# WhatsApp channel

> Send WhatsApp marketing campaigns through a verified WhatsApp Business number.

Send promotional messages and automated journeys to customers via WhatsApp using a verified WhatsApp Business number.

> **Coming soon** WhatsApp outbound marketing is not yet available for self-serve signup. Caramel is working through the Meta provider approval process. Contact us to register your interest and we'll notify you when it opens.

> **Plan** WhatsApp is included on Growth and above, or available as an add-on on any plan. See [Caramel pricing](https://joincaramel.com/pricing/) for add-on costs.

## What WhatsApp marketing will do

When WhatsApp becomes available, you'll be able to:

- Include WhatsApp message steps in journeys and broadcasts alongside email and SMS.
- Use the AI Agent to generate WhatsApp message content alongside other channels.
- Send image, document, and button-action messages.
- Trigger follow-up automations from WhatsApp Flow responses (see [WhatsApp Flows](whatsapp-flows)).

## WhatsApp is included in tiers — or available as an add-on

| Access path | How |
|-------------|-----|
| Growth, Business, or Enterprise plan | Included — no add-on needed |
| Starter or Lite plan | Purchase the **WhatsApp Messaging** add-on from **Settings → Messaging Channels** |

## How it will be set up (preview)

Once available, setup will happen in **Settings → Messaging Channels → WhatsApp**:

1. Connect your Meta Business account using the WhatsApp embedded signup flow.
2. Select or register a WhatsApp Business phone number.
3. Your number is submitted to Meta for approval (typically takes 24–48 hours).
4. Once approved, the status shows **Active** and the channel becomes available in journeys and broadcasts.

You will need:
- A Meta Business account verified by Meta.
- A dedicated phone number not already registered with personal WhatsApp.

## Meta's messaging rules

WhatsApp Business API enforces a 24-hour customer-service window. Marketing templates sent outside an open conversation window must use Meta-approved message templates. Caramel manages template submission and syncing automatically once the channel is active.

## Next steps

- [WhatsApp Flows](whatsapp-flows) — Interactive forms inside WhatsApp messages.
- [Telegram channel](telegram) — A live alternative for bot-based broadcast campaigns.
- [Channels overview](index) — Compare all available channels and plans.
- [Billing — capacity packs and add-ons](../../billing/capacity-packs-and-add-ons)