Send text messages to your customers using the Cequens WhatsApp API. Learn about message limits, timing restrictions, and when to use template messages.
Overview
This guide explains how to send text messages to your customers via WhatsApp using the Cequens API. Text messages are simple, plain-text communications you can send to customers who have previously messaged your business.
Who this is for: Developers integrating WhatsApp messaging into their applications.
Before You Start
Authentication Required
You need an API token to send messages. If you don't have one yet, refer to the WhatsApp Business API authentication guide to obtain your token.
Key Concepts
The 24-Hour Messaging Window
WhatsApp enforces a 24-hour messaging window for business communications:
- What it means: You can only send regular text and media messages within 24 hours after a customer's last message to your business.
- What happens if you exceed it: The API will return an error if you attempt to send a message outside this window.
- Solution: Use message templates (pre-approved message formats) to reach customers beyond the 24-hour window.
Message Templates
Message templates are pre-approved message formats that allow you to initiate conversations or send messages outside the 24-hour window. They are not subject to the timing restriction.
Message Requirements
Character Limit
Text messages have a maximum length of 4,096 characters. Messages exceeding this limit will be rejected.
Next Steps
- Learn how to send template messages for communications outside the 24-hour window
- Explore media messages to send images, videos, and documents
- Set up delivery status webhooks to track message delivery