WhatsApp vs. WhatsApp Business vs. WhatsApp Business API - Which is the right fit for you?

WhatsApp is an online messaging platform, that allows you to easily keep in touch with the people in your life.

But in terms of conducting business, it's not really the most appropriate platform, That's why we turn to WhatsApp's more business-oriented offerings, WhatsApp Business and the WhatsApp Business API.  

Here are some of the major differences between the two platforms.

WhatsApp Business is geared more towards smaller businesses and day-to-day activities, whereas WhatsApp Business API is more for larger businesses.

WhatsApp Business API is used by businesses such as Flipkart and MakeMyTrip.

When you place an order or book something, the automated messages you get on WhatsApp are managed through WhatsApp Business API.

WhatsApp Business is free to use whereas WhatsApp Business API is not.

WhatsApp Business API has two types of conversations - user-initiated and business-initiated.

WhatsApp Business requires only a simple download and phone verification whereas WhatsApp Business API requires you to submit an application for verification.  

With WhatsApp Business, you can message anyone, anytime. WhatsApp Business API has unlimited messaging but only for the first 24 hours.

WhatsApp Business has limited sessions, one session per device and up to four devices.

WhatsApp Business API has unlimited sessions.

WhatsApp Business has manual messaging, while WhatsApp Business API has automated messaging with customizable no-code chatbots.

WhatsApp Business has no restrictions on promotional and transactional content.

WhatsApp Business API has no transactional content and only opted-in promotional content is allowed.

WhatsApp Business has no built-in integrations. WhatsApp Business API has multiple integrations.

WhatsApp Business does not provide you with any customer behavioural information whereas WhatsApp Business API provides detailed access to customer behavioural information.

WhatsApp Business has limited message statistics. WhatsApp Business API provides extensive analytical statistics.

WhatsApp Business API requires a third-party platform or business solution provider to use.

One such platform is WATI or the WhatsApp Team Inbox.

The WATI Dashboard provides a team inbox, contacts, broadcasts and automation.

Those are all the points you need to know to figure out which WhatsApp product is the right fit for your business. Watch the YouTube video for a more detailed overlook!