WhatsApp Business Integration
WhatsApp Business Integration
Sidekick connects to the WhatsApp Business Cloud API, allowing your AI agent to send and receive WhatsApp messages on your behalf — no additional setup beyond connecting your account from the Sidekick dashboard.
Overview
| Capability | Supported |
|---|---|
| Receive inbound messages | ✅ |
| Send freeform replies | ✅ |
| Send templated messages | ✅ |
| Text messages | ✅ |
| Media messages (image, audio, video, document) | ✅ |
| Location messages | ✅ |
| Interactive messages (buttons, lists) | ✅ |
How It Works
Sidekick uses the WhatsApp Business Cloud API (Meta's hosted API) as its transport layer. When connected:
- Incoming messages sent to your WhatsApp Business number are forwarded to the Sidekick agent.
- The agent processes the message according to your configured skills and automation rules.
- The agent sends a reply — either a freeform response within an active 24-hour conversation window, or a pre-approved template message when initiating a new conversation.
Message Types
Text
Standard plain-text messages. Used for most conversational replies.
Media
The agent can send and receive the following media types:
- Images — JPEG, PNG
- Audio — MP3, OGG (voice messages)
- Video — MP4
- Documents — PDF and other file attachments
Location
Messages containing a latitude/longitude coordinate pair and an optional place name. Useful for sharing addresses or responding to location-based queries.
Interactive
Structured messages that present the user with selectable options:
- Button messages — Up to 3 quick-reply buttons
- List messages — A scrollable list of up to 10 options
Templated vs. Freeform Messages
| Type | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Freeform | Replies sent within 24 hours of the user's last inbound message |
| Templated | Outbound messages sent outside the 24-hour window, or agent-initiated conversations |
Templated messages must be pre-approved by Meta before use. You can manage your approved templates from the WhatsApp Business Manager.
Connecting Your Account
- Open the Sidekick dashboard and navigate to Integrations.
- Select WhatsApp Business.
- Authenticate with your Meta Business account and select the WhatsApp Business number to link.
- Sidekick automatically configures the webhook and begins routing messages to your agent.
Notes
- A verified Meta Business account and a WhatsApp Business phone number are required.
- Sidekick handles webhook registration and token refresh automatically — no manual API configuration is needed.
- Message delivery status (sent, delivered, read) is tracked and available in the conversation log.