The WhatsApp Business API functions a bit differently from the personal Whatsapp application we all know and love. Read on to learn about the key differences you should be aware of.

A critical difference is that the WhatsApp Business API has two message types:

1. Session messages:
A Session Message (Customer Support Message) is the message sent when a customer sends a message first. The session is valid till 24 hours from the customer’s last message sent. WhatsApp does not allow businesses to send messages anytime they want. To prevent spam and ensure prompt businesses reply, WhatsApp has applied the 24 hours messaging limitation called Session Messaging.

2. Message templates:
If a customer does not start a conversation, and a business sends a message first, it is called a template message. Template messages are used when you want to send notifications to users or reconnect with them more than 24 hours after their last message to you. Template Messages must be approved before sending them.

Session vs. Template messages

Session messages
Session messages are any messages sent and received, in response to a consumer-initiated message to your application. The session begins when a user sends a message and lasts for 24 hours from the most recently received message. Once the 24-hour window closes, you can no longer send Session Messages. You can wait for users to message your app, or you can send a Template Message to invite the user to respond.
Message templates
After 24 hours from the contact’s last incoming message, businesses are only allowed to reply with Message Templates. These Message Templates are formats for common messages a business may want to send. They are pre-approved messages used to reopen the 24-hour Messaging Window or start a new conversation.

WhatsApp message templates are specific message formats that businesses use to send out notifications to people that have opted into notifications. Messages can include appointment reminders, shipping information – and must be one of the below categories:

ACCOUNT_UPDATE
ALERT_UPDATE
APPOINTMENT_UPDATE
ISSUE_RESOLUTION
PAYMENT_UPDATE
PERSONAL_FINANCE_UPDATE
RESERVATION_UPDATE
SHIPPING_UPDATE
TICKET_UPDATE
TRANSPORTATION_UPDATE

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