WhatsApp Business Stand Alone App Coming Soon

WhatsApp, the widely used messaging service, will launch a standalone app for its business related services. In their Frequently Asked Questions section, the Facebook owned company revealed details about the upcoming WhatsApp Business application.

All verified business accounts on the platform will get a green checkmark badge in their profile. The company added, “A business account with a gray question mark badge in its profile means the account is using the WhatsApp Business app but hasn’t been confirmed nor verified by WhatsApp.”

The service is currently being tested by a private group of businesses. According to the description on Play Store, the test partners for WhatsApp Business will have early access to a wide range of new features. The company will develop and improve the standalone app based on feedback from the consumers. Customers using the app will also be able to block business accounts and report them as spam at any time, right within the chat.

One of the major differences between the WhatsApp messaging app and the Business app is the logo of the new app will have the symbol “B” inside the green conversation bubble. Besides the logo, the app is very similar to the messaging service. Businesses will also be able to set auto responses, create a business profile and look into chat migration and analytics for improving their services.

WhatsApp is attempting to clear all doubts regarding the app before launching it for everyone. The company first announced the launch of its business services in a blog post titled ‘Building for People and Now Businesses.’ India’s biggest online ticketing platform BookMyShow is also working with WhatsApp Business to send ticket confirmation messages to users. Several Indian startups like online pharmacy 1mg along with global startups such as Dutch airline KLM and Itau Bank in Brazil are a part of the early pilot for WhatsApp Business. Sources also suggest friends and families will be able to interact with each other in real time, suggest movies, showtimes, venue options and complete the ticket booking process from within the chat window itself.