The official WhatsApp Business API channel — required for COD confirmation flows and for template-based sending at volume.
The QR-paired WhatsApp channel is fine for two-way chat and small campaigns. COD confirmation buttons, approved templates and high volume need WhatsApp Cloud.
WhatsApp bans numbers that jump straight to high volume. Start at 2-5 messages a day for a week, 10-20 in week two, then ramp over weeks three and four. After a month the number is warmed and ready for real campaigns.
Save approved templates, send them as campaigns or from automations, and keep replying in the unified inbox.
Both automated COD routes — interactive buttons and the AI assistant — need a connected WhatsApp Cloud channel.
Compare normal WhatsApp (QR-paired) and WhatsApp Cloud