# 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.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Feature Comparison**</mark>

| Feature                               | Co-Existence (App + API)                                                                         | WhatsApp Business API Only                                                                      |
| ------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **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**.                                  |

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**When to Choose Co-Existence**</mark>

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**.

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Example Use Case**</mark>

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**.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**When to Choose WhatsApp Business API Only**</mark>

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.

#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Example Use Case**</mark>

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.

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#### <mark style="color:$primary;">**Choosing the Right Setup**</mark>

| If You Want To…                                                   | Recommended 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**      |