Understanding the Difference: WhatsApp Cloud API vs. On-Premise API [2024 Updates]

The WhatsApp Business API empowers businesses to connect with their customers personally, at scale. Using the API, it can greatly enhance customers' engagement and communication.

When choosing an integration solution, it's important to understand the difference between WhatsApp Cloud API and On-Premise API.

In this article, we will explore the distinctions between these two approaches, helping you make an informed decision about which solution best suits your business requirements.

WhatsApp Cloud API

WhatsApp Cloud API is a cloud-based solution provided by WhatsApp itself. It allows businesses to integrate WhatsApp's functionality into their applications or systems by accessing WhatsApp's infrastructure hosted on the cloud. The Cloud API offers a range of features, including messaging, notifications, media sharing, and customer support.

On-Premise API

On-Premise API refers to an integration solution where the WhatsApp infrastructure is hosted and managed within your own organization's servers or data centers. This approach requires businesses to invest in the necessary hardware, software, and IT resources to set up and maintain the infrastructure.

Comparing WhatsApp Cloud API and On-Premise API

Distinction	Cloud API	On-Premise API
Hosting	Meta hosts the API	Individual businesses and/or BSPs need to host the API software on their own servers and in data centers.
Maintenance and Management	API software upgrades are performed by Meta and new features and security updates are available automatically on the cloud API	Individual businesses and/or BSPs need to perform API software upgrades periodically
Costs	Meta pays for the hosting costs Businesses only pay per message sent or conversation.	Businesses or BSPs need to: Pay the costs of setting up and maintaining their services Pay per message sent or per conversation
API Protocol	Facebook Graph API	REST API
Message Throughput	Maximum up to 500 messages (per second), which combines sending and receiving of text and media messages. High server load may reduce message throughput. See Throughput.	Up to 70 messages per second for single-connect Up to 250messages per second for multi-connect Sending media messages may reduce these numbers.
Media Provider API	Deprecated. To upload media, follow here.	Supported

The Cloud API provides scalability, quick setup, and reduced maintenance, making it suitable for businesses focused on rapid growth and seamless integration.

In contrast, an On-Premise API offers greater control, customization options, and data privacy compliance, making it a preferred choice for businesses with strict security requirements or those in regulated industries.

Evaluate your organization's resources, scalability needs, data privacy concerns, and long-term goals to determine the most suitable solution for your business.

I hope this article is helpful to you.

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