Co-Existence vs WhatsApp Business API
Businesses today need flexibility — the ability to chat personally with customers while also running automated campaigns and workflows.
Meta’s Co-Existence setup (currently available in India) allows businesses to use the same WhatsApp number on both the WhatsApp Business App and the WhatsApp Cloud API simultaneously.
This means businesses can:
Continue chatting with customers from their mobile WhatsApp Business App
Run automation, campaigns, and integrations through DoubleTick
This article explains how Co-Existence differs from the standard WhatsApp Business API setup and helps you determine which option is best for your business.
Feature Comparison
Number Usage
Use the same number on both the WhatsApp Business App and DoubleTick API.
The number can only be used through the API interface and not on the WhatsApp Business App.
Voice & Video Calls
Supported via the WhatsApp Business App. Useful for consultations or personal communication.
Not supported. API supports only text, media, and template messages.
1:1 Chats
Agents can reply through the mobile app, while chats also appear in DoubleTick.
Conversations are handled only through API platforms like DoubleTick or CRM dashboards.
Automation & Campaigns
Automation runs via DoubleTick while manual conversations happen on the App.
Fully automated workflows, bots, and campaigns run through API platforms.
Group Chats
Available through the WhatsApp Business App only.
Not supported through the API.
Broadcast Lists
Existing lists remain visible but read-only. New broadcast lists cannot be created.
Broadcast campaigns are managed via API templates and marketing campaigns.
Status Uploads
Supported through the WhatsApp Business App.
Not supported via API.
Disappearing & View-Once Messages
Disabled once Co-Existence is enabled.
Not supported through the API.
Chat Backup
Google Drive / iCloud backups are disabled after API integration.
Same limitation applies.
Data Sync & History
Up to 6 months of messages can sync between App and API.
All data exists within the API system only.
Linked Devices
Supports up to 4 companion devices (excluding Windows and WearOS apps).
Access only via DoubleTick or CRM interfaces.
Customer Service Window
Standard 24-hour customer service window applies.
Same Meta policy applies.
Message Revoking
Delete for everyone is not supported.
Not supported through API.
Best Suited For
Small and medium businesses wanting automation + personal interaction.
Large businesses managing high-volume automated messaging.
When to Choose Co-Existence
Co-Existence is ideal for small and medium businesses that want to combine personal customer conversations with automation.
Choose Co-Existence if you:
Want to continue using WhatsApp on your phone while running campaigns through DoubleTick.
Need the ability to call or video chat with customers from your business number.
Run small to medium scale marketing campaigns where personal interaction is important.
Have a small sales or support team handling conversations.
Want to maintain existing customer chat history and contacts.
Prefer a smooth transition from the WhatsApp Business App to API automation.
Need both manual chats and automated workflows on the same number.
Example Use Case
A real estate agent uses the WhatsApp Business App to send property photos, voice notes, and location pins to buyers.
At the same time, DoubleTick automatically:
Sends follow-up messages
Collects lead information
Runs remarketing campaigns
Syncs conversations with the CRM
All communication happens through the same WhatsApp number.
When to Choose WhatsApp Business API Only
The standard API setup is best suited for large businesses and enterprises that rely heavily on automation and integrations.
Choose API Only if you:
Send high-volume campaigns (thousands of messages daily).
Depend heavily on chatbots and automated workflows.
Integrate WhatsApp deeply with CRMs or internal systems.
Have multiple agents managing conversations from dashboards.
Do not require voice or video calls from the WhatsApp app.
Need higher message throughput (80–100 messages per second compared to Co-Existence's 20 MPS limit).
Operate across multiple countries or teams where mobile usage is unnecessary.
Example Use Case
An e-commerce company sends:
Order confirmations
Payment notifications
Shipping updates
Delivery alerts
Return confirmations
to thousands of customers daily, all automated through DoubleTick workflows integrated with their CRM.
Choosing the Right Setup
Chat with customers directly on WhatsApp while running automation
Co-Existence
Make voice or video calls from your WhatsApp number
Co-Existence
Fully automate marketing and support workflows
API Only
Send large-scale broadcast campaigns
API Only
Maintain a personal touch while automating campaigns
Co-Existence
Manage multiple agents and operations centrally
API Only
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