Stuck between choosing WhatsApp Business API or WhatsApp Marketing – Personal or WhatsApp Marketing – Virtual for your business?
We cover everything for you! WhatsApp, with over 2.2 billion monthly global users, is one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide. Businesses can now use it to reach customers quickly and easily. Whether you run a small business or a large enterprise, WhatsApp has options that can suit your needs.
The WhatsApp Business API offers powerful tools for companies that need to handle a large volume of messages, automate interactions, and integrate with their CRM systems. However, If you prefer a more personal touch, WhatsApp Marketing through personal accounts might be your best option. Then there’s WhatsApp Marketing – Virtual, which is ideal for Bulk Marketing and Awareness Campaigns. In below table, we’ll help you compare these three “WhatsApp Business API Vs. WhatsApp Official Vs. WhatsApp Virtual” to decide which one will work best for your business.
WhatsApp Business API Vs. WhatsApp Official Vs. WhatsApp Virtual
| Factors | WhatsApp Business API | WhatsApp Official | WhatsApp Virtual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Messages Sent Via | Your Brand Name | Your WhatsApp Number. Your Brand Name if Meta Verified taken. |
Random Number |
| Account Type | Requires new or unused WhatsApp number | Uses existing WhatsApp number | No WhatsApp account required |
| Ideal Use Case | Bulk Broadcasting & Transactional Messages | Messaging to only known contact | Bulk Broadcasting |
| Blue Tick | Can be Applied | Can be Applied on WhatsApp Business App. Separate charges payable to Meta |
Not Applicable |
| Call to Action Button | Yes | No | No |
| Per-Message Cost | ₹0.11 (Utility), ₹0.78 (Marketing) | No per-message cost | ₹0.10 – ₹0.16 |
| To whom Message Cost is Paid | Meta (Parent Company of WhatsApp) & Markup to Platform Provider |
Not Applicable | Platform Provider |
| Platform Fee | Yes | Yes | No |
| Template Approval | Yes | No | No |
| Message Sending Limit | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| WhatsApp Banning | Not Possible | Only if Large number of Recipient Report or Block. Almost not possible if Meta Verified taken. | Doesn’t Matter as these are Random Numbers |
| Operation Time | 24 Hours (All Days) | 24 Hours (All Days) | 10 am – 6 pm (Mon – Sat) |
| Message Scheduling | Possible | Possible | Not Possible |
| Message with Variable | Possible | Possible | Not Possible |
| API Integration | Yes | Yes | No |
| Chatbot | Yes | Yes | No |
| Contact Auto Save (Incoming Message) | Yes | No | NA |
| Multi-Agent (To Manage Incoming Message) |
Yes | No | NA |
| No. of Devices | Unlimited | 4 | Unlimited |
| WhatsApp Group or Channel | Can’t create WhatsApp Group or Channel | Can create WhatsApp Group or Channel | Not Applicable as its not our Number |
| Delivery Report Accuracy | 100% | 100% | 95% – 97% |
| Setup Complexity | High | Low | Low |
| Ease of Use | Moderate | High | High |
| Service Provider | LeminAi | – | – |
