WhatsApp auto-reply for a small business, without Twilio

Connect WhatsApp through Meta's own Cloud API and let the Speakvora agent answer customer messages. What the setup involves, what it costs and what is not built yet.

You can answer WhatsApp messages without Twilio by using Meta's WhatsApp Cloud API directly. The agent signs in with a token from your Meta developer app and answers messages sent to your business number.

What the setup involves

  1. Register as a Meta developer and create an app with the WhatsApp use case.
  2. Copy the access token, phone number ID, account ID and app secret into the agent.
  3. Paste the agent's callback address and verify token into Meta and subscribe to messages.
  4. Publish the Meta app (it needs your privacy and terms pages) so real messages are delivered.

It took us about an hour the first time. Meta's test number can only message five approved numbers; for real customers you use your own number, which cannot already be on the normal WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app.

Good to know

  • Text only. WhatsApp calling is not built yet, and Meta requires a daily messaging limit of 2,000 recipients before it enables calling.
  • Replies within 24 hours of a customer's message are free. Starting a conversation yourself outside that window needs Meta-approved templates, which are not built yet.
  • Temporary tokens last hours. For real use create a permanent system-user token.

Cost

A Speakvora bundle is a one-time price from $14 to $199 per business location, with no per-message or per-call fee from us. Your own phone plan, Meta (for WhatsApp) or phone provider bills you directly, and your own AI provider bills you if you add an AI key.

Questions

Do I need a Meta business account?

You need a Facebook login and a Meta business portfolio, which Meta creates for you. Business verification raises messaging limits but replying to customers who message you first works without it.

Can the agent answer WhatsApp calls?

Not yet. Meta allows customers to call a business on WhatsApp only once the number has a daily messaging limit of 2,000 recipients, and the agent does not handle WhatsApp calls today.

Can I use the WhatsApp app and the API on the same number?

No. A number used with the Cloud API cannot also be on the regular WhatsApp or WhatsApp Business app.

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