WhatsApp is offering free cloud-based API services to get more businesses using the app, Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced at the company’s messaging event on Thursday.
The messaging service, which has increasingly attracted business users, is one of several platforms where Facebook-owner Meta has launched more shopping and business-focused features.
Mark ZuckerbergSpeaking in Meta’s “Conversations” program, this offering will mean “any business or developer can easily access our service, build directly on top of WhatsApp to optimize their experience and use our secure WhatsApp.” Customers can speed up their response times by using Cloud APIs. Hosted by Meta.”
Specially, WhatsApp There’s already an API, or sort of software interface, for businesses to connect to their systems and engage in customer service chat on the service, which generates revenue for Meta.
Meta, which bought WhatsApp for $19 billion in a landmark 2014 deal, said businesses will not be able to message people on WhatsApp unless they have requested a contact.
WhatsApp also said on Thursday that it plans to offer alternative payments for users of its exclusive business app as part of a new premium service geared towards small businesses. Reuters report good.
Those features, which are still being developed, will include options to manage chats on up to 10 devices, and customized click-to-chat links that businesses can post on their websites and share with customers.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, speaking in a session with Meta Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg at the conference, said that a third of users who ride through WhatsApp in India are new customers.
The ride-hailing company, which launched its WhatsApp chatbot in December, now plans to further optimize the service, starting for users in and around Delhi and expanding into markets such as Brazil, he said. said.
(with inputs from agencies)