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WhatsApp glossary

What is the WhatsApp Cloud API?

The WhatsApp Cloud API is the version of the WhatsApp Business API that Meta hosts itself. Businesses and platforms like Lead Pattern connect to it over the internet instead of running their own servers.

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Last updated: 5 November 2026

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Quick answer

The WhatsApp Cloud API is Meta's cloud-hosted version of the WhatsApp Business API. It lets software send and receive WhatsApp messages and calls for a business number. Meta has retired the older On-Premises API, so the Cloud API is now the way to use the platform. Lead Pattern connects to it on your behalf.

Meta: On-Premises API sunset

How it works Meta runs the servers. Your software sends messages to Meta over the internet (Meta's Graph API) and receives incoming messages and status updates through **webhooks** — automatic notices Meta sends when something happens. Meta says the Cloud API lets you "programmatically message and call on WhatsApp".

Cloud API vs On-Premises API Before, businesses could also run the WhatsApp Business API on their own servers (the **On-Premises API**). Meta has moved to a "fully cloud-hosted WhatsApp Business Platform", and says the On-Premises API "can't be used to send messages to WhatsApp users anymore".

Why it matters for a business - **Nothing to host.** You don't run or update servers — Meta does. - **Same rules everywhere.** Templates, the 24-hour window, messaging limits and quality rating apply to every tool built on the Cloud API. - **Same prices.** Meta charges per delivered message by category and country, whichever tool you use. Lead Pattern passes Meta's rates through at cost.

An example A retailer signs up on Lead Pattern and connects its number through Meta's popup. From then on, every message its team sends from the Lead Pattern inbox goes through Meta's Cloud API, and replies come back to the inbox through webhooks.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cloud API the same as the WhatsApp Business API?+

It is the Meta-hosted version of it — and, since Meta retired the On-Premises API, the version businesses use today.

Do I need my own server for the WhatsApp Cloud API?+

No. Meta hosts it. A platform like Lead Pattern connects to it for you, so you don't need any servers.

Can I still use the On-Premises WhatsApp API?+

No. Meta says the On-Premises API can't be used to send messages to WhatsApp users anymore.

Keep reading

Related terms and guides

What is WhatsApp Business API?

The platform in plain words.

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What is Embedded Signup?

How your number gets connected.

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Webhooks & API

Connect your own systems to Lead Pattern.

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WhatsApp Business API

What Lead Pattern adds on top.

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WhatsApp glossary

Every WhatsApp Business term in one or two sentences.

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