Learn the billing methods, setup workflow, and console/API usage for Chat App Message Service.
Overview
Chat App Message Service is a fully managed messaging engine built for global enterprises. Through WhatsApp integration, you can reach over 1 billion users with rich message types that drive customer engagement and business value.
Chat App Message Service
Billing
Fees vary by channel type. Two billing methods are available: pay-as-you-go and resource plans. Pricing.
|
Billing method |
Description |
|
Pay-as-you-go |
Platform service fees and message sending fees are charged based on the channel type. |
|
Resource plans |
Points from your resource plan are deducted first. Plans are unavailable during overdue payments. Valid for 12 months from purchase; unused points expire and cannot be refunded or extended. |
Workflow
Chat App messages are template-based, with templates varying by channel type. Select a template and customize it with header, template variable, body, and buttons.
The following workflow uses WhatsApp as an example. For other channels, follow the channel-specific instructions.
|
Step |
Description |
Supported method |
|
① Preparations |
Register an Alibaba Cloud account, complete identity verification, and activate Chat App Message Service. For API access, create an AccessKey. |
Console: |
|
② Create a channel |
A channel is the message delivery path. Supported types: WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger, Instagram, and Email. |
Console: Go to the Channel Management > Create Channel page to create a channel | Create and manage WhatsApp channels |
|
③ WABA registration and association |
A WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) is required to send WhatsApp business messages. Verified WABAs receive a badge that boosts trust, enhances brand credibility, and reduces spam and impersonation. Register quickly through the Facebook embedded signup flow. |
Console:WABA registration and management |
|
④ Number management |
Add, verify, configure, and sync a number for sending messages. |
Console:WABA registration and management |
|
⑤ Template design |
Select a template type and create the content. WhatsApp templates are categorized as Marketing, Transactional, or Authentication. |
Console:Template Design | Add variable | Upload material |
|
⑥ Template review |
After submission, track your template's review status. Approved templates can be used to send messages. Review availability: 24/7. Review time: Usually within five minutes, but may exceed 24 hours. Important
WhatsApp may automatically change a template's category during review. Select "Pause sending when category is changed" during template design to control this behavior. WhatsApp message template category changes and sending control settings. |
Console: View the review status on the page. Notification: ChatAppAudit-template review report (Simple Message Queue | HTTP URL). |
|
⑦ Send messages |
Send messages to target users with a verified number and an approved template. |
Console:Send message |
|
⑧ Check the message list |
Message list: Check sent, received, and read message status. |
Console:Dashboard | Message list | Receipt Notification: ChatAppStatus-ChatApp message delivery status report (Simple Message Queue | HTTP URL) |
|
User replies: View inbound message content. |
Notification: ChatAppInbound-inbound message receipt (Simple Message Queue | HTTP URL) |
Console and API
Console
- Send messages from the console
If you prefer an interactive interface, use the console to create channels, register and associate WABA, design templates, send messages, and view data.
API
- Send messages by using an API
If you prefer to code, use the API to send messages.
Track message results
Track message delivery status, user replies, and template review results through multiple channels.
This table uses WhatsApp as an example. Other channels have their own documentation.
|
Content |
Console |
API |
Notification |
|
Template review status |
Not supported |
ChatAppAudit-template review report (Simple Message Queue | HTTP URL) |
|
|
Message delivery status |
Not supported |
ChatAppStatus-ChatApp message delivery status report (Simple Message Queue | HTTP URL) |
|
|
Inbound message |
Not supported |
ChatAppInbound-inbound message receipt (Simple Message Queue | HTTP URL) |