Understanding WhatsApp Messaging

WhatsApp messaging is a little different than normal text messaging with two types of messages into it.

WhatsApp Template Message

WhatsApp Template messages use pre-approved message templates called MTMs for outbound notifications such as delivery alerts and appointment reminders. They cannot be used for marketing. You must use a WhatsApp Template Message if more than 24 hours have elapsed since the user last responded to you. Any other type of message will fail.

WhatsApp Session Message

WhatsApp Session messages are any messages sent and received in response to a user-initiated message to your business. A messaging session starts when a user sends your business a message, and lasts for 24 hours in the most recently received message. You can wait for users to message to your app, or you can send a Template Message to invite the user to respond. Regular text messages or media messages (i.e., any non-template messages) can only be delivered in this 24-hour active window.