WhatsApp Cloud API
The Official, Meta-Hosted WhatsApp Business API
WhatsApp Cloud API is Meta's own hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API — no self-managed servers, live in about 10 minutes. On Cloud API is a Meta-Verified Tech Provider giving you Cloud API access with 0% markup on Meta's own per-message rates.
Meta Verified Tech Provider
Official WhatsApp Cloud APIWhatsApp Cloud API is Meta's officially hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API. Instead of running your own servers, Meta hosts the API for you — so you send and receive WhatsApp messages, automate replies, and run bulk campaigns through a REST API without managing infrastructure. On Cloud API connects your business to it in under 10 minutes, with 0% markup on Meta's own per-message rates.
WhatsApp Cloud API vs On-Premise API vs Business App
| Feature | WhatsApp Cloud API | On-Premise API | WhatsApp Business App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hosted by | Meta (fully hosted) | You (self-hosted servers) | Local device app |
| Setup time | ~10 minutes via Embedded Signup | Days to weeks (server + Meta review) | Minutes, manual only |
| REST API / automation | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bulk broadcast campaigns | Yes, with approved templates | Yes, with approved templates | No — 24h reply window only |
| No-code chatbot / AI agent | Yes | Only if you build it | No |
| Multi-agent shared inbox | Yes | Yes, if you build it | Limited (2 linked devices) |
| Status | Current — Meta’s actively developed API | Deprecated — Meta is phasing this out | Active, but not built for scale |
Meta has been deprecating the On-Premise API in favor of Cloud API — new integrations should build on Cloud API. If your business is still on-premise, migrating to Cloud API through a Meta Tech Provider like On Cloud API avoids running your own servers.
How WhatsApp Cloud API pricing works
Meta charges per template message, priced by category (marketing, utility and authentication), and these rates vary by country. The first 1,000 replies a month inside a 24-hour service window are free. On Cloud API adds 0% markup on top of Meta's rate, charging a flat platform fee instead — starting at $9.99/month.
| Market | Marketing (Meta rate) | Utility (Meta rate) | Our markup |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇰 Pakistan | $0.0473 | $0.0150 | 0% |
| 🇮🇳 India | ₹0.8631 | ₹0.1150 | 0% |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | AED 0.2115 | AED 0.0576 | 0% |
| 🇺🇸 USA | $0.0250 | $0.0034 | 0% |
Snapshot only — full authentication rates, payment methods and the complete table for each market are on that country's page below. Verified against Meta's official rate card on 2026-10-03 — rates are set by Meta and subject to change.
How to set up WhatsApp Cloud API
Create a Meta Business Account
Verify your business on business.facebook.com if you haven’t already — this is the identity WhatsApp Cloud API and Meta verification are tied to.
Connect via Embedded Signup
On Cloud API’s Embedded Signup flow connects your Meta Business Account to the Cloud API in a few clicks — no manual App Review or server setup required.
Add and verify your phone number
Use a new number or migrate an existing one via coexistence. Meta sends an OTP to confirm ownership.
Apply for Meta Business Verification
Optional but recommended — verification is what unlocks the blue tick and higher messaging limits. Takes 24–48 hours typically.
Go live
Send template messages, build a chatbot flow, invite your team to the shared inbox, or call the REST API directly — you’re live on the official Meta Cloud API.
Built on Cloud API, ready to use today
Bulk broadcast campaigns
Send approved template messages to thousands of opted-in contacts at once, with delivery and read tracking.
No-code chatbot & AI agents
Build flows visually — FAQ bots, lead qualification, order status — without writing code, or wire in your own AI agent via the API.
Shared team inbox
Multiple agents work the same WhatsApp number — assignment, labels, notes and status, without sharing a single phone.
REST API & webhooks
Full programmatic access — send messages, receive delivery/read events, and pipe conversations into your own CRM or app.
Shopify & WooCommerce
Order confirmations, COD verification, abandoned-cart recovery and shipping updates, synced to your store.
Analytics & reports
Message volume, delivery/read rates, response times and template performance in one dashboard.
Inbox, campaigns and the REST API come with every plan. AI agents, the Flow Builder and store integrations are add-ons you can add to any plan — see pricing.
WhatsApp Cloud API for your sector
WhatsApp Cloud API — Common Questions
What is WhatsApp Cloud API?
WhatsApp Cloud API is Meta’s own hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API. Meta runs the servers, so you connect to it directly through a REST API — no infrastructure to install or maintain — to send and receive WhatsApp messages, automate replies, and run bulk campaigns.
Is WhatsApp Cloud API free?
The Cloud API itself has no Meta platform fee. You pay Meta per template message you send, priced by category (marketing, utility or authentication), plus your provider’s platform fee. Your first 1,000 replies inside the 24-hour customer service window each month are free; after that Meta bills them at the utility rate. On Cloud API charges 0% markup on Meta’s rates, with plans starting at $9.99/month.
What’s the difference between WhatsApp Cloud API and WhatsApp Business API?
“WhatsApp Business API” is the umbrella name for the programmatic messaging platform. WhatsApp Cloud API is the current, Meta-hosted way to access it. The older way — the On-Premise API, where you ran the servers yourself — is what Meta has been deprecating in favor of Cloud API.
What happened to the WhatsApp On-Premise API?
Meta has been phasing out the On-Premise API in favor of the Cloud API, which it hosts directly. New integrations should build on Cloud API — it’s faster to set up, doesn’t require you to run or patch your own servers, and is the version Meta continues to develop.
How much does WhatsApp Cloud API cost?
Cost has two parts: Meta’s per-message rate, which varies by country and template category (see the snapshot below or your country’s full pricing page), and your provider’s platform fee. On Cloud API adds 0% markup on Meta’s rate, with platform plans from $9.99/month.
How long does WhatsApp Cloud API setup take?
Around 10 minutes for the technical connection via Embedded Signup. If you also apply for Meta Business Verification (recommended, and required for the blue tick), that review typically takes 24–48 hours on top.
Do I need to code to use WhatsApp Cloud API?
No — On Cloud API’s dashboard covers broadcast campaigns, a no-code chatbot builder and a shared team inbox without writing anything. Developers can also call the REST API and webhooks directly for custom integrations.
What is a Meta Tech Provider?
A Meta Tech Provider is a company Meta has approved to give businesses direct access to the WhatsApp Cloud API, without adding a markup on Meta’s own message rates. On Cloud API is a Meta-Verified Tech Provider — you pay Meta’s rate exactly, plus our flat platform fee.
Can I use my existing WhatsApp Business number? (Coexistence)
On the standard Cloud API setup, a number has to be disconnected from the WhatsApp Business App before it can be connected to the API — once it is on the API, it can’t be used in the WhatsApp apps at the same time. If you want to keep using the app on that same number, that is a separate service called Coexistence: your existing number stays active on the WhatsApp Business App while it is also connected to the Cloud API, your chat history stays intact, and your team can reply from the On Cloud API dashboard while you still reply from the app. Coexistence is available on every On Cloud API plan at no extra charge — tell our team you want it enabled when you connect your number.
Is WhatsApp Cloud API available in my country?
WhatsApp Cloud API is available globally. On Cloud API bills locally in Pakistan (PKR), India (INR), UAE (AED), the UK (GBP), the USA, Canada and Bangladesh — see your country’s page for exact rates and payment methods.
See Local Pricing & Payment Methods
Ready to Connect to WhatsApp Cloud API?
Join 5,000+ businesses. Go live on the official Meta Cloud API in 10 minutes — 0% markup, always.