The WhatsApp Business API with Twilio
Twilio's support for the WhatsApp Business API is now Generally Available! Read more in the Changelog.
Using the WhatsApp Business API with Twilio, you can send and receive messages to WhatsApp users using the same Twilio Messaging APIs you already know and enjoy. Dive into the Twilio SDKs and helper libraries, see our quickstart and API reference docs, read through guides on templates and Twilio phone numbers, and find the sample code you'll need.
Not a developer? See our Whatsapp product page.
Signing Up
To sign up for a WhatsApp Sender, head over to the Messaging section of the Twilio Console. Then navigate to Senders > WhatsApp senders on the Console side menu. Once there, you'll see one of the following options to begin the sign up process:
- Select a phone number to register: You can select an existing Twilio phone number or bring your own number and begin the registration process using the WhatsApp Self Sign-up guide. Note: This process is fully self service.
- Submit your first WhatsApp Sender: Click the "Submit a WhatsApp Sender" button to start the standard WhatsApp submission process. Note: It takes around 2-5 business days for approval from WhatsApp.
Once you have an approved WhatsApp Sender, continue on below to to get started with a WhatsApp Quickstart in the language of your choice!
Get Started with the WhatsApp Business API with Twilio
We suggest starting with the WhatsApp quickstart in your language of choice below to learn how to send and receive WhatsApp messages using the Twilio Programmable Messaging API.
Quickstarts
Our WhatsApp Quickstart shows you a common WhatsApp integration using six popular web languages as well as cURL. If you're looking for the fastest way to test the ins and outs of working with WhatsApp with Twilio Programmable Messaging, try the quickstart in your language of choice:
- Python WhatsApp Quickstart
- C#/.NET WhatsApp Quickstart
- PHP WhatsApp Quickstart
- Java WhatsApp Quickstart
- Node.js WhatsApp Quickstart
- Ruby WhatsApp Quickstart
- cURL WhatsApp Quickstart
Can't decide? Head to the WhatsApp Quickstart overview for your guide to the guides!
Sending one-way messages and notifications with WhatsApp
Check out the Programmable Messaging API Reference
Our API Reference and overview has setup hints as well as descriptions of features that come with WhatsApp, such as formatting, location messages, and templates.
From there, learn how to send messages with the Programmable Messaging Message Resource. Sending WhatsApp messages is part of Twilio Programmable Messaging, so you'll use the same API calls to send SMS or MMS messages.
Suggested guides and tutorials for one-way messaging with WhatsApp and Twilio
Our WhatsApp Guides provide useful information for getting started with WhatsApp and Twilio, such as using templates for notifications, key concepts, and how to register your WhatsApp Business Profile using Twilio.
Sending One-Time-Passcodes?
Verify WhatsAppIf you want to send One-Time-Passcodes (OTPs) via WhatsApp, check-out our Verify WhatsApp API instead. This purpose-built API lets you start sending OTPs right away, without throttling and other restrictions that make successful implementation difficult or even impossible.
Two-way messaging with WhatsApp
If you're looking to build conversational or back-and-forth messaging with WhatsApp, we recommend the Twilio Conversations API. With Twilio Conversations, you can build two-way messaging experiences that are cross-channel. So in addition to building WhatsApp-only Conversations, you can also build one customer experience with WhatsApp, SMS, MMS, and browser-based or mobile chat messages.
Suggested guides and tutorials for conversational messaging with WhatsApp and Twilio
The following guides will help you get accustomed to building conversational messaging with WhatsApp and Twilio
Integrate with our SDKs/helper libraries
The quickest way to add WhatsApp integration to your web app with the Twilio APIs is using one of our Helper Libraries. We have helper libraries to assist you with common web languages – get from 0 to 200 OK in the minimum of time.
FAQ and Best Practices for WhatsApp
Got questions about WhatsApp or the integration with Twilio? You aren't alone – see the most commonly asked questions we field as well as a peppering of our best practices for your own Twilio API for WhatsApp integration.
