Co-Existence vs WhatsApp Business API
Overview
Businesses today want flexibility — the ability to chat personally with customers while still automating large-scale messaging. Meta’s Co-Existence setup (available only in India) enables exactly that.
With Co-Existence, a business can use the same number on both the WhatsApp Business App and DoubleTick (Cloud API) — combining personal engagement with the power of automation.
This article explains how Co-Existence differs from the standard WhatsApp Business API setup and helps you decide which setup suits your business best.
🔍 Feature Comparison
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 and not on the WhatsApp Business App.
Voice & Video Calls
✅ Supported through the WhatsApp Business App. Great for personalized interactions, consultations, or demos.
❌ Not supported. The API only supports text, media, and template messages.
1:1 Chats
✅ Fully supported via the WhatsApp Business App. Chats are mirrored on the API for record-keeping and automation.
❌ Direct 1:1 chatting through mobile is not available. Only agents using the API interface can reply.
Automation & Campaigns
✅ Automation continues via DoubleTick, while agents can chat manually on the App.
✅ Full automation support for all workflows, chatbots, and marketing campaigns.
Group Chats
✅ Available only on the WhatsApp Business App.
❌ Not supported. Group messages don’t sync through the API.
Broadcast Lists
⚠️ Existing lists are visible but read-only. You cannot create new ones after enabling Co-Existence.
✅ Fully supported. Businesses can send bulk broadcasts via template messages.
Status Uploads
✅ Supported through the WhatsApp Business App. Useful for posting daily updates or promotions.
❌ Not supported via API.
Disappearing & View-Once Messages
❌ Disabled once Co-Existence is enabled. These formats cannot be used through API or App.
❌ Not supported on API.
Backups
❌ Chat backup through Google Drive/iCloud is disabled once API integration starts.
❌ Same restriction. API messages aren’t stored in Google Drive backups.
Data Sync & History
✅ Last six months of messages can be mirrored between the App and API.
✅ All data is stored through the API; sync with App is not applicable.
Linked Devices
✅ Supports up to 4 companion devices (except Windows and WearOS).
❌ Not supported. Access is only through DoubleTick or your connected CRM.
Customer Service Window
✅ 24-hour response window opens when users message your business.
✅ Same Meta policy applies.
Message Revoking (Delete for Everyone)
❌ Not supported after onboarding Co-Existence.
❌ Not supported via API.
Best Suited For
Small and medium businesses needing automation + personal engagement.
Large enterprises managing high message volume and multiple teams via automation.
🧭 When to Choose Co-Existence
Co-Existence is best suited for small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) who want a balance between personal and automated communication.
Choose Co-Existence if you:
Need to continue using WhatsApp on your phone while managing campaigns through DoubleTick.
Want to personally chat, call, or video consult customers while automation runs in the background.
Run region-based or smaller-scale marketing campaigns where real-time human engagement matters.
Have a limited number of agents or reps who manage both customer support and sales conversations.
Want to maintain existing customer history and keep both app and API chats synchronized.
Need to view messages from both systems in one place for tracking and governance.
Prefer a smooth transition from App to API without losing your active number or contacts.
Example Use Case: A real estate agent uses the WhatsApp Business App to send property photos and voice notes directly to clients. Meanwhile, DoubleTick sends automated follow-ups, collects customer interest via forms, and syncs all messages back to the CRM — all on the same number.
⚙️ When to Choose WhatsApp Business API Only
The standard API setup is best for large organizations that depend on automation, chatbots, and integrations.
Choose API Only if you:
Run large-scale marketing campaigns with thousands of messages daily.
Rely heavily on automated workflows, bots, and third-party CRMs.
Do not require manual chats or calling via mobile devices.
Have a dedicated customer support team using web dashboards.
Need complete control over data, templates, and reporting through API tools.
Require faster message throughput (80–100 MPS) instead of Co-Existence’s capped 20 MPS limit.
Manage international clients or teams where WhatsApp App integration isn’t necessary.
Example Use Case: An e-commerce company sends order confirmations, shipping updates, and automated return notifications to thousands of customers daily — all powered by DoubleTick’s API integration and connected CRM workflows.
💡 Choosing the Right Setup
If You Want To...
Recommended Setup
Chat with customers directly on WhatsApp + automate campaigns
Co-Existence
Run voice/video calls from your WhatsApp number
Co-Existence
Fully automate marketing, support, and follow-ups
API Only
Send high-volume broadcast campaigns
API Only
Keep personal touch with automation
Co-Existence
Manage multiple agents and dashboards centrally
API Only
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