01/Glossary · AI & Automation
WhatsApp Cloud API
Meta's official API to send and receive WhatsApp Business messages from your system — the only legal way to automate WhatsApp at scale.
02/Full definition
WhatsApp Cloud API is Meta's official solution to integrate WhatsApp Business with any system. It replaces the old on-premise WhatsApp Business API. It lets you send pre-approved templates (reminders, confirmations, notifications), respond to incoming messages with bots, and receive webhooks for new messages. It's the only way to automate WhatsApp without ban risk — using WhatsApp Web or unofficial tools violates the TOS and gets the number suspended.
03/In Costa Rica context
In Costa Rica the WhatsApp Cloud API cost per message is USD 0.0085 (USD 8.50 per 1,000 messages). Integration setup: USD 800–1,500 (includes Business Manager setup, verification, template creation, and connection to your system). Templates require Meta approval (24–48 hours) before they can be sent.
04/Related reading on the site
05/Related terms
06/Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I automate WhatsApp without Cloud API?▾
Technically yes (with WhatsApp Web scrapers), but it violates Meta's TOS. The number will be banned in weeks or months. Investing in Cloud API is the only safe way to automate at scale.
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