WhatsApp Business app vs WhatsApp Business Platform: which does your business need?
Compare the free WhatsApp Business app with the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API): limits, features, costs and when it's time to switch.
WhatsApp offers businesses two different products. Choosing the right one depends on how many customers you talk to and how many people on your team answer them.
The WhatsApp Business app
The free app you download from the App Store or Google Play. It is built for small businesses run by one or two people.
- Free to use
- A business profile, catalogue, quick replies and labels
- Works on one phone plus a few linked devices
- Broadcast lists, which only reach people who have saved your number
The WhatsApp Business Platform
The platform (often called the WhatsApp Business API or Cloud API) has no app of its own. You use it through software such as Dizitallink.
- Campaigns to thousands of opted-in customers using approved templates
- A shared inbox for any number of team members
- Automation and AI replies
- Delivery and read reports
- Pay per delivered template message; replies inside 24 hours are free
Side by side
| Business app | Business Platform (with Dizitallink) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Pay per delivered template message |
| Team members | One phone and a few linked devices | Unlimited agents with their own logins |
| Bulk messages | Broadcast lists, only to people who saved your number | Campaigns to any opted-in customer |
| Message format | Free text | Approved templates for first messages, free text in replies |
| Automation | Greeting and away messages | AI replies, workflows, integrations |
| Reports | Basic | Sent, delivered, read and replied per campaign |
| Verified business name | Not available | Available after Meta business verification |
When to switch to the platform
- You want to send offers to more than a few hundred customers at once.
- More than two people answer customer messages.
- You need replies at night or on weekends.
- You want to see which messages lead to sales.
What you need to get started
- A Facebook account to log in to Meta's sign-up window.
- A phone number that can receive a verification code by SMS or call. In many countries Meta also lets you keep using a number in the Business app while connecting it to the platform; otherwise use a number not registered on WhatsApp.
- Your business details: legal name, address and website. Verifying your business with Meta raises your messaging limits.
With Dizitallink, you connect your number from inside your dashboard through Meta's official sign-up flow. No developer is needed. Create your account to get started.
Send your first WhatsApp campaign with Dizitallink
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