Direct Send API

The Direct Send API allows sending free-form messages without using pre-approved templates. When category=utility is provided in a free form message, Meta treats it as a direct send message and internally generates a template_id, which is returned in the webhook delivery status (DLR).

Webhook Event (DLR)

{
  "object": "whatsapp_business_account",
  "entry": [
    {
      "id": "<ID>",
      "changes": [
        {
          "value": {
            "messaging_product": "whatsapp",
            "statuses": [
              {
                "id": "<ID>",
                "status": "<read/delivered/sent>",
                "timestamp": "<EPOCH_TIME>",
                "recipient_id": "<RECIPIENT_PHONE_NUMBER>",
                "template_id": "<TEMPLATE_ID>",
                "conversation": {
                },
                "pricing": {
                }
              }
            ]
          },
          "field": "messages"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

Webhook Event Description

Name	Description	JSON Type
status	Event status (read/delivered/sent)	String
recipient_id	Recipient mobile number	String
timestamp	Epoch time of the status update	String
template_id	Auto-generated identifier for the direct send message	String