Send WhatsApp messages at scale
Reach customers on the world's most popular messaging app with rich media, interactive buttons, and a verified sender identity -- all from a single API.
Everything you need for WhatsApp at scale
A complete toolkit for building rich, interactive WhatsApp experiences that drive engagement and conversions.
Rich Media
Send images, videos, PDFs, and audio alongside your messages. Deliver product catalogs, invoices, and boarding passes -- all within the chat.
Interactive Buttons & Lists
Add up to 3 quick-reply buttons or list menus with up to 10 options. Guide customers through flows without leaving the conversation.
Template Messages
Pre-approved message templates with dynamic variables let you reach customers anytime -- even outside the 24-hour session window.
Message Status Tracking
Real-time webhooks for sent, delivered, read, and failed statuses. Know exactly when a customer opens your message.
End-to-End Encryption
Every message is encrypted in transit and at rest. WhatsApp's protocol ensures only you and your customer can read the conversation.
Send your first WhatsApp message in minutes
Template management, media uploads, and webhook configuration -- all documented with code samples for every major language.
import { SakuraSMS } from "@sakura-sms/sdk";
const client = new SakuraSMS("sk_live_your_api_key");
const message = await client.whatsapp.send({
to: "+255712345678",
template: "order_confirmation",
language: "en",
components: [
{
type: "body",
parameters: [
{ type: "text", text: "Jane" },
{ type: "text", text: "#4821" },
],
},
],
});
console.log(message.sid); // msg_wa_abc123Two message types, one API
WhatsApp distinguishes between template messages and session messages. Our API handles both seamlessly.
Template Messages
Pre-approved formats for proactive outreach
- Send anytime -- even outside the 24-hour window
- Dynamic variables for personalization
- Rich media headers with images and documents
- Meta approval managed through our dashboard
Session Messages
Free-form replies within the 24-hour window
- No pre-approval required
- All message types: text, media, buttons, lists
- Customer-initiated service conversations are free
- Automatic template fallback when window expires
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the WhatsApp Business API on Sakura SMS.
The WhatsApp Business API allows medium and large businesses to send and receive WhatsApp messages programmatically at scale. Unlike the WhatsApp Business App, the API integrates directly into your systems -- CRM, ERP, helpdesk, or custom applications -- enabling automated notifications, customer support workflows, and marketing campaigns through the world's most popular messaging platform.
Sign up for a Sakura SMS account, verify your business, and submit your Facebook Business Manager ID for WhatsApp approval. We handle the technical setup of your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA), phone number registration, and API access. Most businesses are fully onboarded within 48 hours. You can start testing with our sandbox environment immediately while your production account is being approved.
Template messages are pre-approved message formats that you can send to customers at any time, even outside the 24-hour customer service window. They must be submitted to Meta for review before use. Session messages are free-form replies you can send within 24 hours of a customer's last message to you. Session messages do not require pre-approval and support all message types including text, media, interactive buttons, and lists.
WhatsApp uses conversation-based pricing. A conversation is a 24-hour window that opens when a message is delivered. There are four categories: utility (order updates, account alerts), authentication (OTPs), marketing (promotions), and service (customer-initiated). Each category has a different per-conversation rate. Service conversations where the customer initiates are currently free. You can view detailed pricing on our pricing page.
The green verified badge (Official Business Account) is granted by Meta to notable businesses. To qualify, your business must have a verified Facebook Business Manager, an active WhatsApp Business API account, and meet Meta's notability requirements. Sakura SMS guides you through the application process and submits the verification request on your behalf. Approval typically takes 2-4 weeks.
WhatsApp Business API supports rich media including images (JPEG, PNG up to 5MB), videos (MP4 up to 16MB), documents (PDF, DOC, XLS up to 100MB), audio files (MP3, OGG up to 16MB), stickers, and location sharing. You can also send interactive messages with up to 3 quick-reply buttons or list messages with up to 10 selectable options. All media is delivered with end-to-end encryption.
Yes. WhatsApp Business API messages are end-to-end encrypted, and Meta processes data in compliance with GDPR. Sakura SMS adds additional safeguards: we store message metadata in encrypted databases, support automated opt-out management, provide data export and deletion APIs for right-of-access and right-to-erasure requests, and maintain full audit logs. Our platform is designed to help you meet both GDPR and Tanzania's data protection requirements.
Ready to message on WhatsApp?
Create your account and send your first WhatsApp message in under 48 hours.