WhatsApp API Overview:
Cunnekt provides APIs and Webhooks that integrate with the WhatsApp Cloud API to enable programmatic messaging, template management, and event handling. These APIs allow developers to send and receive WhatsApp messages, manage templates, and react to messaging events from external applications.
WhatsApp-specific APIs handle message delivery, templates, and conversation rules.
For actions related to conversations, contacts, labels, automation, and workflows, refer to the Platform Actions API.
WhatsApp Conversations
WhatsApp messaging follows specific conversation rules that determine how and when businesses can message users.
To use the WhatsApp APIs correctly, it is important to understand conversation types and the conversation window.
Conversation Types:
- Service: A user-initiated conversation that starts when a customer messages your business. During the active service window, you can send free-form messages without using templates.
- Marketing: Business-initiated messages intended for promotions, offers, or announcements. These messages must be sent using approved marketing templates.
- Utility: Transactional or service-related messages such as order updates, shipping notifications, or reminders. These messages require approved utility templates.
- Authentication: One-time password (OTP) and authentication-related messages. Only approved authentication templates are allowed.
Service Conversation Window
When a user sends a message to your business, a 24-hour service window is opened from the time of the user’s last message.
During this window:
- You can send free-form text, media, and interactive messages
- No template is required
- Messaging is charged under WhatsApp service conversation rules
Outside the Service Window:
- You can only message users using approved templates
- Messages are charged per template message
- Free-form messages are not allowed
Available WhatsApp APIs
Cunnekt exposes the following WhatsApp-specific APIs:
- Free-Form Messaging API: Send text, media, or interactive messages during an active service conversation window.
- Template Messaging API: Send approved marketing, utility, or authentication templates outside the service window.
- Template Management API: Create, sync, and retrieve WhatsApp templates associated with your WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp Webhooks Receive inbound messages, delivery receipts, template status updates, and other WhatsApp events.