This topic covers the basics of Chat App Message Service. It explains the billing methods, the quick start procedure, and how to use the console and API. It also provides answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you get started.
Overview of Chat App Message Service
Chat App Message Service is a powerful messaging engine from Alibaba Cloud for global enterprises. Through a partnership with WhatsApp, it lets you use WhatsApp's messaging services to reach over one billion users worldwide. A variety of message types are available to help you improve customer engagement and create more business value.
Understand the billing methods
The fees for Chat App messages vary based on the channel type that you use. Chat App Message Service offers two billing methods: pay-as-you-go and subscription packages. For more information, see Pricing of Chat App Message Service.
Billing method | Description |
Pay-as-you-go | Platform service fees and message sending fees are charged based on the channel type used for sending messages. |
Subscription package | After you purchase a subscription package, points from the package are used first. The package becomes unavailable if your account has an overdue payment. Unused points cannot be refunded or extended. The package is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. If the package expires, any remaining points are forfeited. |
Understand the procedure
A Chat App message is created from a template, and the content varies based on the channel and template type. You can select a template type that suits your needs and customize the message content using features such as headers, template variables, body content, and link buttons.
This topic uses the WhatsApp message channel as an example to describe the end-to-end procedure of using Chat App Message Service. For other channel types, you can follow the instructions on the corresponding page.
Step | Description | Supported operations |
① Preparations | Register an Alibaba Cloud account and complete the identity verification. Then, activate Chat App Message Service. If you want to use Chat App Message Service through an API, you must also create an AccessKey. | Console: |
② Create a channel | In Chat App Message Service, a channel is the medium used to send messages. The supported channel types include WhatsApp, Viber, Messenger, Instagram, and Email. You can create and manage new channels as needed. | Console: You can add a channel on the Channel Management > Add Channel page. For more information, see Create a WhatsApp channel. |
③ Register and bind a WABA | A WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) is an official business account that enterprises must register before they can send commercial messages on WhatsApp. A WABA that passes the WhatsApp enterprise verification receives a verification badge. This badge increases customer trust, enhances your brand image, and reduces interference from false information. You can quickly register a WABA using the official Facebook embedded registration. | Console: WABA registration and management |
④ Phone number management | You can add, verify, configure, and sync phone numbers to prepare for sending Chat App messages. | Console: Phone number management |
⑤ Template design | You can design the message template content by selecting a template type. For the WhatsApp channel, message templates are categorized as marketing, transactional, or authentication. You must select a suitable template type to complete your design. | Console: For more information, see Template design, Add variables, and Upload materials. |
⑥ Template review | After a template is approved, you can use it to send Chat App messages. After you submit a template for review, you must monitor its review status. Review hours: Reviews are conducted 24 hours a day. Review time: Reviews are typically completed within five minutes, but can occasionally take more than 24 hours. Important The category of a WhatsApp message template may be automatically changed during the review process. When you design the template, you can select the "Pause sending when category changes" option. For more information, see WhatsApp message template category changes and sending control settings. | Console: You can check the review status on the page. Receipt messages: You can use the ChatAppAudit-Template review report in Lightweight MSMQ mode or HTTP batch push mode. |
⑦ Send messages | You can use an approved phone number and an approved template to send messages to target users. | Console: Send messages API: For more information, see Send a ChatApp message and Send ChatApp messages in batches. |
⑦ Querying the message checklist | View the Chat App message checklist: You can query the message sending status, receiving status, read status, and more. | Console: For more information, see Data dashboard, Message list, and Call detail record query. Receipt messages: You can use the ChatAppStatus-ChatApp message sending status report in Lightweight MSMQ mode or HTTP batch push mode. |
Retrieve user replies: You can query the content of mobile originated messages from users. | Receipt messages: You can use the ChatAppInbound-Receive mobile originated messages report in Lightweight MSMQ mode or HTTP batch push mode. |
Get Chat App message results
Chat App Message Service provides multiple ways for you to obtain the message sending status, user replies, and template review status.
The following table uses the WhatsApp message channel as an example. For other channel types, the available features may differ.
Receipt content | Console | API | Receipt message |
Template review status | Check the review status on the page. | Not supported | ChatAppAudit-Template review report (Lightweight MSMQ mode | HTTP batch push mode) |
Message sending status | Not supported | ChatAppStatus-ChatApp message sending status report (Lightweight MSMQ mode | HTTP batch push mode) | |
Mobile originated message | Not supported | ChatAppInbound-Receive mobile originated messages (Lightweight MSMQ mode | HTTP batch push mode) |