As of May 2024WhatsApp already has 2.94 billion users worldwide.

Even though Meta is a mega tech company, it's not easy to ensure the smooth operation of this software with a mega user base, so Meta has developed a detailed WhatsApp Business Messaging Policy respond in singing WhatsApp Business Policy, sets out detailed requirements for both WhatsApp users and businesses intending to use WhatsApp for commercial activities.

If you want to make sure that your WhatsApp account works properly, you better follow these policy requirements. We will expand on a few aspects of the explanation.

WhatsApp business account is?

There are actually three versions of WhatsApp, namely WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business App and WhatsApp Business API, each of which corresponds to a different usage scenario.

Let's dive into the differences between these tools:

WhatsApp

1. personal use: WhatsApp is an instant messaging application designed for individual users to communicate with friends and family.
2. Basic Functions: Includes sending text messages, voice messages, pictures, videos, files, and making voice and video calls.
3. group chat: Support for creating and participating in group chats to communicate with multiple contacts at the same time.

WhatsApp Business App

1. small business: WhatsApp Business App is a free app designed for small businesses to help them communicate more professionally with their customers.
2. Operational information: Allows businesses to create business profiles that contain company information such as address, description, email, website, and hours of operation.
3. Automation Tools: Includes autoresponders, quick replies and welcome messages to improve customer service efficiency.
4. label management: Businesses can use the tagging feature to organize and manage customer conversations.
5. Message Statistics: Provides basic message statistics, allowing organizations to view messages sent, received and read.

WhatsApp Business API

1. medium-to-large scale enterprise: The WhatsApp Business API is designed for medium to large organizations and does not have a stand-alone application, but rather needs to be accessed through theOfficial Meta Certified PartnerIntegrate the use of, for exampleYCloud.
2. integration capability: Allows organizations to integrate WhatsApp into their existing customer relationship management (CRM) systems and other back-office systems to enable large-scale and automated customer interactions.
3. Advanced Features: The WhatsApp Business API not only supports all the automation features of the WhatsApp Business APP, but also more customization features such as chatbots, customer support system integration, and complex message templates.
4. cost: Unlike the WhatsApp Business App, using WhatsApp Business API messagesBilling by volume and region.

That said, WhatsApp is for personal use, the WhatsApp Business App is for small businesses, and the WhatsApp Business API is for medium to large organizations that need a more sophisticated and large-scale customer communications solution.

Also: As a personal user of WhatsApp, you can receive messages from business users of the WhatsApp Business APP and WhatsApp Business API.

What do businesses need to be aware of when adding contacts on WhatsApp?

We all know that in order to chat with someone on WhatsApp, all you need to know is their cell phone number.

But this still has some prerequisites, that is to say, the user's conversation needs to start with both parties recognizing and agreeing to it:

(a) The other party provided you with their cell phone number;

(b) You have received opt-in permission from the recipient confirming that they would like to receive a follow-up message or call from you on WhatsApp.

These requirements follow the premise of "creating a quality experience" - after all, no one wants to be bombarded with strange messages, right?

At the same time, Meta also imposes a number of restrictions on commercial accounts that blindly send marketing messages:

1. If a company's mass message receives too much negative feedback and user complaints because the quality of the content sent is too low, the system will limit the amount of messages and calls the company can send, or even block the number - in fact, it is very common to be blocked.

2. If a business has other violations of the terms or policies, such as sending messages to large groups of people in an unauthorized manner, it will also be dealt with by official WhatsApp blocking.

It is important to note that this type of blocking treatment often makes it difficult to successfully retrieve an account due to a clear violation of WhatsApp's business policies. Therefore, businesses need to take responsibility for the content of the messages they send and the way they send them. Ensure that you send high-quality content, or messages of value (e.g. notification messages, verification messages, etc.).

So how do you get an opt-in license from your users?

The underlying logic of the receiver's opt-in is that the user wants, or even expects, to receive messages from the organization.

To realize this logic, companies can do this:

1. Send messages of interest or value to users. (e.g. order updates, relevant offers, product recommendations, etc.)

2. Get individual opt-ins by specific message categories, e.g. users can choose to receive only notification messages, verification messages, or campaign marketing messages.

3. Provide clear instructions on how users can opt out of receiving such messages and honor these requests.

4. Ensure that your opt-in and opt-out processes are clear and intuitive for users.

5. clearly communicate the value of receiving this message on WhatsApp.

What can't I sell on the WhatsApp Business Platform?

Despite the prohibition on selling specific products and services, businesses can still use the commercial features of WhatsApp, subject to certain restrictions. Here's a breakdown of the key messages and scope of WhatsApp's business policy:

• Organizations and/or individuals engaged in terrorist or organized criminal activities are prohibited from using WhatsApp Business Services.
• Using the WhatsApp Business service to promote or organize criminal activity, including exploiting or causing physical, financial, or other harm to people, businesses, or animals, is prohibited.
• Using the WhatsApp Business Services to operate, purchase, sell, promote or otherwise facilitate the exchange of illegal products or services is prohibited.
• We prohibit, in our sole discretion, the use of the WhatsApp Business Services to purchase, sell, promote or otherwise facilitate the exchange of certain regulated or restricted goods and services, including:

❌ Firearms

❌ Alcohol and tobacco

❌ Drugs, whether prescription, recreational or otherwise

❌ Healthcare products Endangered species (wildlife and plants)

❌ Live non-endangered animals (excluding livestock)

❌ Hazardous goods and materials

❌ Real, virtual or fake currencies, including ICOs and binary options

❌ Body parts or fluids

❌ Business models, goods, items or services determined by WhatsApp to be potentially fraudulent, misleading, offensive or deceptive, or potentially exploitative, inappropriate or unduly pressurizing for the target group

❌ Real Money Gambling

❌ Adult products and services

❌ Dating services

❌ Multi-level marketing

❌ Payday loans, salary advances, peer-to-peer lending, debt collection and bail bonds

These prohibitions apply whether or not your business holds a global or local license, registration or other approval.

• Organizations must not wrongfully discriminate against or imply a preference for or against another person, marital status, disability, or medical or genetic condition on the basis of personal characteristics, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and familial status. Organizations must comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination.
• Messages must not contain offensive content, such as explicit pornographic material or nudity, at our sole discretion.

Businesses are responsible for complying with applicable laws and regulations, including WhatsApp's Business and Information Policy

Understanding and adhering to WhatsApp's Business Policies is critical for merchants to ensure that their business operations on the platform are legally compliant. By following these policies, merchants can establish reliable business connections on WhatsApp, provide safe and legitimate products and services, and increase user trust and satisfaction.