campaigns
Event invitations

Template Pricing Comparison

Template Type	Cost Per Message	Customizable	Variables	Best For	Approval Time
Authentication	25 IQD	❌ No	1-2	OTPs, Security codes	1-5 minutes
Utility	25 IQD	✅ Yes	Up to 10	Transactional messages	1-24 hours
Marketing	60 IQD	✅ Yes	Up to 10	Promotional campaigns	1-48 hours

Cost-effective tip: Use Authentication or Utility templates (25 IQD each) for transactional messages. Reserve Marketing templates (60 IQD) only for promotional campaigns to optimize your messaging costs.

Template Creation Guidelines

Template Names

Maximum length: 512 characters
Format: Lowercase alphanumeric characters and underscores only
Uniqueness: Names are not unique - you can have multiple templates with the same name in different languages

Template Limits

Creation limit: Maximum 100 templates per WhatsApp Business Account per hour
Total templates:
- Unverified business portfolio: 250 templates per account
- Verified business portfolio: Up to 6,000 templates per account

Language Requirements

Each template must be created for each language you plan to use
Template strings and variables are not automatically translated
You must provide content in the appropriate language for each template

Template Status

Templates must have APPROVED status before they can be sent. Status options include:

In-Review: Under review (up to 24 hours)
Approved: Ready to send
Rejected: Violates policies or guidelines
Paused: Temporarily disabled due to poor quality feedback
Disabled: Permanently disabled due to recurring issues

Choosing the Right Template Type

Use Authentication templates when:

Sending OTPs or verification codes
User security is the priority
You want zero messaging costs
You can work with the standard format

Use Utility templates when:

Sending transactional updates
Providing order/booking information
Sharing important account notifications
You need custom branding and messaging

Use Marketing templates when:

Running promotional campaigns
Announcing new products or offers
Re-engaging customers
You have explicit consent for marketing

Templates must be approved by WhatsApp before use. Approval time varies: Authentication templates are usually approved within minutes, while Utility and Marketing templates may take up to 48 hours.

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you understand WhatsApp Business API and its capabilities, you’re ready to connect your account to Otpiq.

Connect Your API

Follow our step-by-step guide to integrate your WhatsApp Business API with Otpiq

API Reference

Explore our comprehensive API documentation for sending messages

Getting started

Essentials

WhatsApp Business API

What is WhatsApp Business API?