What Is the WhatsApp Cloud API?
What the WhatsApp Cloud API is and how it differs from the On-Premise API.
There are two ways to access the WhatsApp Business API: Cloud API (hosted and managed entirely by Meta) and On-Premise API (hosted on your own servers or via a BSP). Cloud API is the current standard; On-Premise no longer receives updates.
WhatsApp Cloud API#
Hosted by Meta on Meta's own cloud. Businesses do not need to maintain servers. Meta handles all updates, maintenance, and encryption automatically. Pricing is per delivered message — you only pay for what you use. New features are available immediately.
WhatsApp On-Premise API#
Hosted on a company's own servers or through a BSP (Business Solution Provider). The business is responsible for server maintenance, software updates, hardware costs, and managing encryption locally. It no longer receives new features or updates. It is more complex and more expensive than Cloud API.
Frequently asked#
Do I need my own server to use the WhatsApp API?
No. With the Cloud API, Meta hosts everything. You just make API calls — no server setup or maintenance needed.
Should I switch from On-Premise to Cloud API?
Yes. On-Premise no longer gets new features or updates. Cloud API is cheaper, easier to maintain, and always up to date.
What is a BSP?
A Business Solution Provider (like Twilio or 360dialog) is a company that resells access to the WhatsApp API. With Cloud API you can connect directly to Meta without going through a BSP. See the WhatsApp API glossary.
Is Cloud API cheaper than On-Premise?
Yes. Cloud API uses per-message pricing — you pay only for what you use. On-Premise requires hardware, hosting, and maintenance costs on top of any usage fees.
Gotchas & common mistakes#
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