WhatsApp cloud connection

The WhatsApp Cloud API — the cloud connection — is the version of the official WhatsApp API hosted by Meta itself, launched in 2022. Whoever integrates only makes HTTPS calls; Meta takes care of servers, updates and uptime.

Cloud API and On-Premises

The On-Premises version required your own server, maintenance and manual updates. Meta announced the end of that version and steers new integrations to the Cloud API — check the current status in Meta's documentation before hiring anyone still offering the old one.

Advantages

• Faster activation: with a business portfolio, a WABA and a number, the connection goes live without your own infrastructure.
• No server maintenance: uptime, versioning and security stay with Meta.
• Same messaging rules: the 24-hour window, templates and per-delivered-message billing.

Limitations

Message data passes through Meta's infrastructure, which some sectors with their own compliance rules need to assess; and there is less infrastructure customization. Teams that need dedicated support usually hire a BSP.

How to get access

Through Meta's developer portal, after creating the business portfolio and, to raise the limit, verifying the business. Platforms such as CRPRO make that connection through Meta's authorization, so the business does not deal with tokens, webhooks and templates directly in the API.