Webitel: Documentation
Webitel: Documentation
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WhatsApp Business Limitations

WhatsApp Business has usage limitations set by Meta (the owner of WhatsApp) to ensure security and maintain the quality of services.

Main usage limitations of WhatsApp Business:

  1. Phone number restrictions
    Only certain types of phone numbers (both mobile and landline) can be registered in WhatsApp Business. The following numbers are not supported:

    • VoIP numbers;

    • Toll-free numbers;

    • Numbers with paid inbound calls;

    • Universal Access Numbers (UAN);

    • Virtual numbers.

  2. Message volume limitations. WhatsApp Business applies restrictions on the number of messages that can be sent.

  3. Advertising restrictions. Restrictions may apply if advertising activities violate the rules.

  4. Billing. WhatsApp Business supports two types of conversations:

    • User-initiated conversations;

    • Business-initiated conversations.

    Once a business responds to a user within the “conversation window” (as of March 1, 2023, this window lasts 72 hours), that message is tied to the conversation initiated by the user.

    • Only the first conversation started from such an entry point is free.

    • During the “conversation window,” the company can send messages in any format.

    • Using WhatsApp Business outside of the “conversation window” is paid and requires templates.

    Up-to-date information on templates and conversation pricing is provided in the official documentation.

  5. Free conversation allowance. The first 1000 conversations per month are free for WhatsApp Business accounts. Conversations under the free plan can be initiated by either the business or the user. If the 1000 messages are not used, the balance does not roll over to the next month.

  6. Local restrictions. In some countries, additional restrictions may apply, such as requiring a special license or approval from local authorities. Since Facebook policies may change, it is recommended to contact Facebook representatives for the latest information on API usage restrictions in a specific country.

  7. Media size limitations. WhatsApp Business restricts the size of media that can be sent through the messenger:

    • Maximum video size: 16 MB;

    • Maximum photo size: 5 MB;

    • Maximum audio size: 16 MB;

    • Maximum file size: 100 MB.

    Supported file formats:

    • Photos: jpeg, jpg, png;

    • Videos: mp4, mov;

    • Audio: acc, mp4, mpeg, amr, ogg (opus codec);

    • Files: plain, pdf, MS Office formats, and others.

    If another file format is sent, WhatsApp may automatically convert it into a supported format before delivery. However, this may result in quality loss or limited file functionality.

These restrictions are in place to ensure the security and quality of the services provided by WhatsApp Business. They are also subject to change in accordance with Facebook's policies.