Cloud API
Meta's hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API that runs on Meta's own infrastructure, removing the need for businesses to manage their own servers.
How it works
Cloud API is the recommended deployment model for the WhatsApp Business API, introduced by Meta in 2022 to replace the older On-Premise API. With Cloud API, Meta handles all server infrastructure, scaling, and updates, so businesses and BSPs only need to make HTTPS calls to Meta's Graph API endpoints. This reduces setup time from weeks to minutes and eliminates server maintenance costs. Cloud API also receives new features first, including interactive messages, flows, and payments. Most new WhatsApp Business API integrations now use Cloud API by default.
Related terms
WhatsApp Business API
A programmatic interface that lets medium and large businesses send and receive WhatsApp messages at scale through automated systems.
On-Premise API
The legacy self-hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API where businesses run the WhatsApp client on their own servers.
Webhook
A server endpoint that receives real-time notifications from WhatsApp whenever a message is received, delivered, or read.
BSP (Business Solution Provider)
A Meta-authorized partner company that provides businesses with access to the WhatsApp Business API along with tools, support, and compliance management.
Learn more in our docs
Explore guides, tutorials, and API references for building on the WhatsApp Business platform with SuperWaba.