WhatsApp Business API & Cloud API — Connect, Automate & Scale
Intelli is an official Meta Tech Provider that gives developer teams and businesses full access to the WhatsApp Cloud API. Use our Embedded Signup flow, REST APIs, webhooks, and documentation to integrate WhatsApp messaging into your product — or use our ready-made dashboard for non-technical teams. Looking for a no-code solution? Try the AI WhatsApp Assistant instead.
What is the WhatsApp Cloud API?
The WhatsApp Cloud API is Meta's official interface that lets businesses send and receive messages on WhatsApp at scale. Unlike the free WhatsApp Business App (designed for one person on one phone), the Cloud API is built for teams — it supports multiple agents, automated workflows, rich media messages, and integrations with CRMs, helpdesks, and e-commerce platforms.
Meta deprecated the older On-Premise API in October 2025, making the WhatsApp Cloud API the only supported path forward. The Cloud API is hosted entirely by Meta, so there are no servers to manage — you just need a Meta Tech Provider like Intelli to give you a dashboard, inbox, and tools on top of it.
With over 2 billion users on WhatsApp globally and open rates above 90%, the WhatsApp Business API is the most effective channel for customer engagement — especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America where WhatsApp is the dominant messaging platform. Whether you need to send marketing campaigns, order confirmations, appointment reminders, or provide real-time customer support, the API handles it all.
Important
The WhatsApp Cloud API doesn't come with a chat interface. You need a platform like Intelli to manage messages, build automations, and view analytics. We provide the complete dashboard so your team can start working immediately.
WhatsApp Cloud API vs WhatsApp Business App
Not sure which WhatsApp solution fits your business? Here's a side-by-side comparison to help you decide.
| Feature | Business App | Cloud API via Intelli |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small businesses | Growing & enterprise businesses |
| Multi-agent access | 1 phone, up to 4 devices | Unlimited team members |
| Broadcast limit | 256 contacts per list | Unlimited (tier-based) |
| Automation / Chatbot | Quick replies only | Full AI chatbot + flow builder |
| API integrations | None | CRM, helpdesk, e-commerce, webhooks |
| Message volume | Low volume | High volume, scalable |
| AI-powered assistant | Not available | Built-in with Intelli |
| Analytics & reporting | Basic | Comprehensive dashboard |
| Multiple phone numbers | 1 number only | 2 – 8+ numbers with Intelli plans |
| Template management | Limited | Full CRUD with preview |
| Blue tick verification | Paid, easy to get | Free via Meta approval |
| Cost | Free (limited features) | From $35/month with Intelli |
The WhatsApp Business App is great for solo operators. But if you need team collaboration, automation, or scale, the Cloud API via a provider like Intelli is the way to go.
Why Choose Intelli as Your WhatsApp API Provider
Intelli provides developer teams with everything needed to integrate WhatsApp into their product — from Embedded Signup to production-ready APIs. Here's what you get.
Embedded Signup SDK
Let your users connect their WhatsApp Business Account directly inside your app using Intelli's Embedded Signup flow powered by Meta's SDK. No manual configuration needed.
REST API & Webhooks
Full API access for sending messages, managing templates, handling contacts, and receiving real-time webhook events. Integrate WhatsApp into any stack.
AI Assistant APIs
Programmatically create and manage AI-powered chatbots. Use our API to build, train, and deploy WhatsApp assistants — or let non-technical teams use the visual builder.
Multi-Tenant Architecture
Built for SaaS and agencies. Each organization gets isolated WhatsApp Business Account configs, separate app services, and scoped analytics.
Analytics & Reporting API
Access message delivery rates, conversation metrics, and campaign performance via API. Build custom dashboards or use our built-in analytics.
Meta Compliant & Secure
Fully compliant with Meta's policies including 2026 AI chatbot disclosure requirements. Enterprise-grade security with organization-scoped data isolation.
WhatsApp Cloud API Features with Intelli
Everything your developer team needs to build on top of WhatsApp — from API access and template management to AI-powered automation and analytics.
Template Management
Create, edit, and manage WhatsApp message templates directly from Intelli. Preview templates before submission, track approval status, and organize by category (marketing, utility, authentication). No need to use Meta's Business Manager for template work.
Broadcast Campaigns
Send targeted campaigns to thousands of contacts at once. Segment your audience by tags, custom fields, or import lists. Schedule broadcasts for optimal delivery times and track open rates, delivery status, and click-throughs in real time.
AI-Powered Chatbot
Build intelligent WhatsApp assistants using our visual flow builder — no coding required. Your AI chatbot can answer FAQs, collect customer information, qualify leads, process orders, and seamlessly hand off to human agents when needed. Learn more about our AI WhatsApp Assistant. AI WhatsApp Assistant →
Shared Team Inbox
Your entire team can respond to WhatsApp messages from one dashboard. Assign conversations to specific agents, add internal notes, use canned responses for speed, and see who's handling what in real time. No more fighting over one phone.
Multiple Phone Numbers
Connect multiple WhatsApp numbers under one account — perfect for businesses with regional numbers, department-specific lines, or separate brands. Intelli's mid-enterprise plans support 2 to 8+ numbers with unified analytics.
Analytics & Reporting
Monitor message delivery rates, response times, agent performance, conversation volumes, and campaign ROI. Export reports and use data to optimize your WhatsApp strategy over time.
Webhook & API Integration
Connect Intelli to your existing tools — CRMs, helpdesks, e-commerce platforms, and custom applications. Use webhooks for real-time event notifications and our API for advanced automation workflows.
WhatsApp Cloud API Pricing
WhatsApp API pricing has two components: Meta's per-message fees (charged by WhatsApp based on the recipient's country) and your platform subscription (charged by Intelli — that's us). Here's the complete breakdown.
1. Meta Per-Message Fees (WhatsApp Charges)
Meta charges a small fee for each template message you send. The cost depends on the type of message and the recipient's country. When a customer messages you first, replying within 24 hours is free.
| Region | Marketing | Utility | Authentication | Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rest of Africa | $0.0225 | $0.0040 | $0.0040 | Free |
| Nigeria | $0.0516 | $0.0067 | $0.0067 | Free |
| South Africa | $0.0379 | $0.0076 | $0.0076 | Free |
| Egypt | $0.0644 | $0.0036 | $0.0036 | Free |
| North America | $0.0250 | $0.0034 | $0.0034 | Free |
| India | $0.0118 | $0.0014 | $0.0014 | Free |
| United Kingdom | $0.0529 | $0.0220 | $0.0220 | Free |
| Brazil | $0.0625 | $0.0068 | $0.0068 | Free |
| Rest of Asia Pacific | $0.0732 | $0.0113 | $0.0113 | Free |
| Rest of Latin America | $0.0740 | $0.0113 | $0.0113 | Free |
| Rest of Middle East | $0.0341 | $0.0091 | $0.0091 | Free |
| Rest of Western Europe | $0.0592 | $0.0171 | $0.0171 | Free |
| Other | $0.0604 | $0.0077 | $0.0077 | Free |
Prices in USD per message, effective January 1, 2026. Rates are set by Meta and may change. Pricing is based on the recipient's country code, not the sender's location. Service messages within the 24-hour customer-initiated window are free.
Marketing
Promotions, offers, product suggestions, abandoned cart reminders, and re-engagement campaigns. Requires a pre-approved template.
Utility
Order confirmations, delivery updates, payment receipts, and appointment reminders. Triggered by a user action. Requires a template.
Authentication
One-time passwords (OTPs) and verification codes for login, transaction confirmation, and account recovery. Requires a template.
Service
Customer-initiated support conversations. When a customer messages you, a 24-hour service window opens during which you can reply freely. No template needed.
2. Intelli Platform Subscription
On top of Meta's messaging fees, you pay a monthly subscription to Intelli for the dashboard, inbox, AI tools, and support. All plans include a 7-day free trial.
Plans
Broadcast Only
$20/month
- Up to 2,000 contacts
- WhatsApp broadcast module
- Template management
Basic
$35/month
- Up to 2,000 contacts
- 1 team member
- AI chatbot + flow builder
- Team inbox
Grow
$55/month
- Up to 10,000 contacts
- 2 team members
- AI chatbot + flow builder
- Team inbox + analytics
Pro
$75/month
- Up to 100,000 contacts
- 3 team members
- AI chatbot + flow builder
- Full analytics
Enterprise Plans
Elite
$86/month
- Unlimited contacts
- 2 WhatsApp numbers
- 10 team members
- Priority support
Scale
$108/month
- Unlimited contacts
- 3 WhatsApp numbers
- 15 team members
- Priority support
Legacy
$214/month
- Unlimited contacts
- 5 WhatsApp numbers
- 20 team members
- Dedicated account manager
Add-ons
| Extra team member seat | $5/month |
| Website chat channel | $15/month |
| 1 million AI credits | $9/month |
| Instagram channel | $20/month |
| Messenger channel | $20/month |
How to Get Started with WhatsApp Cloud API
Whether you're integrating via API or using the dashboard, getting set up with WhatsApp Cloud API through Intelli is straightforward. Most teams are live within 24 hours.
Create Your Intelli Account & Organization
Sign up at intelliconcierge.com. Set up your organization — this scopes all your WhatsApp data, team members, and API keys.
Connect via Embedded Signup
Use Intelli's Embedded Signup flow (powered by Meta's SDK) to link your Meta Business Account and register a WhatsApp phone number. The whole process takes about 5 minutes.
Get Your API Credentials
Once connected, you'll receive your access token, phone number ID, and WhatsApp Business Account ID. Use these to authenticate API calls or configure webhooks.
Create & Submit Templates
Design message templates via the dashboard or API. Submit for Meta approval — most templates are approved within minutes. Templates are required for marketing, utility, and authentication messages.
Start Building
Send messages via the API, set up webhook listeners for inbound messages, or use the dashboard for no-code operations. Refer to our documentation for API reference, SDKs, and code examples.
