[2023 latest] WhatsApp Business API Pricing Model: Messaging Cost in Hong Kong and other regions

WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging app in Hong Kong, and almost all businesses use it to communicate with customers. WhatsApp Business is a version specifically designed for businesses, offering features for efficient message and customer data management, saving time and manpower.

However, WhatsApp Business may not meet the needs of all businesses, and this is where WhatsApp Business API comes in. There are specific charges associated with WhatsApp Business API, and if you intend to use it, it’s essential to understand these fees. Below, we will introduce the latest pricing model and costs for WhatsApp Business API as of 2023.

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What is WhatsApp Business API?

WhatsApp Business API is a service designed by WhatsApp for enterprise businesses. WhatsApp was originally developed for personal use, but as the user base grew, many businesses saw the need to join WhatsApp. However, WhatsApp’s standard features couldn’t meet their requirements, leading to the introduction of WhatsApp Business API.

WhatsApp Business API enables businesses to perform various practical functions, such as sending broadcast messages, multiple logins and automated responses. This allows businesses to manage a large number of customers efficiently and handle a substantial message volume.

WhatsApp Business API Pricing (Effective from June 1, 2023) 

Starting from 1st June 2023, WhatsApp Business API introduces a new pricing model that categorizes conversations into different types, each with its pricing standards. 

Conversations initiated by businesses are now categorized into three types: Utility, Authentication, and Marketing. Conversations initiated by customers are referred to as “Service Conversations.”

Conversation Categories and Pricing

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Business-initiated conversations fall under the category of Template Messages, and there are three types with different pricing models after 1st June 2023:

• Utility Conversations: Used for facilitating specific requests or transactions that both parties have agreed upon, or providing customers with the latest updates related to ongoing transactions. This includes order confirmation notifications, regular billing statements, etc.
• Authentication: Allow businesses to verify a user’s identity through a one-time password. This can be used in various steps of the login process, such as account verification, account recovery, and checking account security.
• Marketing Conversations: Promotional activities or offers, updates, or invitations for customers to respond or take action. Any conversation that doesn’t fit the Utility or Authentication category’s purpose falls under Marketing Conversations.

Pricing for Utility, Marketing, Authentication, and Service Conversations (Effective from June 1, 2023):

• USD Price List
• AUD Price List
• EUR Price List
• GBP Price List
• IDR Price List
• INR Price List

WhatsApp Business API Pricing Model (February 2022 – May 31, 2023)

WhatsApp Business API introduced a new pricing model in 2022, transitioning from standard and template message pricing to user-initiated and business-initiated message pricing.

User-Initiated Conversations: 

User-initiated messages refer to messages initiated by individuals or entities seeking to communicate with businesses, such as customer inquiries. After a customer initiates a conversation, WhatsApp Business API allows businesses to respond for free within 24 hours. Messages sent by businesses beyond this 24-hour window incur charges, and this is referred to as business-initiated conversation pricing.

Business-Initiated Conversations:

Business-initiated messages refer to messages initiated by businesses, such as post-purchase notifications, promotional messages, etc. Within the first 24 hours of initiating a conversation, businesses can send subsequent messages for free. If a customer sends a message to the business after this 24-hour period, it is considered a user-initiated conversation, and charges apply.

Regardless of the update on charging based on the conversation initiator, the 24-hour conversation window remains. No charges will be incurred within 24 hours of initiating the conversation. Businesses need to make the most of this 24-hour window to optimize the customer experience.

WhatsApp Business API charges in Hong Kong (February 2022 – May 31, 2023)

Now, how much would it cost to use WhatsApp Business API in Hong Kong? The pricing differs depending on the region.

For businesses in Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region, the pricing is as follows:

• User-Initiated Conversations: USD $0.0224
• Business-Initiated Conversations: USD $0.0745

The Asia-Pacific region includes countries and regions such as Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. The pricing standards for these countries or regions are the same as those in Hong Kong.

WhatsApp Business API Pricing Overview (February 2022 – May 31, 2023)

For detailed pricing information, please refer to Meta official website.

Conclusion

The new pricing standards have already come into effect, and there is good news for every WhatsApp Business API users: For every month, the first 1,000 messages initiated by customers are free!

This provides new businesses with the opportunity to adapt to WhatsApp Business API usage and enhance the customer experience. The new pricing model offers more flexibility to businesses and helps improve customer interactions. 

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Last Updated on 2024-05-17