This guide outlines the basic concepts, billing methods, and workflow of Chat App Message Service. It covers channel configuration, template design, sending messages via the console or API, and retrieving delivery results.
Overview
Chat App Message Service is a fully managed messaging engine from Alibaba Cloud for global enterprises. Integrated with WhatsApp, it enables you to use WhatsApp messaging capabilities to reach over 1 billion users worldwide. With rich message types, it enhances customer engagement and creates greater business value.
Chat App Message Service
Billing
Chat App Message Service costs vary by channel type. The service supports two billing methods: pay-as-you-go and resource plans. For details, see Chat App Message Service Pricing.
Billing method | Description |
Pay-as-you-go | Charges platform service fee and message delivery fee based on the channel used. |
Resource plans | Points are deducted from the resource plans first. The resource plan is unavailable when your account is overdue. Remaining points in a used resource plan cannot be refunded or extended. The plan is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Any unused points expire after the validity period. |
Workflow
Chat App messages use channel-specific templates with varying structures. Select a template type and customize content such as header, template variable, body, and buttons.
The following section describes the end-to-end workflow of Chat App Message Service, using the WhatsApp channel as an example. For other channel types, refer to the instructions on the specific pages.
Step | Description | Supported method |
① Preparations | Register an Alibaba Cloud account, complete identity verification, and activate Chat App Message Service. To use Chat App Message Service via the API, create an AccessKey. | Console: |
② Channel | A channel is the message delivery path. Supported channel types include WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger, Instagram, and Email. | Console: Go to the Channel Management page and click Create Channel. Reference: Create a WhatsApp channel |
③ WABA registration and association | A WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) is an official account required to send WhatsApp business messages. Verified WABAs receive an authentication badge, increasing customer trust and reducing blocking risks. You can quickly register a WABA through the official Facebook embedded signup flow. | Console: Register and manage a WABA |
④ Number management | Add numbers to perform verification, configuration, and synchronization to prepare for message sending. | Console: Manage phone numbers |
⑤ Template design | Design message templates by selecting a template type. WhatsApp message templates are categorized into Marketing, Utility (transactional), and Authentication. Choose the appropriate template type to complete your design. | Console: Template design | Add variable | Upload material |
⑥ Template review | Once a template is approved, you can use it to send messages. Monitor the review status after submission. Review availability: 24/7. Required time: Usually completed within 5 minutes, but may take over 24 hours. Important WhatsApp message templates may undergo automatic category changes during the review process. Select Pause sending when category is changed when designing the template. For details, see Documentation. | Console: To view the review status, go to the page, select a channel, and click . API: ChatAppAudit (Simple Message Queue | HTTP URL). |
⑦ Send messages | Send messages to target users using verified numbers and approved templates. | Console: Send message |
⑧ Query message list | Get Chat App message list: Query message delivery status, receipt status, and read status. | Console: Dashboard | Message list | Receipt API: ChatAppStatus (Simple Message Queue | HTTP URL) |
Get user replies: Query the content of inbound messages from users. | API: ChatAppInbound (Simple Message Queue | HTTP URL) |
Choose how to use the service: Console or API
Console
- Send messages via 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 via API
If you prefer coding with APIs or SDKs, use the API to send messages.
Get message results
Retrieve delivery status, user replies, and template review results via the console or API.
The following table uses the WhatsApp channel as an example. For other message channels, refer to the instructions provided on the specific pages.
Content | Console | API | Notification |
Template review status | Not supported | ChatAppAudit | |
Message delivery status | Not supported | ChatAppStatus | |
Inbound message | Not supported | ChatAppInbound |