> ## 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.

# Sending Text Messages

> Send plain text WhatsApp messages

Text messages are the simplest way to communicate with WhatsApp users.

## Basic Example

```bash icon="terminal" title="Send Text Message" theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.buildwithchirp.com/v1/whatsapp/messages \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_APP_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "from": "+15551234567",
    "to": "+15559876543",
    "type": "text",
    "text": {
      "body": "Hello from Chirp!"
    }
  }'
```

## Request Parameters

| Parameter   | Type   | Required | Description                                |
| ----------- | ------ | -------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| `from`      | string | Yes      | Your WhatsApp phone number (E.164 format)  |
| `to`        | string | Yes      | Recipient's WhatsApp number (E.164 format) |
| `type`      | string | Yes      | Must be `"text"`                           |
| `text.body` | string | Yes      | The message text content                   |
| `replyTo`   | string | No       | Message ID to reply to                     |

## Response

```json icon="code" title="Response" theme={null}
{
  "id": "msg_wa_2DbBs7GWhGvVNJGrDXr5RG0mBWI",
  "from": "+15551234567",
  "to": "+15559876543",
  "type": "text",
  "status": "queued",
  "timestamp": "2024-01-15T12:00:00.000Z"
}
```

## Replying to Messages

You can reply to a specific message by including the `replyTo` parameter:

```bash icon="terminal" title="Reply to Message" theme={null}
curl -X POST https://api.buildwithchirp.com/v1/whatsapp/messages \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_APP_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "from": "+15551234567",
    "to": "+15559876543",
    "type": "text",
    "text": {
      "body": "Thanks for your message!"
    },
    "replyTo": "msg_wa_2DbBs7GWhGvVNJGrDXr5RG0mBWI"
  }'
```

The recipient will see your message as a direct reply to their original message.

## Text Formatting

WhatsApp supports basic text formatting:

| Format        | Syntax       | Example  |
| ------------- | ------------ | -------- |
| Bold          | `*text*`     | **text** |
| Italic        | `_text_`     | *text*   |
| Strikethrough | `~text~`     | ~~text~~ |
| Monospace     | `` `text` `` | `text`   |

Example with formatting:

```json icon="json" title="Formatted Text" theme={null}
{
  "text": {
    "body": "Hello! Here's your order summary:\n\n*Order #12345*\n_Status:_ Shipped\n~Old price: $50~ *New price: $40*"
  }
}
```

<Note>
  Text messages are best for ongoing conversations where users have already messaged you first. For initiating contact with users, use [Template Messages](/whatsapp/sending-messages/templates).
</Note>