> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.buildwithchirp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# WhatsApp Overview

> Learn about WhatsApp Business messaging with Chirp

Chirp provides a powerful API for sending and receiving WhatsApp messages through the WhatsApp Business Platform.

## Getting Started

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Embedded Signup" icon="plug" href="/whatsapp/embedded-signup">
    Connect your WhatsApp Business Account to Chirp using Meta's Embedded Signup
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Sending Messages

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Text Messages" icon="comment" href="/whatsapp/sending-messages/text">
    Send plain text messages to WhatsApp users
  </Card>

  <Card title="Media Messages" icon="image" href="/whatsapp/sending-messages/media">
    Send images, videos, audio, and documents
  </Card>

  <Card title="Template Messages" icon="file-lines" href="/whatsapp/sending-messages/templates">
    Send pre-approved message templates for notifications
  </Card>

  <Card title="Interactive Messages" icon="hand-pointer" href="/whatsapp/sending-messages/interactive">
    Send messages with buttons and lists for user interaction
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Receiving Messages

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Receiving Messages" icon="inbox" href="/whatsapp/receiving-messages">
    Handle incoming WhatsApp messages from your customers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Webhooks Setup" icon="webhook" href="/whatsapp/webhooks-setup">
    Configure webhooks to receive real-time WhatsApp notifications
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Managing Resources

<CardGroup cols={1}>
  <Card title="Managing Phone Numbers" icon="phone" href="/whatsapp/managing-numbers">
    Register and manage WhatsApp Business phone numbers
  </Card>

  <Card title="Phone Settings" icon="gear" href="/whatsapp/phone-settings">
    Configure business profiles and phone number settings
  </Card>

  <Card title="Managing Templates" icon="file-lines" href="/whatsapp/templates">
    Create, manage, and send WhatsApp message templates
  </Card>

  <Card title="Groups" icon="users-rectangle" href="/whatsapp/groups">
    Create and manage WhatsApp groups with up to 8 participants
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Key Differences from SMS

WhatsApp messaging differs from SMS in several important ways:

| Feature                  | WhatsApp                                            | SMS                      |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| **Message Types**        | Text, media, templates, interactive                 | Text, MMS                |
| **Rich Media**           | Images, video, audio, documents, contacts, location | Images, video (MMS only) |
| **Message Templates**    | Required for initiating conversations               | Not required             |
| **User Opt-in**          | Required                                            | Carrier-dependent        |
| **Read Receipts**        | Supported                                           | Not supported            |
| **Interactive Elements** | Buttons, lists, quick replies                       | Not supported            |

<Info>
  WhatsApp requires users to opt-in before you can message them. For outbound notifications, you must use approved message templates.
</Info>