WhatsApp Business App vs. WhatsApp Business API
There are two ways to use WhatsApp for business. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approach for your team size and use case.Unecast manages your WhatsApp Business API application, Meta Business verification, and ongoing compliance so you don’t have to navigate Meta’s processes alone. Most businesses are up and running within a few business days.
What You Get with Unecast’s WhatsApp Business
- GDPR-compliant WhatsApp for your whole team - Your data is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers in multiple geographic locations to deliver a faster and reliable messaging experience. Unecast never trains AI models on your customer data.
- Multiple users on the same number - Your entire team reads and replies from one WhatsApp number. Assign conversations, add notes, and collaborate without forwarding screenshots.
- Message templates - Create and submit pre-approved message templates for outbound communication. Use them in automations and bulk sends.
- Landline number support - Already have a landline that your customers know? Register it as your WhatsApp Business number so existing customers can reach you without learning a new contact.
- Multiple WhatsApp numbers - Run separate numbers for different locations, teams, or brands, all managed inside a single Unecast account.
- AI agent integration - Deploy an AI agent on your WhatsApp number to answer questions, qualify leads, and handle support 24/7.
- Analytics - Track message delivery, read rates, campaign performance, and response times across your WhatsApp channel.
Understanding WhatsApp Messaging Costs
WhatsApp pricing is set by Meta, not Unecast, and is billed per delivered template message rather than per conversation. Costs depend on the message category and the destination country. Free-form replies to a customer within an open 24-hour customer service window are always free — this covers the vast majority of day-to-day support conversations. Template messages sent to start or re-engage a conversation are billed per message once the service window is closed:Meta updates its pricing periodically and rates vary by destination country. See Meta’s current WhatsApp Business Platform pricing for exact rates.
Creating a WhatsApp Message Template
You need an approved WhatsApp template to send business-initiated messages outside an active customer conversation. Templates must be submitted to Meta for review before use.1
Open the Templates section
Go to Platform → Templates inside your Unecast account. Click New Template to begin.
2
Choose a category
Select the category that matches your message’s purpose:
- Marketing — Promotions, newsletters, special offers, re-engagement
- Utility — Order updates, appointment reminders, shipping notifications, transactional messages
- Authentication — OTPs and login verification codes
3
Write your message
Compose your template message. Use numbered placeholders for personalization variables — for example, use You can also add header media (image, document, video) and up to three call-to-action or quick-reply buttons.
{{1}} where you want the customer’s first name to appear, {{2}} for an order number, and so on.4
Submit for Meta review
Click Submit for review. Meta reviews most templates within 24 hours, though some take longer. You’ll receive a notification in Unecast when your template is approved or if changes are requested.
5
Use the template in automations or broadcasts
Once approved, your template appears in the Send WhatsApp Template action block inside Automations and in the Broadcast tool for bulk sends. Unecast maps your contact’s stored data to the placeholder variables automatically.
Related Features
WhatsApp Newsletter
Build and send WhatsApp broadcast campaigns to opted-in subscriber lists directly from Unecast.
Automations
Trigger WhatsApp template messages automatically based on events, keywords, or external app actions.
AI Agent
Deploy an AI agent on your WhatsApp number to handle inbound conversations around the clock.
Universal Inbox
Manage all WhatsApp conversations alongside your other channels in a single collaborative inbox.
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