Zernio WhatsApp API
One API for WhatsApp: messaging, calling, and AI agents. Purchase dedicated phone numbers in 54 countries with regulatory handling.
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What is Zernio WhatsApp API?
Zernio WhatsApp API is a unified REST layer for sending WhatsApp messages, managing broadcasts, templates, contacts, inbox conversations, phone numbers, business profile data, flows, and calling. It is designed to remove much of the setup friction around Meta's WhatsApp Cloud API by handling WABA provisioning through Embedded Signup and letting you connect in one click or via other connection methods.
Zernio WhatsApp API pricing
Pricing model: Freemium
Zernio says WhatsApp features such as broadcasts, sequences, and DM conversations are included with the Usage plan, and that plan has no post limits or profile limits. Zernio and Meta bill separately: Zernio covers platform access, while Meta bills delivery fees directly through the WhatsApp Business Account and does not get marked up by Zernio. Dedicated numbers start from $2 per month per active number, with US numbers at $2 per month and other countries typically ranging from $2 to $25 per month depending on country. Inbound calling is free. Outbound calling has two parts: Zernio bills the carrier connection at cost, and Meta bills its per-minute outbound rate directly to the WABA; the docs cite roughly $0.015 per minute in the US as an example. Sandbox numbers are available for testing, but they are limited to 250 unique contacts per day and messages are tagged as test. Zernio also says the first number purchase requires a small Stripe deposit that becomes account credits. The site states that first 2 connected social accounts are free on the broader platform pricing page, but the WhatsApp-specific pricing page emphasizes the Usage plan and separate number and calling costs for WhatsApp.
Zernio WhatsApp API pros
- One API key for WhatsApp integration
- No Meta developer app required
- One-click WABA connection
- Embedded Signup handles setup
- 37 WhatsApp endpoints
- Broadcasts to up to 100 recipients per request
- Full template CRUD via API
- Template submission to Meta is handled for you
- Category tracking helps avoid surprise billing
- Reliable webhook delivery with retries
- Consistent webhook format across platforms
- 24-hour window handling is automated
- Clear errors outside the customer service window
- Contact CRM with tags and custom fields
- Bulk import of up to 1,000 contacts
- Business profile read and update via API
- Phone number provisioning built in
- Automatic verification for purchased numbers
- Media, interactive, location, and contact messages supported
- Inbox for WhatsApp DMs included
- Flows support interactive forms and surveys
- Calling support for inbound and outbound voice
- Same REST API model as other Zernio platforms
- No Meta Business Manager navigation needed
Zernio WhatsApp API cons
- Requires a WhatsApp Business Account
- Requires a Meta Business account
- Approved templates are still needed outside the 24-hour window
- No scheduling on basic messages, only via broadcasts
- Analytics are not available in the WhatsApp platform docs
- Group chats are limited to usage-plan and non-coexistence numbers
- Calling is plan-dependent
- Outbound calling has separate carrier and Meta charges
- Meta may require business verification for higher limits
- Sandbox sending is limited to 250 unique contacts per day
- Dedicated numbers have country-specific pricing
- Some countries require KYC or ID checks
- Meta still bills delivery fees directly
- Media size and format limits still apply
- WhatsApp business setup can still depend on Meta-side approvals
Frequently asked questions about Zernio WhatsApp API
Do I need a Meta developer app to use Zernio WhatsApp?
No. Zernio says it provisions the WhatsApp Business Account through Meta Embedded Signup, so you do not need to create a Meta developer app, configure webhooks manually, or go through App Review just to connect WhatsApp.
What WhatsApp message types does Zernio support?
The docs list text, template, image, video, document, and audio messages, and the product page also highlights interactive messages, location sharing, and contact cards. The platform docs additionally mention Flows for interactive forms, surveys, and booking experiences.
How does the 24-hour WhatsApp rule work in Zernio?
Zernio follows the WhatsApp customer service window automatically. You can send free-form messages within 24 hours of the customer’s last message, and outside that window you must use an approved template message.
Can I send broadcasts with Zernio?
Yes. Zernio supports broadcast campaigns, including personalized template sends to up to 100 recipients per request, with scheduling, delivery tracking, and the ability to cancel before send.
Does Zernio manage WhatsApp templates?
Yes. Zernio offers full template CRUD through the API, including create, list, update, and delete. It also submits templates to Meta for approval and tracks category changes so you do not get unexpected pricing shifts.
Can I manage WhatsApp contacts in Zernio?
Yes. Zernio includes a contact CRM for WhatsApp that stores phone numbers, tags, opt-in status, and custom fields. The docs say you can bulk import up to 1,000 contacts at once and duplicates are skipped automatically.
Does Zernio support WhatsApp calling?
Yes. The platform docs list calling as available, with inbound and outbound voice calling support. The pricing page says inbound calls are free, while outbound calls involve both carrier charges billed by Zernio at cost and Meta’s per-minute outbound fee billed directly to the WABA.
How does pricing work for WhatsApp on Zernio?
Zernio separates platform fees from Meta fees. WhatsApp features are included with the Usage plan, dedicated numbers start from $2 per month per active number, and Meta’s messaging fees are billed directly to your WhatsApp Business Account without markup.
Can I use a dedicated number or my own number?
Yes. Zernio supports dedicated numbers that it provisions for you, including US numbers and country-specific numbers, and it also supports bring-your-own-number setups through headless credentials using your existing Meta System User token and phone number.
What can I do with the WhatsApp inbox and business profile?
Zernio provides inbox support for WhatsApp direct messages, letting you receive and reply to conversations through the API. It also lets you read and update business profile details such as about text, description, address, email, and websites programmatically.