Plain-English definitions of the terms you will meet when running WhatsApp for business, from the 24-hour window to webhooks. No jargon for its own sake.
The secret key that authenticates your API requests. It proves a call is really from your account, so it is kept server-side, never in public code.
A way for one app to send instructions to another. The WhatsApp API lets your systems send and receive WhatsApp messages programmatically.
A template category for one-time passwords and verification codes. It has a fixed format with a copy-code button and the lowest message rate.
An automated flow that replies to customers in WhatsApp without a human. Built visually in the bot builder using triggers, questions, and message blocks.
Sending one message to many contacts at once. On the API this uses approved templates and respects opt-in and quality rules, unlike the limited app broadcast.
A Meta-approved partner, like WA.Expert, that gives businesses access to the WhatsApp Business Platform with extra tools on top of the raw API.
The in-chat basket that lets a customer add catalogue products and place an order inside WhatsApp. Enabled in Commerce Settings.
Your product list shown inside WhatsApp. Linked from a Meta catalogue so customers can browse items in the chat.
Meta's hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API. WA.Expert builds on it, so you get full access without hosting anything yourself.
A 24-hour billing unit on WhatsApp. Charges are grouped by conversation category: marketing, utility, authentication, or service.
Customer Relationship Management. The WA.Expert Mini-CRM stores contacts with custom fields, segments, tags, and a shared team inbox.
The business name customers see at the top of the chat. Changes go through Meta review and must match how your business is known.
Distributed Ledger Technology registration, used for SMS in India. It does not apply to WhatsApp, which uses Meta's own template approval instead.
The verified badge Meta can grant to a business number. It signals authenticity but is optional, your number works fully without it.
The customer service window. After a customer messages you, you have 24 hours to reply with free-form messages. Outside it, you must use an approved template.
A message with buttons or a list so customers reply with a tap. Includes reply buttons and list menus.
An external channel that sends you enquiries, like IndiaMART or a Facebook Lead Ad. Connected so each new lead can trigger an instant WhatsApp reply.
A template category for promotions, offers, and newsletters. It carries the highest message rate and the strictest review.
A reference to a file you uploaded to WhatsApp, used to send the same image or document repeatedly without re-uploading.
The company that owns WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, and runs the WhatsApp Business Platform that the API connects to.
An in-chat form that opens and completes inside WhatsApp. Mini App is the platform's name for what Meta calls a WhatsApp Flow or native flow.
A customer's permission to receive your WhatsApp messages. Required before you message them, and key to keeping a healthy quality rating.
The identifier for your WhatsApp business number in API calls. Found in your dashboard's API settings, paired with your access token.
Meta's health score for your number, shown as green, yellow, or red. It reflects how customers react to your messages and affects your sending limits.
Rich Communication Services, an upgraded SMS standard. WA.Expert supports RCS for India alongside WhatsApp.
A saved filter over your contacts, built on custom fields. Campaigns target a segment, which stays current as contacts move in and out.
A free-form message sent inside the 24-hour window. Outside the window you switch to a template.
A custom field you add to contacts in the CRM, like city or GST number, with a chosen data type. Used for personalisation and segments.
A pre-approved message format used to start conversations or message outside the 24-hour window. Reviewed by Meta in three categories.
The cap on how many business-initiated conversations your number can start per day. It grows from a starting tier as you send quality messages.
A six-digit security PIN set on your WhatsApp business number. Required to finish registration and to protect the number.
A template category for transactional messages the customer expects, like order or delivery updates. Lower rate than marketing.
The Meta account that holds your WhatsApp business numbers and templates. Different from a personal or app account.
Your prepaid balance for message charges. Topped up in steps, it funds the per-message Meta rates as you send.
The unique ID returned for every message you send, used to match webhook status updates like delivered and read to the original message.
A URL the platform calls in real time when an event happens, like an inbound message or a status update, so your system can react instantly.
Want the how-to, not just the what? Every term here is covered in depth in our help docs.
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