What Is a WhatsApp Chatbot? (Definition, Rules, Pricing & Real Uses)
Definition, service-window rules, pricing, architecture, and real business uses of WhatsApp chatbots—built to Meta's policies.
a user message opens a 24-hour window for free replies; after that, to send messages, you must use messages pre-approved by Meta (those are called templates).
Definition
A WhatsApp chatbot automates conversations on WhatsApp via the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API). WhatsApp is the front-end channel (what the user sees), while your back end hosts the logic. That logic can be a strict, deterministic flow or a large language model (like ChatGPT) that provides more natural, flexible handling—including actions such as updating/consulting your CRM or ERP, or performing other integrated tasks. In every case, you must follow WhatsApp's service-window and template rules. (docs)How a WhatsApp chatbot works - From entry to reply
- 1Entry points
Users can start chats via wa.me links or QR codes, Ads that Click to WhatsApp, or Facebook Page CTAs. Ads/Page CTAs can open a 72-hour free window for all message types if you respond within 24h.
- 224-hour service window
Any user message (or call) opens or refreshes a 24h window within which you can send replies in any form for free.
- 3After 24h / business-initiated
To re-engage or initiate, you must use pre-approved Message Templates (Marketing, Utility, Authentication) per Meta's guidelines.
- 4UI controls
Interactive Messages (buttons/lists) and WhatsApp Flows collect structured data reliably.
- 5Architecture & compliance
WhatsApp (front end) -> Cloud API webhook -> your backend (rules or LLM) -> Cloud API reply; must offer clear human escalation (agent transfer, phone, email, web support).
Message types vs. requirements
https://wa.me/15059365850 (use international prefix without the plus).Pricing: WhatsApp uses per-message pricing. Ads/Page clicks that open WhatsApp can unlock a 72-hour free window if you reply within 24 hours. See pricing.
Read this—it's important
The rules most businesses get punished for
• No consent or ignoring opt-out. You must have opt-in and honor "stop/unsubscribe" requests. (policy) • Breaking the 24-hour rule. After 24h from the user's last message, only approved templates are allowed. (docs) • Unofficial automation or bulk messaging. Unauthorized tools, scraping, or mass sending can trigger bans and legal action. (FAQ) • Prohibited or regulated content. Follow Business & Commerce policies. (policy) • No human-agent path. Automated flows must offer a clear route to a person. (policy) • Poor quality and spammy experiences. Blocks or reports reduce messaging limits and can lead to restrictions. (limits)
Not sure about the tech terms?
- Like a doorbell: when something happens on WhatsApp (e.g., a new message), the webhook instantly 'rings' your system to let it know.
- Large Language Model; the AI brain capable of understanding questions and replying naturally.
- Customer Relationship Management; tracks contacts, conversations, leads, and opportunities.
- Enterprise Resource Planning; operations like orders, stock, billing, and HR in one system.
- Permission to message someone on WhatsApp (collect it legally on site, forms, POS, etc.).
- Stop/unsubscribe; you must honor it and remove the contact.
Why WhatsApp + AI chatbots are a game-changer for your business
WhatsApp is where your customers already are. In 2025, reputable reporting puts WhatsApp's audience at over 3 billion users worldwide—an unparalleled reach for 1:1 messaging. On Android alone, people spend about an hour per day on WhatsApp. (source)Real impact: from conversations to conversions
Messaging moves revenue. In a consumer study, 66% of people said they've made a purchase after communicating with a brand on WhatsApp. Meta case studies show structured in-chat journeys (e.g., WhatsApp Flows) can materially lift results—2.6x higher conversion to medical consultation at Farmacias del Ahorro, and 1.5x more conversions with 6.6x more responses at UA Finance. (case study)The power of LLM integration: beyond simple menus
Rule-based flows are great for FAQs, bookings, or order tracking-but they're rigid. Add an LLM and WhatsApp becomes a smart front end for real operations.- Order collection: "I need 2 medium black polos, ship to Milan." Understand intent, check stock, compute totals, place the order in ERP/e-commerce.
- Customer service: From "My parcel's late" to warranty questions-read policy snippets, query orders, fetch tracking, propose next steps, or hand off to an agent with context.
- Personalization & enrichment: Pull CRM history to recommend refills/bundles/upgrades; trigger workflows like refunds, claims, or appointment rescheduling-all inside WhatsApp.
Why this matters for ROI
- Frictionless UX: No app download, no learning curve-people already know WhatsApp.
- Higher completion: Structured Flows and interactive buttons reduce drop-off vs web forms. (case study)
- Operational scale: LLMs absorb repetitive questions and routine transactions; humans focus on exceptions.
- Policy-safe growth: Front-load value during free entry-point sessions (Ads/Page CTAs) and use templates responsibly for re-engagement.
FRAI case study — B2B gas-station supplier (2025)
At the start of 2025 we delivered a multimodal (text, pictures, audio) multi-tool WhatsApp bot for a leader in gasoline stations: manage orders, remember important info, provide catalog access, and escalate to sales agents when needed. Those are the results as of August 2025:Impact
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an AI (ChatGPT)-powered WhatsApp chatbot?
Yes. Use the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API) as the channel and connect your LLM on the backend. Your app receives webhooks, calls the LLM to decide the reply/action, then sends responses via the Cloud API—staying within policy: 24-hour service window, templates after 24h, opt-in/opt-out, and human escalation.
Does WhatsApp have a built-in chatbot for my business?
No. Automation is built on the WhatsApp Business Platform (Cloud API) or via approved providers. WhatsApp itself doesn't ship a turnkey bot for your brand.
When do I need message templates?
Any business-initiated message or re-engagement after 24 hours must use an approved message template (e.g., Marketing, Utility, Authentication). Templates are the only messages allowed outside the service window.
Can I add buttons, lists, or in-chat forms?
Yes. Use Interactive Messages (reply buttons/lists) and WhatsApp Flows to guide choices and capture structured data inside chat.
How do messaging limits work?
Your ability to initiate conversations at scale depends on messaging limits tied to quality rating and account standing; better feedback (fewer blocks/reports) unlocks higher tiers.
Do I need user consent (opt-in)?
Yes. You must obtain opt-in before messaging and provide an easy opt-out (e.g., 'STOP'), while following local laws and WhatsApp policy.
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About the author
Automation specialist, risk‑aware, and ISO‑passionate.
- Valencia, Spain
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