> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.doubletick.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.doubletick.io/click-to-whatsapp/ctwa/getting-started-with-click-to-whatsapp-ctwa-ads.md).
# Getting started with Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) ads
Learn how to get started with Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) ads on Meta and DoubleTick, including what they are, why they work, and what you need before you begin.
Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) ads are Facebook and Instagram ads with a button that opens a WhatsApp chat with your business. They are one of the most cost-effective ways to bring interested customers straight into your DoubleTick inbox. This article explains what CTWA ads are, why they are worth running with DoubleTick, and what you need to have ready before you create your first ad.
#### What's covered
* [What are CTWA ads](#what-are-ctwa-ads)
* [What DoubleTick adds](#what-doubletick-adds)
* [Why run CTWA ads with DoubleTick](#why-run-ctwa-ads-with-doubletick)
* [What you need before you start](#what-you-need-before-you-start)
* [Next steps](#next-steps)
* [Key takeaways](#key-takeaways)
* [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)
* [Related articles](#related-articles)
#### What are CTWA ads
A CTWA ad looks like any other ad on Facebook or Instagram. The difference is what happens when someone taps it. Instead of filling a lead form or visiting a landing page, the person lands directly in a **WhatsApp chat with your business**. Because starting a chat takes just one tap, fewer people drop off, and more of them turn into real conversations.
#### What DoubleTick adds
When your CTWA ad is connected to your DoubleTick WhatsApp API number, these chats do more than just land in WhatsApp. They can automatically trigger:
* **Lead qualification journeys**: Ask a few questions to understand what the customer needs.
* **Personalized welcome messages**: Greet every new lead the moment they message you.
* **Agent routing**: Send each chat to the right team member.
Whether you want to boost sales, offer support, or grow your audience, CTWA ads with DoubleTick give you a setup that is easy to track and easy to scale.
#### Why run CTWA ads with DoubleTick
* **Quality leads**: Get leads right inside WhatsApp, from people who chose to message you.
* **Consultative sales**: Close deals through personal 1:1 conversations instead of forms.
* **Your own customer base**: Build a first-party customer list and grow your subscribers.
* **Instant offers**: Share offers or coupons with engaged users in seconds.
* **Better brand experience**: Make every customer interaction fast and personal.
In short, CTWA ads with DoubleTick give you a fast track to conversions, customer trust, and business growth. If you are already running Meta ads but not using CTWA with DoubleTick, you are missing out on conversations, and the sales that come from them.
#### What you need before you start
* **A verified Meta Business Manager account**: This is where your ad account, Facebook Page, and WhatsApp number are managed.
* **An active WhatsApp API number connected via DoubleTick**: Your ad will open chats with this number. A regular WhatsApp Business App number will not work.
* **Everything in the same Meta Business Portfolio**: Your ad account, Facebook Page, and DoubleTick WABA (WhatsApp Business API account) must all be added to the same business portfolio. Meta can link your ad to your WhatsApp number only when they are together.
#### Next steps
Once everything above is ready, follow the CTWA guide. It walks you through creating or claiming your ad account, adding your Facebook Page and WhatsApp API number, and creating your ad in Meta Ads Manager.
#### Key takeaways
* CTWA ads open a WhatsApp chat with your business in one tap, instead of a form or a landing page.
* With DoubleTick, CTWA chats can trigger qualification journeys, welcome messages, and agent routing automatically.
* CTWA ads help you get quality leads, sell through 1:1 chats, and build your own customer base.
* You need a verified Meta Business Manager account and an active WhatsApp API number connected via DoubleTick.
* Your ad account, Facebook Page, and WABA must all be in the same Meta Business Portfolio.
#### Frequently asked questions
What is a Click-to-WhatsApp ad?
It is a Facebook or Instagram ad that opens a WhatsApp chat with your business when someone taps it.
Why should I connect my CTWA ads with DoubleTick?
DoubleTick lets you automate what happens after the click, such as welcome messages, lead qualification, and routing chats to the right agent. You can also track every conversation in one place.
What kind of businesses benefit from CTWA ads?
Any business that sells through conversations, such as education, real estate, retail, beauty, auto, and B2B services, can benefit from CTWA ads.
What is a WABA?
WABA stands for WhatsApp Business API account. It is the account that holds your WhatsApp API number, which DoubleTick connects to.
Can I use a regular WhatsApp Business App number?
No. You need a WhatsApp API number connected through DoubleTick.
Where do I start the setup?
Make sure everything in "What you need before you start" is ready, then follow the CTWA guide step by step.
#### Related articles
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[CTWA guide](/click-to-whatsapp/ctwa/ctwa-guide.md)
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[How to create or claim an ad account](/click-to-whatsapp/ctwa/ctwa-guide/how-to-create-or-claim-an-ad-account.md)
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[How to create your CTWA ad in META ads manager](/click-to-whatsapp/ctwa/ctwa-guide/how-to-create-your-ctwa-ad-in-meta-ads-manager.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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[Understanding the 7-day free messaging window for CTWA leads](/click-to-whatsapp/ctwa/understanding-the-7-day-free-messaging-window-for-ctwa-leads.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
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