> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.taqnyat.sa/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.taqnyat.sa/home/whatsapp-business-api-documentation/getting-started/what-is-whatsapp-business-api.md).

# What Is WhatsApp Business API?

WhatsApp Business API is a business communication service that allows organizations to manage customer conversations through a business platform rather than relying only on the WhatsApp mobile application.

Through Taqnyat's portal, businesses can create message templates, send campaigns, manage recipient numbers, monitor message status, review reports, and track service usage. 

### What can businesses use it for?

Businesses can use WhatsApp Business API to:

* Send service notifications and customer updates.
* Send authentication and verification messages.
* Send approved marketing campaigns.
* Personalize messages using customer-specific variables.
* Send images, videos, and documents.
* Schedule messages and campaigns.
* Monitor sent, scheduled, and failed messages.
* Review campaign reports and message usage.
* Manage customer replies through connected services such as LiveChat.
* Integrate WhatsApp messaging with business systems through API integration.

### How is it different from the WhatsApp Business App?

The WhatsApp Business App is mainly designed for businesses that manage communication manually through a mobile phone.

WhatsApp Business API is designed for businesses that need a more structured and scalable way to manage customer communication.

| WhatsApp Business App                          | WhatsApp Business API                                       |
| ---------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Managed mainly from a mobile phone             | Managed through Taqnyat's portal or an integrated system    |
| Suitable for manual communication              | Suitable for larger messaging operations                    |
| Basic broadcast functionality                  | Supports structured campaigns                               |
| Limited reporting                              | Provides campaign and message reports                       |
| Limited system integration                     | Supports API integration                                    |
| Mainly used by individual users or small teams | Can support multiple users, agents, and automated workflows |

### How does it work through Taqnyat?

Taqnyat's portal provides the tools required to manage the WhatsApp Business API service.

A typical messaging process includes:

1. Create a WhatsApp message template.
2. Submit the template for approval.
3. Select the approved template.
4. Add recipient phone numbers.
5. Add variable values or media, when required.
6. Send or schedule the campaign.
7. Monitor the message status.
8. Review the campaign report.

The available tools are located under the **Manage WhatsApp** menu in the Taqnyat portal. The previous guide shows options for Sandbox, templates, message sending, scheduled messages, sent messages, failed messages, campaign reports, blocked numbers, usage, and service performance.

### Message templates

Businesses generally use approved message templates when sending structured or business-initiated messages.

A template may include:

* Text.
* Variables.
* Image, video, or document headers.
* Footer text.
* Website buttons.
* Call buttons.
* Quick-reply buttons.

Templates must be approved before they can be used for sending through the platform.

### Sandbox and official accounts

The Taqnyat platform may provide a Sandbox account for testing.

In the Sandbox environment:

* Test numbers must be added manually.
* Each number must be verified.
* Messages can only be sent to verified test numbers.
* The environment is intended for testing before using an official account.

The previous guide explains that only numbers added to the Sandbox account can receive test messages.

An official account is used for actual business communication through the organization’s registered WhatsApp phone number.

### Who is the service suitable for?

WhatsApp Business API is suitable for organizations that need to:

* Communicate with a large number of customers.
* Send regular notifications or campaigns.
* Allow multiple employees to manage conversations.
* Automate customer communication.
* Connect WhatsApp with internal systems.
* Track delivery and campaign performance.
* Manage messaging through one centralized platform.