The WhatsApp Cloud API will gradually complement the WhatsApp Business API over the coming months. Starting in 2025, WhatsApp will no longer support the Business API, and Meta will take over hosting through the WhatsApp Cloud API. All features will remain largely the same, but you should plan the transition to the WhatsApp Cloud API with Chatarmin as soon as possible.
What is the WhatsApp Cloud API?
The WhatsApp Cloud API is an interface that allows developers direct access to data in WhatsApp’s cloud. With this API, companies can integrate various functions into their applications, such as sending and receiving messages, retrieving profile information, and managing group chats within the WhatsApp Business Platform.
Using the WhatsApp Cloud API gives you the ability to build user-friendly and innovative applications that seamlessly integrate with the popular messaging service. The API provides a wide range of customization and expansion options to meet the individual needs of various projects.
With the WhatsApp Cloud API, powerful tools are at your disposal to develop user-centric and highly interactive applications that optimize communication and data exchange via WhatsApp powered by Meta.
Free alternative to the WhatsApp Business API
The fact is that from 2025 onwards, WhatsApp will prioritize and support only the WhatsApp Cloud API. Unlike the WhatsApp Business API, the servers will then be hosted directly by Meta rather than by WhatsApp API partners. As early as 2022, the WhatsApp Cloud API was introduced alongside the Business API, offering the alternative of hosting servers directly with Meta.
The WhatsApp Cloud API is certainly becoming the new forward-looking standard for companies that don’t want to give up WhatsApp for customer communication. According to official statements, service for the WhatsApp API will end in October 2025 — no more updates, no support. You should therefore prepare to use the upcoming WhatsApp Cloud API standard.
Chatarmin will gladly support you with all questions and implementation steps. In essence, not much will change — except that next year you’ll be switching from the WhatsApp Business API to the WhatsApp Cloud API, still based on the WhatsApp Business Platform.
Why the WhatsApp Cloud API makes sense for businesses
The WhatsApp Cloud API, or Messenger, offers numerous advantages and is especially well-suited for businesses WhatsApp Business Platform. By using this API, your company can communicate more efficiently with customers and employees.
Integrating WhatsApp into the cloud enables seamless interactions and rapid information exchange. Additionally, the cloud-based solution offers secure and reliable storage for WhatsApp API data, which is essential for any company.
Furthermore, the WhatsApp Cloud API enables easy scalability of the WhatsApp Business Platform, allowing businesses to respond flexibly to their communication needs. Overall, the WhatsApp Cloud API is a practical and powerful solution for companies of all sizes to improve their communications and enhance customer service.
WhatsApp Cloud API vs. WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API enables your company to conduct official business communication via WhatsApp by using features like automated messages, chatbots, and analytics tools. In contrast, the WhatsApp Cloud API also allows you to integrate WhatsApp messaging into business communication while continuing to utilize automated features and analytics.
Currently, the WhatsApp On-Premises API provides a more comprehensive solution for companies to communicate effectively with their customers. However, performance and pricing are where differences become interesting. Since the WhatsApp Cloud API is hosted by Meta, your business theoretically gains faster and more secure access to the platform — even at the backend level.
Security updates for the WhatsApp API can be implemented more quickly. API upgrades will also be rolled out faster. All companies and WhatsApp partners gain free access to the powerful tools of the Messenger with the WhatsApp Cloud API. In contrast, with the current WhatsApp API, updates and upgrades must be installed manually.
This leads to delays. By 2025 at the latest, the WhatsApp Business API will no longer receive official support or updates. That’s why you should take the first steps with Chatarmin to start using the future-proof WhatsApp Cloud API for your conversations.
Benefits of the WhatsApp Cloud API
Clearly, infrastructure and updates are the primary focus. The WhatsApp Cloud API offers a potentially more stable and secure alternative to the WhatsApp Business API. Starting in 2025, Meta will fully focus on the cloud version, which is also offered free of charge. Additionally, the servers are hosted by Meta, and your team will benefit from faster updates and new features.
The complicated application process also disappears. Currently, only certified partners get access to the WhatsApp Business API. Setting up and installing the on-premises API is also quite complex. Moreover, the costs of using a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider are significantly lower.
These options are currently available to you
Right now, your company can choose between the WhatsApp Business App, the WhatsApp Business API, and the WhatsApp Cloud API. The fact is: starting in 2025, the WhatsApp Cloud API will become the standard, as the "regular" API will no longer receive updates. But which solution suits which purpose? Here's a guide and overview of which model fits your needs (also with regard to GDPR compliance).
#1 WhatsApp Business App
The WhatsApp Business App allows your company to communicate more efficiently with your contacts. With this app, you can create professional business profiles to display key information like business hours, location, and contact details. You can also set up automated messages to answer frequently asked questions and improve customer service via WhatsApp.
This strengthens customer loyalty and helps boost sales. You can share special offers and discounts to attract customer interest and drive conversions. Additionally, you can respond to inquiries in real time, providing fast and effective support.
The WhatsApp Business App helps maintain customer relationships and ensures long-term success. By communicating directly through WhatsApp Business, you can gather feedback from customers and obtain suggestions for improving your products or services. This shows customers you care about their opinions and take their needs seriously.
WhatsApp API as an App
The app also gives you the opportunity to access statistics and analytics on the success of your marketing campaigns. This allows you to strategically adjust your approach and optimize your marketing activities. The WhatsApp Business App is therefore an essential tool for businesses to interact effectively with their customers and build long-term relationships.
Start conversations from your business account, respond to customer inquiries, and use Chatarmin’s flexible user interface for your account. Reach out to our professionals with no obligation. Make sure to omply with GDPR and implement a secure opt-in process.
#2 WhatsApp Business API
The WhatsApp Business API enables your business to communicate with customers in real time. Using the WhatsApp API, businesses can send automated messages, provide customer support, and even handle transactions. By using the WhatsApp Business API, brands can streamline communication and improve customer retention.
In addition, the WhatsApp API enables personalized messaging to enhance the shopping experience. With the WhatsApp Business API, companies can elevate customer relationships and run successful digital marketing campaigns.
Integrating the WhatsApp Business API will also improve your customer service. Using chatbots, frequently asked questions can be answered automatically, leading to faster and more efficient communication with your customers.
Your first step is to contact Chatarmin – we’ll take care of your account. We’ll gladly show you our portfolio of services around this popular messenger.
WhatsApp API for Your Marketing
Companies can also use the API to launch targeted marketing campaigns and inform customers about offers or news. This makes the WhatsApp Business API a powerful tool to strengthen customer loyalty and scale your business.
Integrating the WhatsApp Business API also helps businesses expand their reach internationally. With the ability to communicate in different countries and languages, companies can strengthen their global presence and open up new markets.
Moreover, the WhatsApp Business API allows you to automate certain processes and save valuable resources. By automating recurring tasks, your employees can focus on more complex responsibilities.
As a result, your brand increases efficiency and reduces costs. The WhatsApp Business API gives companies the opportunity to take customer engagement to the next level and succeed in the digital landscape.
#3 WhatsApp Cloud API
The WhatsApp Cloud API offers businesses an efficient way to communicate with customers and deliver services. As a business owner, you can use the API to send automated messages, share information about orders or bookings, and provide customer support via chat.
Integrating the WhatsApp Cloud API into your business processes strengthens customer relationships and increases operational efficiency. You also benefit from sending personalized promotional messages and executing targeted marketing.
With the help of analytics and insights, you’ll gain a better understanding of customer behavior and adapt your communication strategy accordingly. The WhatsApp Cloud API helps you cater to customer needs and boost sales.
WhatsApp API for Business Accounts
By strategically using the WhatsApp Cloud API, you can also create individual customer profiles and send personalized offers or recommendations. This not only strengthens your customer relationships, but also improves the success rate of your marketing efforts.
By further optimizing customer interaction and understanding their needs better, your business will be well-positioned for long-term market success. The WhatsApp Cloud API provides a wide range of opportunities to improve your business operations and take your company to the next level.
Pricing of the WhatsApp Cloud API
With the WhatsApp Cloud API, you bypass external hosting costs because Meta hosts the data directly in the cloud. However, you still need a certified WhatsApp Solution Provider like Chatarmin (or Superchat), who acts as a bridge between the WhatsApp Cloud API and your business platform.
Through this software, you gain access to all advanced features like chatbots and full-service WhatsApp business solutions. In terms of server costs, using the WhatsApp Cloud API is free. By the way, the first 1,000 customer-initiated conversations per month are also free.
Conduct GDPR-Compliant Conversations with Our Software
After that, WhatsApp API fees apply, depending on the type of conversation and message category — Marketing, Transactions, Support, or Authentication. Your Business Solution Provider also charges a processing fee per message. However, Chatarmin provides a transparent pricing table so you can plan your budget precisely.
Activate your WhatsApp account and use software from a WhatsApp Solution Provider. You’ll find a suitable user interface for your account (always up to date). Our specialized agents will compare your needs and optimize your setup for quick access to the WhatsApp Cloud API.
Our site guides you through the first steps and provides all essential information for your business account. With your company’s WhatsApp number, you can deliver relevant content (like product articles) using the full range of features.All you need is software (Chatarmin), a WhatsApp account for conversations, and the right first steps to launch your WhatsApp strategy .
Protocols and Security of the WhatsApp Cloud API
Security and data protection are top priorities. Both the WhatsApp Cloud API and WhatsApp Business API are implemented via a Business Solution Provider like Chatarmin, which serves as the platform for your business and customer communication.
The difference lies in the hosting: while the WhatsApp Business API is hosted by the provider or an external service, hosting for the Cloud API is handled by Meta — with all the benefits that brings.
The WhatsApp Cloud API uses the “Graph API” protocol, while the Business API uses the “REST API” protocol. Standard costs are similar, but the WhatsApp Cloud API eliminates server hosting expenses.
In theory, the Cloud API is more secure and future-proof because updates and upgrades are rolled out in real time, whereas the WhatsApp Business API relies on scheduled update cycles.
