Origins of WhatsApp

• Launched in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton as a simple one-to-one chat app
  
  

• Grew into a leading global messaging platform widely used for personal and business communication
  
  

1. WhatsApp Messenger

Target Audience: Individuals
Use Cases:

• Personal chats (one-to-one and groups)
  
  

• Sharing media: photos, videos, voice notes, location, documents
  
  

• Voice and video calls
  
  

• Backup and restore (via Google Drive/iCloud)
  
  

• Status updates
  Key Features:
  
  

• End‑to‑end encryption
  
  

• Read/delivery receipts (double/blue ticks)
  
  

• Cross‑platform support (mobile, web, desktop)
  Primary Role: Connecting friends, family, and informal users
  
  

2. WhatsApp Business App

Launched: 2018, designed for small businesses
Target Audience: Small business owners
Use Cases:

• Customer support and inquiries
  
  

• Promotional messages and offers
  
  

• Professional business profile
  
  

• Automated greetings and away messages
  Key Features:
  
  

• Business profile: store address, hours, website, description
  
  

• Product catalog: images, prices, descriptions, links
  
  

• Labels: organize chats (e.g. New Order, Pending Payment)
  
  

• Broadcast lists: send updates up to 256 contacts
  
  

• Message stats: track sent, delivered, read counts
  
  

• Supports up to 5 devices per account
  Primary Role: Bridge between personal communication style and basic business needs
  
  

3. WhatsApp Business API

Launched: 2018 to serve medium–large businesses
Target Audience: Enterprises and growing businesses
Use Cases:

• Handling high customer message volumes
  
  

• Order confirmations, delivery alerts, appointment reminders
  
  

• Seamless CRM and e‑commerce integration
  
  

• Automated response flows via chatbots
  Key Features:
  
  

• Scalability: no limit on devices or message counts
  
  

• Integration: connects with CRM/ERP/marketing tools
  
  

• Automation: chatbots, scheduled messages, routing rules
  
  

• Analytics: delivery rates, engagement, response time, conversions
  Partner Note:
  
  

• Requires official integration via a WhatsApp Business Solution Provider
  
  

• Example: WhatsBoost supports API onboarding, automation, and compliance
  
  

Which One Suits You Best?

• WhatsApp Messenger:
  Ideal for personal use, informal business chats, or micro-entrepreneurs without automation needs.
  
  

• WhatsApp Business App:
  Best for small businesses or freelancers looking for structure—complete with profiles, catalogs, labels, and basic automated replies.
  
  

• WhatsApp Business API:
  Essential for growing enterprises needing automation, CRM integration, rich messaging, and analytics.
  Use a provider like WhatsBoost to launch efficiently, maintain compliance, and access advanced tools like chatbots and multi‑agent inboxes.