Send WhatsApp Message

Introduction

WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging applications worldwide, with over 2 billion active users. It enables real-time communication through text messages, voice calls, video calls, and multimedia sharing. Businesses use WhatsApp to engage with customers efficiently, offering services such as customer support, notifications, and marketing campaigns.

Potential Users for WhatsApp Broadcast Messages

WhatsApp broadcast messages allow businesses to send messages to multiple recipients at once. However, recipients must have saved the sender’s phone number in their contacts to receive these messages. This feature is ideal for:

• Customer engagement and retention

• Promotional offers and marketing campaigns

• Appointment reminders and notifications

• Automated customer support responses

Advantages of WhatsApp Over SMS

Compared to traditional SMS, WhatsApp provides several benefits:

• Rich Media Support: Send images, videos, documents, and voice messages.

• Read Receipts: Track message delivery and read status.

• Two-Way Communication: Unlike SMS, WhatsApp supports interactive conversations.

• End-to-End Encryption: Ensures secure messaging.

• Cost-Effective: WhatsApp messages are sent over the internet, reducing SMS costs.

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Integration

General Flow

The diagram illustrates the architecture of a messaging system integrating a merchant's services with WhatsApp through DOKU Message Service and Meta's platform. Below is a detailed explanation of the components and their interactions:

1. Merchant:

   • The merchant represents a business or service provider that needs to send messages to customers through WhatsApp.

   • It communicates with the DOKU Message Service to send messages.

2. DOKU Message Service:

   • Acts as an intermediary between the merchant and Meta (the company behind WhatsApp).

   • Handles message processing and transmission from the merchant to WhatsApp via Meta.

   • It also allows Merchant Admin to create message templates.

3. Merchant Admin & Web App:

   • The Merchant Admin can create message templates using a Web App.

   • The templates are likely predefined message formats required by WhatsApp for business messaging.

4. Meta (Facebook/WhatsApp API):

   • Meta's servers act as a gateway for messages sent via WhatsApp.

   • The DOKU Message Service communicates with Meta’s API to ensure messages reach the correct recipients.

5. WhatsApp Channel:

   • Messages processed by Meta are sent to end-users through WhatsApp.

   • Messages can be received on different platforms, including Android phones, iPhones, and Computers.

Process Flow:

1. The Merchant sends a message request to the DOKU Message Service.

2. The DOKU Message Service forwards the request to Meta.

3. Meta processes the message and delivers it via WhatsApp Channel (Android, iPhone, or Computer).

4. Meanwhile, the Merchant Admin can create or manage message templates through a Web App.

This architecture enables businesses to automate and streamline customer communication via WhatsApp, ensuring efficient and structured messaging.

API Specification

Header

Interact with the API, you need an API key. You can obtain your API key from the API settings - API Keys page.

Key	Remarks
Client-Id	This is a unique ID used for identification with an API.
Request-Timestamp	It refers to UTC time in epoch format (in milliseconds). Epoch time is calculated as the number of milliseconds since January 1, 1970, at 00:00:00 UTC. Example: 1672531199000.
Request-Id	It is a unique identifier used to track every request sent to the API. This identifier is useful for debugging and log tracking, especially when issues arise.
Signature	This is a signature generated using a secret key obtained from DOKU. It serves as proof that the request genuinely comes from the merchant and has not been altered along the way. Here is a reference for creating a signature. https://dashboard.doku.com/docs/docs/technical-references/generate-signature/

End Point

• url sandbox: https://app-uat.doku.com/message-as-a-service/v1/whatsapp/messages
• url Production: https://app.doku.com/message-as-a-service/v1/whatsapp/messages
• Method: POST

• Content-Type: application/json

Body Request Parameters

No	Name	Type	Length	Required	Description
1	templateId	AN	10	✅	The unique identifier for the message template being used. This ID specifies the predefined format and content of the message.
2	params	AN (Array)	-	✅	A list of values that will be dynamically inserted into the template's placeholders. These values personalize the message content.
3	destinationPhone	N	20	✅	The recipient's phone number, formatted as a string. This specifies where the message will be sent..

Example

{
    "templateId": "TMP-240223-07652",
    "params": [
        "value 1", "value 2", "value 3"
    ],
    "destinationPhone": "087823678023"
}

Response

Success

{
    "status": "submitted",
    "messageId": "a8f30193-1a4f-41ac-b01f-d559e2e1339f"
}

Fail

{
    "error": {
        "code": "invalid_signature",
        "message": "invalid signature",
        "type": "invalid_signature"
    }
}

Rate Limits

• Maximum 100 requests per minute.

Notes

• Ensure your WhatsApp Business API is properly configured.

• Templates must be pre-approved by WhatsApp before use.

For further inquiries, contact: [e-mail]