> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.otpiq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is WhatsApp Business API?

> Learn about WhatsApp Business API, its features, and how it works

## 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

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

## 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:**

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

**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

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

### 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:**

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

**Important Restrictions:**

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>

**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    |

<Note>
  **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.
</Note>

## 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

<Note>
  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.
</Note>

## Ready to Get Started?

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

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Connect Your API" icon="whatsapp" href="/whatsapp-business-api/how-to-connect-whatsapp-api">
    Follow our step-by-step guide to integrate your WhatsApp Business API with
    Otpiq
  </Card>

  <Card title="API Reference" icon="code" href="/api-reference/introduction">
    Explore our comprehensive API documentation for sending messages
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Next Steps

* [Explore the API Reference](/api-reference/introduction)
* [Learn about Webhook Integration](/essentials/how-webhook-works)
* [Start Sending Messages](/quickstart)