Messaging
Messaging API is a messaging service that allows you to send a New Notification Message to a specific delivery channel. That is, this API unifies delivery channels (SMS, Email, Push, RCS, WhatsApp) to send the desired notification message through a single method.
You can send four types of notification messages through the Notification method:
When sending a notification message through the Messaging API, it will be sent to its respective delivery channel. For example: if you send an SMS message through Messaging API, this API will take care of processing and routing the message to its respective delivery channel (SMS), this process happens every time a message is sent to its respective channel through this API.
This API helps you to quickly create and configure sending a new notification message to your customers globally in real time. The main advantage of our API is its simplicity of implementation, easy and simple way to use!
Sending an SMS
SMS notifications (Short Message Service) are out-of-band text messages that are sent when an event occurs. An event, in this case, can refer to something as exciting as an app update to something as urgent as a weather alert. SMS notifications are very useful for organization as a marketing tool and public safety purposes as well. They’re limited to 160 characters.
Before sending your first SMS message, you must set up the short code or long code from which the message will be sent.
A Short Code is a special telephone number designed for high-throughput, two-way messaging. Short codes are used to send and receive SMS messages to and from mobile phones. That is, an SMS shortcode is a 5 digit number to which an SMS text message can be sent. Shortcodes are often used by businesses to allow customers to opt-in to their SMS campaigns, alert services, or to enter SMS competitions.
A Long Code is a standard phone number used to send and receive voice calls and SMS messages. Phone numbers are typically called “long codes” (10-digit numbers in many countries) when comparing them with SMS short codes (5-6 digit numbers). With a long code, you can only send one message per second. Therefore long code text marketing does not work if you want to message groups of more than 200 people.
You are able to send a new SMS message through the Notification method.
NOTE
The total number of API Calls (requests) that the user can make to the POST /notification endpoint in a certain time has been limited. That is, in case the user exceeds the limit of requests (messages sent) that can be made in a specific time, he/she will not be able to send another request until the established time is up. Once the time has elapsed, the request counter is reset and the request can be sent to the endpoint again.
In this example, the user can send 2 requests in 300 seconds (5 minutes). When a third request is sent within the 5 minute range, the
HTTP Status Code “429”
will be generated and the following parameter will be displayed from the Response body:"errors": { "reason": Too Many Requests" }
. This code tells you that the user has sent too many requests in a given amount of time. Once the required time has elapsed, the request counter is reset to 2, so the user will be able to send two requests again in 5 minutes.To find out if the user exceeds the limit of required requests and the time he/she needs to wait to send the next request, we recommend consulting the Response Header (additional information about the body of the resource). The parameters presented in the response header are the following:
ratelimit-limit: 2
ratelimit-policy: 2;w= 300
ratelimit-remaining: 1
ratelimit-reset: 5m0s
- RateLimit-Limit: return the number of requests left for the client in the time window
- RateLimit-Remaining: return the remaining quota in the current window
- RateLimit-Reset: return the time remaining in the current window, specified in seconds
- RateLimit-Policy: return the quota policy. The quota policy expression can be found in paragraph 2.1 of the IETF draft. The format is, for example, for 2 requests in 300 seconds.
When you send an SMS message, the request body contains the following data:
HTTP Request : POST /notification
{
"channel": "SMS",
"request": {
"from": "12345",
"to": "+580000000005",
"message": "text demo",
"requestDR": true,
"type": "MT"
},
"callbacks": [
"http://www.mycallback.com?id=123"
]
}
The parameters presented in the request body example when sending the SMS message are the following:
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
channel | Yes | Specifies the type of delivery channel which the notification message will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request | Yes | Message content. |
request.from | Yes | Source address of the message. Specifies the Shortcode (from 1 to 6 digits), Longcode (from 7 digits on), an alphanumeric shortcode (ex. COMPANY) or a virtual number that will be used to originate and send the SMS message. Any of these codes will appear in the handset as the source of the text message. Virtual numbers will translate to a local shortcode depending on the destination carrier. If you don't have one assigned yet please contact our support team to request one. |
request.to | Yes | Destination address of the message. This is the cell phone number where you want to send your message to. The destination address must be specified in E.164 format → (‘+’ and a country code). The plus sign prefix of the format is optional. |
request.message | Yes | Content of the SMS message that will be sent to the end user. The maximum length of a short message text is 160 characters using the default GSM 03.38 alphabet. If you use any character that is not in the default alphabet, the message will be encoded in Unicode and will be divided in segments of a maximum of 70 characters each. For example, if you include an emoji in your message and the message is 150 characters long, it will be divided into three segments: the first one with 70 characters, the second one with 70 characters and the third one with just 10 characters. You will be charged per segment, not per message. |
request.type | Yes |
By default is |
request.requestDR | No | Request a Delivery Receipt to the carrier.
By default is |
request.callbacks | No | Indicate one or more (separated by comma) webhook URLs to notify about the status of the message delivery.That is, If you want to receive the status of the message you've sent to your subscribers, you need to specify your endpoint. Your endpoint must have a HTTP POST access method and receive a JSON body. The URL is the external callback where the events of the SMS message will be registered and published. The following SMS message status sent to your callback URL will be the status to be recorded in the callback once the message has been sent:
To notify the status of the message delivery through a callback, the To know the parameters that will be registered and sent to your callback URL in JSON format go to the Callback URL (MT) section |
request.externalId | No | Alphanumeric identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the name or ID of the action that originated this SMS message so you can then identify where this API call is coming from. This is an identifier you can use to identify your messages uniquely. Typical applications are to assign a different identifier per message or per group of messages, like a campaign identifier. This identifier will be sent back to you if you request callbacks containing status changes of the messages you send. |
request.clientId | No | Unique user identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the mobile number of the user receiving the message so you can then relate this message sent with a particular user. |
NOTE
In this API, we use the term MT because we will only send an SMS message to customers. If you desire to receive SMS messages (MO), go to the Receive SMS section.
Once the SMS notification message has been sent, the response body contains the following data:
{
"meta": {
"timestamp": 1642531254980,
"transactionId": "077da1d0-e089-487e-aed0-59534ba2d9f5",
"explain": "Send Notification"
}
}
The parameters presented in the response body example when sending the SMS notification message are the following:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
meta | "meta" segment is dedicated to metadata regarding the call itself. |
meta.timestamp | Call’s time mark. Sequence of characters identifying when the message has been sent. |
meta.transactionId | Call’s transaction ID, this will help our teams to locate issues faster if arose. |
meta.explain | Useful message regarding the operation or the call. |
The Messaging API publishes the Outbound SMS in the Send SMS API queue, for this reason, the response generates the “meta” segment.
Sending an Email
Email (electronic mail) is the exchange of computer-stored messages by telecommunication. The email was one of the first activities performed over the internet and is still the most popular use. A large percentage of the total traffic over the internet is email. Email can be used in various ways, either personally or within an organization, as well as one on one or among a large group of people.
You are able to send a new Email message through the Notification method.
NOTE
The total number of API Calls (requests) that the user can make to the POST /notification endpoint in a certain time has been limited. That is, in case the user exceeds the limit of requests (messages sent) that can be made in a specific time, he/she will not be able to send another request until the established time is up. Once the time has elapsed, the request counter is reset and the request can be sent to the endpoint again.
In this example, the user can send 2 requests in 300 seconds (5 minutes). When a third request is sent within the 5 minute range, the
HTTP Status Code “429”
will be generated and the following parameter will be displayed from the Response body:"errors": { "reason": Too Many Requests" }
. This code tells you that the user has sent too many requests in a given amount of time. Once the required time has elapsed, the request counter is reset to 2, so the user will be able to send two requests again in 5 minutes.To find out if the user exceeds the limit of required requests and the time he/she needs to wait to send the next request, we recommend consulting the Response Header (additional information about the body of the resource). The parameters presented in the response header are the following:
ratelimit-limit: 2
ratelimit-policy: 2;w= 300
ratelimit-remaining: 1
ratelimit-reset: 5m0s
- RateLimit-Limit: return the number of requests left for the client in the time window
- RateLimit-Remaining: return the remaining quota in the current window
- RateLimit-Reset: return the time remaining in the current window, specified in seconds
- RateLimit-Policy: return the quota policy. The quota policy expression can be found in paragraph 2.1 of the IETF draft. The format is, for example, for 2 requests in 300 seconds.
When you send an Email message, the request body contains the following data:
HTTP Request : POST / notification
{
"channel": "EMAIL",
"request": {
"from": "[email protected]",
"to": "[email protected]",
"message": "Hi, this is a Oberyn demo!",
"subject": "Email Subject"
},
"callbacks": [
"http://www.mycallback.com?id=123"
]
}
The parameters presented in the request body example when sending the SMS message are the following:
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
channel | Yes | Specifies the type of delivery channel which the notification message will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request | Yes | Message content. |
request.from | Yes | Email address of the sender. |
request.to | Yes | Email address of the recipient. |
request.message | Yes | The content of the Email message that will be sent to the end user. The message content can be a simple text or HTML format. |
request.subject | Yes | The global or 'message level' subject of your email. |
request.alias | No | Additional email address that you can use with your existing email account instead of your personal email address. |
request.callbacks | No | Indicate one or more (separated by comma) webhook URLs to notify about the status of the Email delivery. |
request.externalId | No | Alphanumeric identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the name or ID of the action that originated this Email so you can then identify where this API call is coming from. |
request.clientId | No | Unique user identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the mobile number of the user receiving the email so you can then relate this email sent with a particular user. |
callbacks | No | Indicate one or more (separated by comma) webhook URLs to notify about the status of the message notification. |
Once the Email notification message has been sent, the response body contains the following data:
{
"meta": {
"timestamp": 1642531254980,
"transactionId": "077da1d0-e089-487e-aed0-59534ba2d9f5",
"explain": "Send Notification"
}
}
The parameters presented in the response body example when sending the Email notification message are the following:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
meta | "meta" segment is dedicated to metadata regarding the call itself. |
meta.timestamp | Call’s time mark. Sequence of characters identifying when the message has been sent. |
meta.transactionId | Call’s transaction ID, this will help our teams to locate issues faster if arose. |
meta.explain | Useful message regarding the operation or the call. |
The Messaging API publishes the Email message in the Email API queue, for this reason the response generates the “meta” segment.
Sending a Push notification
A push notification is the delivery of information to a computing device from an application server where the request for the transaction is initiated by the server rather than by an explicit request from the client. While 'push notification' is most often used to refer to notifications on mobile devices.
Each native mobile application platform (iOS, Android) has its own set of development guidelines and standards, as well as its own OSPNS (Operating System Push Notification Service). Most of these OSPNS allow push notifications to include text, images, app badges, and sounds. The OSPNS routes the notification from the application provider to the application user’s device.
To add push notifications to an application, the application publisher registers with the push notification service of the OS for which they’re developing . Then their OS service provides an API to the app publisher so that the app can communicate with the service. The app publisher then adds the SDK to their application, then uploads the app to the appropriate app store. That is, in order to send push notifications to devices, it is necessary to register your application through the Google and iOS servers. Once your application is configured with the servers (Google / iOS), credentials will be generated. These credentials are the permissions granted to be able to send push notifications to the application configured by the client. The next step is to add our SDK to your app, this will allow you to send push notifications and get device tokens from users' devices once they have downloaded and registered your app. Now, you can send a new push notification message through the notification method.
NOTE
The total number of API Calls (requests) that the user can make to the POST /notification endpoint in a certain time has been limited. That is, in case the user exceeds the limit of requests (messages sent) that can be made in a specific time, he/she will not be able to send another request until the established time is up. Once the time has elapsed, the request counter is reset and the request can be sent to the endpoint again.
In this example, the user can send 2 requests in 300 seconds (5 minutes). When a third request is sent within the 5 minute range, the
HTTP Status Code “429”
will be generated and the following parameter will be displayed from the Response body:"errors": { "reason": Too Many Requests" }
. This code tells you that the user has sent too many requests in a given amount of time. Once the required time has elapsed, the request counter is reset to 2, so the user will be able to send two requests again in 5 minutes.To find out if the user exceeds the limit of required requests and the time he/she needs to wait to send the next request, we recommend consulting the Response Header (additional information about the body of the resource). The parameters presented in the response header are the following:
ratelimit-limit: 2
ratelimit-policy: 2;w= 300
ratelimit-remaining: 1
ratelimit-reset: 5m0s
- RateLimit-Limit: return the number of requests left for the client in the time window
- RateLimit-Remaining: return the remaining quota in the current window
- RateLimit-Reset: return the time remaining in the current window, specified in seconds
- RateLimit-Policy: return the quota policy. The quota policy expression can be found in paragraph 2.1 of the IETF draft. The format is, for example, for 2 requests in 300 seconds.
When you send an Push notification message, the request body contains the following data:
HTTP Request : POST / notification
{
"channel": "PUSH",
"request": {
"platform": "ANDROID",
"to": "fxxxYXf7nfQ:APA91bG2Kzd...",
"title": "Free shipping for a month!",
"message": "body notification.",
"credentialId": "5f1640b0869b170ce8c95825"
},
"callbacks": [
"http://www.mycallback.com?id=123"
]
}
The parameters presented in the request body example when sending the Push message are the following:
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
channel | Yes | Specifies the type of delivery channel which the notification message will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request | Yes | Message content. |
request.platform | Yes | Describing the type of OS which is going to be sent over Push. Values: |
request.title | Yes | Title of the push notification. |
request.to | Yes | Identifier that senders use to target specific devices with a push notification (User Device Token). |
request.message | Yes | The content of the Push message that will be sent to the end user. |
request.credentialId | Yes | Once registered the application of the customer through the Google and iOS servers. Type the credential (Google or iOS) to be able to send push notifications to the application configured by the customer. |
request.data | No | Send extra message information (Key - Value). This message is not visible in the notification. |
request.development | No | Apple provides you test and production credentials to send the message in the test or production phase.
By default, the assigned value is Note: The |
request.callbacks | No | Indicate one or more (separated by comma) webhook URLs to notify about the status of the Push delivery. |
request.externalId | No | Alphanumeric identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the name or ID of the action that originated this Email so you can then identify where this API call is coming from. |
request.clientId | No | Unique user identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the mobile number of the user receiving the message so you can then relate this message sent with a particular user. |
callbacks | No | Indicate one or more (separated by comma) webhook URLs to notify about the status of the message notification. |
The parameters presented in the response body example when sending the Push notification message are the following:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
meta | "meta" segment is dedicated to metadata regarding the call itself. |
meta.timestamp | Call’s time mark. Sequence of characters identifying when the message has been sent. |
meta.transactionId | Call’s transaction ID, this will help our teams to locate issues faster if arose. |
meta.explain | Useful message regarding the operation or the call. |
The Messaging API publishes the Push message in the Push notification API queue, for this reason the response generates the “meta” segment.
Sending a RCS
RCS (Rich communication services) is a protocol between both mobile operators and phones. The overall aim of RCS is for it to eventually replace SMS and MMS messaging, the formats we're all familiar with as they have been around for years. That is, RCS is a set of communication standards for SMS, MMS, and calling that make text messages look and feel more like dedicated messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, among others. Basically, it aims to bring "texting" up to the modern standards with features we expect from messaging apps.
Before you can send messages to users, you need to register as a partner with RCS Business Messaging. As a partner, you can create agents for brands that you manage and send messages through those agents.
An agent is an conversational entity that interacts with users by sending messages and reacting to users' responses. Messages between a user and an agent appear in an RCS-enabled messaging app, such as the Messages app, on the user's device. The Messages app displays branding and profile information for your agent, including name, logo, description, contact information, and URLs.
RBM agents use the RCS Business Messaging API to send messages, events, and other requests to users. When you create an agent, you enable access to the RBM API and define your agent's name and region.
The steps to create an Agent are the following:
-
Open the Business Communications Developer Console and sign in with your RBM Platform Google account.
-
Click Create Agent.
-
Enter your agent's name and region, then click Create agent.
-
When your agent is available, click your agent's name.
To send messages and events as your agent, you need to authenticate API calls with a service account key. The Business Communications Developer Console creates a service account for you, but you need to create a unique key to access your agent.
The steps to create a service account key to access the RBM API as your agent, and configure your agent to receive messages.
-
Open the Business Communications Developer Console and sign in with your RBM Platform Google account.
-
In the left navigation, click Service account.
-
Click Create key, then click Create. Your browser downloads a service account key for your agent. Store the key in a secure location on your development machine. The key can't be recovered if lost.
Once you have created and configured the agent, copy your AgentID, you will need it to send the RCS message to the recipient.
We provided you the ability to create a simple text message and standalone rich card with suggestions sent from the agent to the final user.
Each of the following documents will give you example requests for the message types, and rendered messages on handsets.
Messaging API supports sending two types of RCS messages:
-
Text
-
Standalone Rich Card
Even we provided you the ability to send the message via SMS in case the message couldnt be delivered by RCS.
NOTE
The total number of API Calls (requests) that the user can make to the POST /notification endpoint in a certain time has been limited. That is, in case the user exceeds the limit of requests (messages sent) that can be made in a specific time, he/she will not be able to send another request until the established time is up. Once the time has elapsed, the request counter is reset and the request can be sent to the endpoint again.
In this example, the user can send 2 requests in 300 seconds (5 minutes). When a third request is sent within the 5 minute range, the
HTTP Status Code “429”
will be generated and the following parameter will be displayed from the Response body:"errors": { "reason": Too Many Requests" }
. This code tells you that the user has sent too many requests in a given amount of time. Once the required time has elapsed, the request counter is reset to 2, so the user will be able to send two requests again in 5 minutes.To find out if the user exceeds the limit of required requests and the time he/she needs to wait to send the next request, we recommend consulting the Response Header (additional information about the body of the resource). The parameters presented in the response header are the following:
ratelimit-limit: 2
ratelimit-policy: 2;w= 300
ratelimit-remaining: 1
ratelimit-reset: 5m0s
- RateLimit-Limit: return the number of requests left for the client in the time window
- RateLimit-Remaining: return the remaining quota in the current window
- RateLimit-Reset: return the time remaining in the current window, specified in seconds
- RateLimit-Policy: return the quota policy. The quota policy expression can be found in paragraph 2.1 of the IETF draft. The format is, for example, for 2 requests in 300 seconds.
Text
The simplest messages are made of text. Text messages are best suited to communicate information without the need for visuals, complex interaction, or response. Simple use cases like notifications, alerts or conversational chats can be composed in Text.
When you send a simple Text RCS message, the request body contains the following data:
HTTP Request : POST / notification
{
"channel": "RCS",
"request": {
"to": "+580000000005",
"message": "text demo",
"messageType": "TEXT",
"agentId": "604af472d06abe3a6f5c852e"
}
}
The parameters presented in the request body example when sending the simple Text RCS message are the following:
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
channel | Yes | Specifies the type of delivery channel which the notification message will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request | Yes | Message content. |
request.to | Yes | Determines the destination phone number for your RCS message. Numbers are specified in E.164 format → (‘+’ and a country code). |
request.message | Yes | The content of the RCS message that will be sent to the end user. |
request.messageType | Yes | Describing the type of message which is going to be sent over RCS.
In this case, we enter the |
request.agentId | Yes | Agent's unique identifier. Set by RCS Business Messaging. |
request.fallbackMessage | No | Message mentioning that the message could not be delivered by RCS to the user. |
request.fallback | No | Sends a fallback SMS message in the event the end user's phone does not support RCS. RCS only works for Android devices that support RCS messaging. |
fallback.from | Yes | SMS Sender Number. Numbers are specified in E.164 format → (‘+’ and a country code). |
fallback.type | Yes | Identifies where the message will be sent from.
|
request.suggestions | No | List of suggestions comprised of suggested replies and suggested actions. |
suggestions.text | Yes | Text that will be shown in the suggested reply. |
suggestions.type | Yes | Users can tap a suggested reply to send the text reply back to the agent. Value: |
request.callbacks | No | Indicate one or more (separated by comma) webhook URLs to notify about the status of the RCS delivery. |
request.externalId | No | Alphanumeric identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the name or ID of the action that originated this message so you can then identify where this API call is coming from. |
request.clientId | No | Unique user identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the mobile number of the user receiving the message so you can then relate this message sent with a particular user. |
callbacks | No | Indicate one or more (separated by comma) webhook URLs to notify about the status of the message notification. |
The parameters presented in the response body example when sending the simple Text RCS notification message are the following:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
meta | "meta" segment is dedicated to metadata regarding the call itself. |
meta.timestamp | Call’s time mark. Sequence of characters identifying when the message has been sent. |
meta.transactionId | Call’s transaction ID, this will help our teams to locate issues faster if arose. |
meta.explain | Useful message regarding the operation or the call. |
The Messaging API publishes the RCS message in the RCS API queue, for this reason the response generates the “meta” segment.
Standalone Rich Card
A Standalone Rich Card is a small snippet, usually an image, that's linked to additional actions. This card can contain a suggested reply or a suggested action (suggestion).
Standalone Rich cards can contain the following items:
-
Image/video
-
Title text
-
Description text
-
A list of suggested replies and suggested actions (maximum 4)
When you send a Standalone Rich Card RCS message, the request body contains the following data:
HTTP Request : POST / notification
{
"channel": "RCS",
"request": {
"messageType": "STANDALONECARD",
"title": "sample title",
"cardImageUrl": "https://example.url.site/logo.png",
"mediaHeight": "SHORT",
"cardOrientation": "HORIZONTAL",
"alignment": "RIGHT",
"to": "+580000000005",
"agentId": "604af472d06abe3a6f5c852e",
"suggestions": [
{
"type": "REPLY",
"text": "Yes"
},
{
"type": "REPLY",
"text": "No"
}
]
}
}
The parameters presented in the request body example when sending the Standalone Rich Card RCS message are the following:
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
channel | Yes | Specifies the type of delivery channel which the notification message will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request | Yes | Message content. |
request.to | Yes | Determines the destination phone number for your RCS message. Numbers are specified in E.164 format → (‘+’ and a country code). |
request.messageType | Yes | Describing the type of message which is going to be sent over RCS.
In this case, we enter the |
request.agentId | Yes | Agent's unique identifier. Set by RCS Business Messaging. |
request.title | Yes | Title of the card. |
request.description | Yes | Description of the card. |
request.mediaHeight | Yes | Height of the card media. Values: |
request.cardOrientation | Yes | Orientation type defines orientation in Card message. Values: |
request.alignment | Yes | Alignment type defines alignment in Card message. Values: |
request.cardImageUrl | Yes | URL of the given resource. Type the URL of the image that is included in the card. |
request.fallbackMessage | No | Message mentioning that the message could not be delivered by RCS to the user. |
request.fallback | No | Sends a fallback SMS message in the event the end user's phone does not support RCS. RCS only works for Android devices that support RCS messaging. |
fallback.from | Yes | SMS Sender Number. Numbers are specified in E.164 format → (‘+’ and a country code). |
fallback.type | Yes | Identifies where the message will be sent from.
|
request.suggestions | No | List of suggestions comprised of suggested replies and suggested actions. |
suggestions.text | Yes | Text that will be shown in the suggested reply. |
suggestions.type | Yes | Users can tap a suggested reply to send the text reply back to the agent. Value: |
request.callbacks | No | Indicate one or more (separated by comma) webhook URLs to notify about the status of the RCS delivery. |
request.externalId | No | Alphanumeric identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the name or ID of the action that originated this message so you can then identify where this API call is coming from. |
request.clientId | No | Unique user identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the mobile number of the user receiving the message so you can then relate this message sent with a particular user. |
callbacks | No | Indicate one or more (separated by comma) webhook URLs to notify about the status of the message notification. |
The parameters presented in the response body example when sending the standalone rich card RCS notification message are the following:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
meta | "meta" segment is dedicated to metadata regarding the call itself. |
meta.timestamp | Call’s time mark. Sequence of characters identifying when the message has been sent. |
meta.transactionId | Call’s transaction ID, this will help our teams to locate issues faster if arose. |
meta.explain | Useful message regarding the operation or the call. |
The Messaging API publishes the RCS message in the RCS API queue, for this reason the response generates the “meta” segment.
Sending a WhatsApp Message
This API is a tool that seeks to respond to the need of medium and large companies to communicate with customers through the WhatsApp platform.
WhatsApp is the most popular OTT app in many parts of the world. With the Messaging API, you can reach more than 1.5 billion WhatsApp users. You can send notifications and have two-way conversations. If you're trying to reach – and better converse with – users in LATAM, EMEA, and APAC, you need to consider using WhatsApp.
To use the Messaging API, you must first request an activation. We’ll qualify your application and send it to WhatsApp for approval. A representative will get back to you as soon as possible to give you all the necessary information about the activation process.
-
During the flow, you’ll be asked for your Facebook Business Manager ID. To start, first make sure that you have a personal Facebook account to confirm your identity. Then, go to “Facebook Business settings”, click Business information, and you’ll see your ID below “Business Manager ID”. Your ID is required to connect your business account with WhatsApp. Make sure you have a verified business account.
-
During the flow, you’ll be asked if you already have a WhatsApp Business Account Id (WABA). In case you don't have a WABA Id, our support team will provide you the WABA Id.
NOTE
The WABA Id field is optional.
WhatsApp takes approximately 2 weeks to approve a WhatsApp Business Account.
For more information on how to set up a Facebook Business Manager asset go to WhatsApp Business API.
The messaging API supports sending two types of WhatsApp messages:
-
Template Message (Text & Media)
-
Regular Message
Creating a Template Message
A WhatsApp message template is a message format that you can use over and over again to message users once they have opted-in and given their consent to receive messages. In order to send messages using a template, it must be pre-approved by Whatsapp. WhatsApp reviews and approves each message template, typically in 48 hours or less, to maintain high-quality content and avoid spam.
Contact your account manager to request new templates.
Before requesting new templates message, we recommend you go to the Creating a Template Message section from the WhatsApp Business API to learn how to set the requirements to create the Message Template.
There are two (2) types of WhatsApp Messages Templates:
-
Text Message Template
-
Media Message Template
Text Message Template
Create and send a simple text template. This type of template allows you to predefine the configuration of text message and personalized fields (placeholders).
The body of a message template should only contain text, personalized fields and emojis. There is no limit to the number of parameters allowed in the body but when sending the message template, the total number of characters may not exceed 1024. If using parameters in the body, they may contain many characters as long as the total body length does not exceed the aforementioned 1024 characters.
The requirements before sending the Text Message Template to the recipients via WhatsApp Business API are the following:
-
Create the Text Message Template from the Digital Engagement Platform, in the Templates section.
-
Once you have created the text message template, you'll need to submit it for WhatsApp approval. This can be done directly from the Digital Engagement Platform where the message template is created.
-
It takes WhatsApp up to 48 hours to review a message template.
-
After a text message template is created and approved, you can send it to recipients via API by copying each value of the template message to the request body.
For more information to create a WhatsApp message template via Digital Engagement Platform go to the WhatsApp Templates section.
WARNING
You must carefully copy each value according to its corresponding parameter you set when creating the text template via UI (Digital Engagement Platform) to the request body.
The request body contains the following data:
HTTP Request : POST / notification
{
"channel": "WHATSAPP",
"request": {
"from":"1000000001",
"to":"+1000000002",
"templateName":"code_shipping",
"templateLanguage":"en",
"message": "Hi! your discount code is {{code}}",
"placeholders":{
"code":"34871"
}
}
}
The parameters presented in the request body example when sending a Text Message Template are the following:
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
channel | Yes | Specifies the type of delivery channel which the notification message will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request | Yes | Message content. |
request.from | Yes | Phone number of the sender. Phone number provided during the WABA account setup will be used as the sender of the notification message. Only accepts numeric characters. Do not include the "+" sign. |
request.to | Yes | Determines the destination phone number for your template message. Numbers are specified in E.164 format → (‘+’ and a country code). |
request.templateName | Yes | Name of the template created in your WhatsApp Business Account. |
request.templateLanguage | Yes | Template Language you set when creating the template. Currently the API supports 3 Languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese. Required if you want to send templates in languages other than English. English: Spanish: Portuguese: |
request.message | Yes | Content of the text template message that will be sent to the end user. Emojis and markdown are supported. Maximum length: 1024 characters. |
request.placeholders | No | Only applies if the Object of personalized fields (placeholders) containing the text message body. From the The placeholders must be correctly formatted in order of how the template was created. For example, for a text message body like |
request.externalId | No | Alphanumeric identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the name or ID of the action that originated this SMS message so you can then identify where this API call is coming from. This is an identifier you can use to identify your messages uniquely. Typical applications are to assign a different identifier per message or per group of messages, like a campaign identifier. |
request.clientId | No | Unique user identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. This is an identifier you can use to uniquely identify the destination address in your systems. |
When you send a Text Message Template, the response body contains the following data:
{
"meta": {
"timestamp": 1642531254980,
"transactionId": "077da1d0-e089-487e-aed0-59534ba2d9f5",
"explain": "Send Notification"
}
}
Parameters presented in the response body example when sending a Text Message Template are the following:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
meta | "meta" segment is dedicated to metadata regarding the call itself. |
meta.timestamp | Call’s time mark. Sequence of characters identifying when the message has been sent. |
meta.transactionId | Call’s transaction ID, this will help our teams to locate issues faster if arose. |
meta.explain | Useful message regarding the operation or the call. |
Media Message Template
Media message templates expand the content you can send recipients beyond the standard message template type to include headers, media and buttons. That is, this type of template allows you to predefine the configuration of text message, media and buttons features and personalized fields (placeholders) that provide additional information.
Media Message Templates contain 3 main components:
-
Header (Text & Media)
-
Text Message (body)
-
Buttons (Call to Action & Quick Reply)
Header : This type of template includes an optional header.
The Header contains the media, which can be text, an image, video or pdf file and it is located at the top of the message. You can use headers to provide additional information to end users.
Headers can contain the following:
- Text: Should only contain text and emojis. A text header has a limit of 60 characters including emojis.
NOTE
When creating a media message template with a media header, you do not specify the actual files that will be used; you only specify the type of file that will be used. Actual files to be sent are specified as links when sending the template.
-
Image: Images must be less than 5MB and the format must be .jpg or .png.
-
Video: Video must be less than 5MB and the format must be .mp4, .3gpp (Only H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec are supported).
-
Document: Documents must be less than 5MB and the format must be .pdf
NOTE
You are only able to edit the Multimedia Header (Image, Video or Document) in the request body when sending the message template to the recipient.
Text Message: The body of a message template should only contain text, personalized fields (placeholders) and emojis. There is no limit to the number of parameters allowed in the body but when sending the message template, the total number of characters may not exceed 1024. If using parameters in the body, they may contain many characters as long as the total body length does not exceed 1024 characters.
Buttons: This type of template includes optional buttons.
There are two kinds of buttons that may be added to a media message template: call to action and quick reply.
-
Call To Action: A call to action button allows the customer to call a specific phone number or go to a specific URL. Up to two (2) distinct buttons are allowed, you can’t place 2 phone buttons or 2 URL buttons.
Format options include Phone Number, URL and Dynamic URL. This lets you add a phone number or website URL to your message. If you choose a URL, you can choose from a Static (fixed) website URL or a Dynamic website URL, which creates a personalized link for each campaign you use the template on by adding a variable at the end of the link. The suffix value you set here acts as a default, when you send this template, you can set another value or leave it as it is.
NOTE
You are able to edit the URL Suffix (Dynamic URL) in the request body when sending the message template to the recipient.
-
Quick Reply : Messages include up to 3 options —each option is a button. This type of message offers a quicker way for users to make a selection from a menu when interacting with a business. For example, we are going to add two buttons to the message content:
Button text* = Yes, Button payload: agree
Button text* = No, Button payload: NotAgreeIf the end user selects the button ‘Yes’, the platform will interpret it as ‘agree’ → agree (Yes).
You set the value of the Button payloads to Keyword Senders (Auto-Reply, Opt-Out, Help Response, Join Response).
NOTE
You are able to edit the Button payload in the request body when sending the message template to the recipient.
The requirements before sending the Media Message Template to the recipients via WhatsApp Business API are the following:
-
Create the Media Message Template from the Digital Engagement Platform, in the Templates section.
-
Once you have created the media message template, you'll need to submit it for WhatsApp approval. This can be done directly from the Digital Engagement Platform where the message template is created.
It takes WhatsApp up to 48 hours to review a message template.
-
After a media message template is created and approved, you can send it to recipients via API by copying each value of the template message to the request body.
For more information about creating a WhatsApp message template via the Digital Engagement Platform go to the WhatsApp Templates section.
WARNING
You must carefully copy each value according to its corresponding parameter you set when creating the media template via UI (Digital Engagement Platform) to the request body.
You are only able to set a value for a Multimedia Header (Image, Video or Document), a URL Suffix (Dynamic URL) for a Call To Action Button, or values for Button Payloads from Quick Reply Buttons in the request body. You can not edit Text Headers, phone numbers (Call to Action), Static URLs (Call to Action), the template content, among others in the request body because these values have been approved by WhatsApp.
NOTE
The total number of API Calls (requests) that the user can make to the POST /notification endpoint in a certain time has been limited. That is, in case the user exceeds the limit of requests (messages sent) that can be made in a specific time, he/she will not be able to send another request until the established time is up. Once the time has elapsed, the request counter is reset and the request can be sent to the endpoint again.
In this example, the user can send 2 requests in 300 seconds (5 minutes). When a third request is sent within the 5 minute range, the
HTTP Status Code “429”
will be generated and the following parameter will be displayed from the Response body:"errors": { "reason": Too Many Requests" }
. This code tells you that the user has sent too many requests in a given amount of time. Once the required time has elapsed, the request counter is reset to 2, so the user will be able to send two requests again in 5 minutes.To find out if the user exceeds the limit of required requests and the time he/she needs to wait to send the next request, we recommend consulting the Response Header (additional information about the body of the resource). The parameters presented in the response header are the following:
ratelimit-limit: 2
ratelimit-policy: 2;w= 300
ratelimit-remaining: 1
ratelimit-reset: 5m0s
- RateLimit-Limit: return the number of requests left for the client in the time window
- RateLimit-Remaining: return the remaining quota in the current window
- RateLimit-Reset: return the time remaining in the current window, specified in seconds
- RateLimit-Policy: return the quota policy. The quota policy expression can be found in paragraph 2.1 of the IETF draft. The format is, for example, for 2 requests in 300 seconds.
The request body contains the following data:
HTTP Request : POST / notification
{
"channel": "WHATSAPP",
"request": {
"from":"1000000001",
"to":"+1000000002",
"templateName":"code_shipping",
"templateLanguage":"en",
"message": "Hi! your discount code is {{code}}",
"templateHeader":{
"type": "image",
"url": "https://example.com?media=image"
},
"placeholders":{
"code":"34871"
},
"templateButtons":[
{
"type":"cta",
"values":[
{
"index":0,
"value":"ertyhgf456"
}
]
},
{
"type":"quick-reply",
"values":[
{
"index":1,
"value":"Unsubscribe"
}
]
}
]
}
}
The parameters of the request body are divided into three (3) main sections to send a media message template:
- Main parameters: Outline the essential information needed to send a media WhatsApp template. It highlights the importance of identifying the template, specifying the sender and recipient, and ensuring the template is sent in the correct language. These parameters are crucial for delivering the message accurately and effectively.
- Components parameters: Outline the essential information to explain how to customize and personalize the content of a media WhatsApp template. It covers setting up the header with either a placeholder or media URL, specifying the header type, and configuring placeholder(s) in the text message body. These parameters ensure that the message is accurately tailored to the recipient, using the appropriate content and placeholders defined in the template.
- Buttons Component parameters: It details the requirements for setting up the Call to Action and Quick Reply buttons, including specifying their type, defining their values (like URL suffix and keywords), and positioning them correctly within the template. These parameters ensure that the buttons work as intended, providing a seamless interactive experience for the recipient.
Main Parameters
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
channel | Yes | Specifies the type of delivery channel which the notification message will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request | Yes | Message content. |
request.from | Yes | Phone number of the sender. Phone number provided during the WABA account setup will be used as the sender of the notification message. Only accepts numeric characters. Do not include the "+" sign. |
request.to | Yes | Determines the destination phone number for your template message. Numbers are specified in E.164 format → (‘+’ and a country code). |
request.templateName | Yes | Name of the template created in your WhatsApp Business Account. |
request.templateLanguage | Yes | Template Language you set when creating the template. Currently the API supports 3 Languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese. Required if you want to send templates in languages other than English. English: Spanish: Portuguese: |
request.message | Yes | Content of the text template message that will be sent to the end user. Emojis and markdown are supported. Maximum length: 1024 characters. |
request.externalId | No | Alphanumeric identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the name or ID of the action that originated this SMS message so you can then identify where this API call is coming from. This is an identifier you can use to identify your messages uniquely. Typical applications are to assign a different identifier per message or per group of messages, like a campaign identifier. |
request.clientId | No | Unique user identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. This is an identifier you can use to uniquely identify the destination address in your systems. |
Components parameters
You are only able to edit the placeholder of the header text, the value for a Multimedia Header (Image, Video, or Document), and placeholder(s) that includes the text message body.
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
request.templateHeader | No | Only applies if the template created contains the Object of personalized fields (placeholders) or URL containing the header type chosen when creating the template. |
request.templateHeader. type |
Yes | Only applies if the template created contains the Enter the header type chosen when creating the template in lower case: |
request.templateHeader. text |
No | Only applies if the template created contains the Enter the personalized field (placeholder). |
request.templateHeader. url |
No | Only applies if the template created contains the if you set the Video, Image or Document as Header option when creating the template, enter the URL of the chosen media. The URL of the header (image, video and document) must be a valid URL that starts with |
request.placeholders | No | Only applies if the Object of personalized fields (placeholders) containing the text message body. From the The placeholders must be correctly formatted in order of how the template was created. For example, for a text message body like |
Buttons Component parameters
You are only able to edit If the created template includes a “Buttons” component with either a dynamic URL (call to action type button) or quick reply type buttons.
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
request.templateButtons | No | Only applies if the template created contains the if you set the Call To Action as Button type, it is required when the button contains a Dynamic URL. if you set the Quick Reply as Button type, it is required when the button contains a payload or keywords. Array that contains the URL Suffix value (placeholder) of Dynamic URL for a Call To Action Button, and payloads or keywords from Quick Reply Buttons containing the button type chosen when creating the template. |
request.templateButtons. type |
Yes | Only applies if the template created contains the Enter the button type chosen when creating the template:
|
request.templateButtons. values |
No | Only applies if the template created contains the Array that contains the Template button values. |
request.templateButtons. values. index |
No | Only applies if the template created contains the Position index of the button of how it was defined when creating the template. For Call to Action and Quick Reply buttons, indicates the position index of the button of how it was defined when creating the template (0, 1, 2, 3, ...). |
request.templateButtons. values. value |
No | Only applies if the template created contains the For Call To Action buttons, if the created template has been defined with a dynamic URL, enter the URL suffix value defined when creating the template regarding its index position. The URL suffix is then propagated as an extension of the registered URL address. For Quick Reply buttons, enter the payload or keyword defined when creating the template regarding its index position. |
When you send a Media Message Template, the response body contains the following data:
{
"meta": {
"timestamp": 1642531254980,
"transactionId": "077da1d0-e089-487e-aed0-59534ba2d9f5",
"explain": "Send Notification"
}
}
Parameters presented in the response body example when sending a Media Message Template are the following:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
meta | "meta" segment is dedicated to metadata regarding the call itself. |
meta.timestamp | Call’s time mark. Sequence of characters identifying when the message has been sent. |
meta.transactionId | Call’s transaction ID, this will help our teams to locate issues faster if arose. |
meta.explain | Useful message regarding the operation or the call. |
Regular Message
If a WhatsApp user has sent your application a message — whether it’s a reply to one of your outbound messages, or they have initiated communication themselves — your application has a 24-hour window to send that user any messages, without using a template. These are known as conversational messages.
If your application sends a message to a WhatsApp user outside a 24-hour session, the message must use an approved template as described in the previous section.
You can add text and media files as attachments to conversational messages.
Regular Messages contain 2 main components you can add as attachments to conversational messages:
-
Text (message)
-
Media (files)
NOTE
The total number of API Calls (requests) that the user can make to the POST /notification endpoint in a certain time has been limited. That is, in case the user exceeds the limit of requests (messages sent) that can be made in a specific time, he/she will not be able to send another request until the established time is up. Once the time has elapsed, the request counter is reset and the request can be sent to the endpoint again.
In this example, the user can send 2 requests in 300 seconds (5 minutes). When a third request is sent within the 5 minute range, the
HTTP Status Code “429”
will be generated and the following parameter will be displayed from the Response body:"errors": { "reason": Too Many Requests" }
. This code tells you that the user has sent too many requests in a given amount of time. Once the required time has elapsed, the request counter is reset to 2, so the user will be able to send two requests again in 5 minutes.To find out if the user exceeds the limit of required requests and the time he/she needs to wait to send the next request, we recommend consulting the Response Header (additional information about the body of the resource). The parameters presented in the response header are the following:
ratelimit-limit: 2
ratelimit-policy: 2;w= 300
ratelimit-remaining: 1
ratelimit-reset: 5m0s
- RateLimit-Limit: return the number of requests left for the client in the time window
- RateLimit-Remaining: return the remaining quota in the current window
- RateLimit-Reset: return the time remaining in the current window, specified in seconds
- RateLimit-Policy: return the quota policy. The quota policy expression can be found in paragraph 2.1 of the IETF draft. The format is, for example, for 2 requests in 300 seconds.
Text: The body of a message template should only contain text and emojis. There is no limit to the number of parameters allowed in the body but when sending a simple message, the total number of characters may not exceed 1024. Using parameters in the body may contain many characters as long as the total body length does not exceed 1024 characters.
When you send a Regular Text Message, the request body contains the following data:
HTTP Request : POST /whatsapp/messages
{
"channel": "WHATSAPP",
"request": {
"message": "Welcome to EliPackage",
"to": "+1000000002",
"from": "1000000001",
"type":"text"
}
}
The parameters presented in the request body example when sending a Regular Text Message are the following:
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
channel | Yes | Specifies the type of delivery channel which the notification message will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request | Yes | Message content. |
request.message | Yes | Content of the regular text message that will be sent to the end user. Emojis and markdown are supported. Maximum length: 1024 characters. You can enter the URL of a media file to be sent as an attachment depending on the |
request.to | Yes | Determines the destination phone number for your template message. Numbers are specified in E.164 format → (‘+’ and a country code). |
request.from | Yes | Phone number of the sender. Phone number provided during the WABA account setup will be used as the sender of the notification message. |
request.type | No | Specifies the type of the message that will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request.externalId | No | Alphanumeric identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the name or ID of the action that originated this SMS message so you can then identify where this API call is coming from. This is an identifier you can use to identify your messages uniquely. Typical applications are to assign a different identifier per message or per group of messages, like a campaign identifier. |
request.clientId | No | Unique user identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. This is an identifier you can use to uniquely identify the destination address in your systems. |
When you send a Regular Text Message, the response body contains the following data:
{
"meta": {
"timestamp": 1642531254980,
"transactionId": "077da1d0-e089-487e-aed0-59534ba2d9f5",
"explain": "Send Notification"
}
}
Parameters presented in the response body example when sending the Regular Text Message are the following:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
meta | "meta" segment is dedicated to metadata regarding the call itself. |
meta.timestamp | Call’s time mark. Sequence of characters identifying when the message has been sent. |
meta.transactionId | Call’s transaction ID, this will help our teams to locate issues faster if arose. |
meta.explain | Useful message regarding the operation or the call. |
Media: You can attach multimedia files to a simple message, which can be an image, audio, video, or a pdf file via URL.
Supported content types and sizes:
Media | Content Type | Post-Processing Media Size |
---|---|---|
document | document/pdf | 5 MB |
image | image/jpeg image/png | 5 MB |
audio | audio/aac audio/mp4 audio/amr audio/mpeg audio/ogg; codecs=opus Note: The base audio/pgg type is not supported. | 5 MB |
video | video/mp4 video/3gpp Note: Only H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec are supported. | 5 MB |
When you send a Regular Media Message, the request body contains the following data:
HTTP Request : POST /whatsapp/messages
{
"channel": "WHATSAPP",
"request": {
"message": "https://<URL_IMAGE>",
"to": "+1000000002",
"from": "1000000001",
"type":"image"
}
}
The parameters presented in the request body example when sending a Regular Media Message are the following:
Parameter | Required | Description |
---|---|---|
channel | Yes | Specifies the type of delivery channel which the notification message will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request | Yes | Message content. |
request.message | Yes | Enter the URL of a media file to be sent as an attachment depending on the There are four types of media files compatible with the API:
In this case, we enter the URL ( |
request.to | Yes | Determines the destination phone number for your template message. Numbers are specified in E.164 format → (‘+’ and a country code). |
request.from | Yes | Phone number of the sender. Phone number provided during the WABA account setup will be used as the sender of the notification message. |
request.type | No | Specifies the type of the message that will be sent: In this case, we enter the |
request.externalId | No | Alphanumeric identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. For instance, you could set the name or ID of the action that originated this SMS message so you can then identify where this API call is coming from. This is an identifier you can use to identify your messages uniquely. Typical applications are to assign a different identifier per message or per group of messages, like a campaign identifier. |
request.clientId | No | Unique user identifier that can be used for reporting purposes. This is an identifier you can use to uniquely identify the destination address in your systems. |
When you send a Regular Media Message, the response body contains the following data:
{
"meta": {
"timestamp": 1642531254980,
"transactionId": "077da1d0-e089-487e-aed0-59534ba2d9f5",
"explain": "Send Notification"
}
}
Parameters presented in the response body example when sending the Regular Media Message are the following:
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
meta | "meta" segment is dedicated to metadata regarding the call itself. |
meta.timestamp | Call’s time mark. Sequence of characters identifying when the message has been sent. |
meta.transactionId | Call’s transaction ID, this will help our teams to locate issues faster if arose. |
meta.explain | Useful message regarding the operation or the call. |
Updated 4 months ago