WhatsApp Business Platform: On-Premises API vs Cloud API

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WhatsApp has unveiled its new Cloud API. What are the main differences between WhatsApp On-Premises API and WhatsApp Cloud API? Let’s take a look!

CM.com
CM.com
SUMMARY
WhatsApp Business Platform
WhatsApp On-Premises API
WhatsApp Cloud API
Choose the WhatsApp Business Platform API that is Best Suited for Your Business
WhatsApp Business Platform
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps. Statistics show that two billion people worldwide use WhatsApp every month, making it the most used mobile messaging channel. Businesses all over the world are using WhatsApp Business Platform and are enjoying its many benefits when it comes to customer relations. WhatsApp Business Platform offers many features that allow you to: answer customer questions, provide support, drive conversion, send notifications, and more.

WhatsApp Business Platform recently introduced a cloud-based version of its API, hosted by Meta (owner of Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and many other apps), to make it easier for businesses to access WhatsApp.

How does WhatsApp Business Platform Cloud API differ from the original On-Premises API setup? And which one is the best solution for your business? Let’s find out together!

WhatsApp On-Premises API
Meta first offered WhatsApp Business Platform via a GDPR-compliant REST API protocol called WhatsApp On-Premises API. This API is hosted individually or by Business Service Providers ( BSPs), such as CM.com. In short, the software is installed and runs on the BSP’s infrastructure.

WhatsApp Cloud API
In 2022, Meta launched the WhatsApp Cloud API, not to replace the WhatsApp On-Premises API, but to offer an additional option, suitable for different use cases and objectives. The Cloud API allows businesses to send and receive all types of messages and media, just like the On-Premises API, but with additional features. This is why the Cloud API will become Meta's preferred platform for developing new interactive features, which enable automation and help increase conversion rates.

Key Features of WhatsApp Cloud API

End-to-end encryption by Meta instead of BSP

Early access to new channel features

Automatic updates

Higher message throughput than On-Premises API

Ability to react with emojis, similar to the WhatsApp chat feature

Unlike the On-Premises API, the Cloud API is hosted by Meta’s cloud servers, with investors email lists e, of course, GDPR compliant.

The Cloud API is based on Facebook’s Graph API, which covers most Meta products, including Instagram and WhatsApp. Another interesting fact (especially for developers): the Graph API is an HTTP-based API. It can, for example, be used to programmatically query data, publish new Stories, manage ads, and upload photos.