Voice Message Alpha Program

This program aims to allow Partners to test a feature still in development.

What is Voice Message?

Cloud API Voice Messages is an Alpha feature (meaning in the early testing stage) that allows businesses to send native voice messages on WhatsApp — similar to how users already exchange audio in everyday conversations. Unlike traditional audio files, voice messages are automatically downloaded, transcribed, and displayed in the familiar WhatsApp voice note format, creating a more authentic, accessible, and seamless experience for end users.

Current Cloud API experience

New Voice Message Feature (in Alpha)

Compared to standard audio media, this format:

• Feels more native and familiar to users.

• Enables advanced playback controls (speed control, waveform view).

• Allows automatic transcription.

• Improves accessibility for users with low literacy or disabilities.

Why Join?

By participating in the Alpha program, you can:

✅ Create more human, accessible experiences Reach users in a format they’re used to — especially those with low tech literacy, visual impairments, or complex language contexts.

✅ Enhance engagement and comprehension Voice messages allow businesses to share richer information that may be hard to convey through text, while letting users multitask.

✅ Stand out with a preferred message format Voice messages are one of the most used formats on WhatsApp — now available for business messaging with a native look and feel.

✅ Leverage extra features Enjoy auto-download, transcription, and playback features that aren’t available in traditional audio messages.

✅ No extra costs Voice Messages do not generate any additional costs. They replace the current audio file experience in a Service conversation, offering a more native and accessible format for end users.

Submit your participation

Ensure the best experience for your clients by joining the Alpha program. Just send an email to [email protected] to get started!

How to Implement

Implementation is simple and ideal for clients already using the Cloud API:

1

Access to the Alpha (Allowlist)

We will submit your clients to the allowlist.

2

Send messages using the same Cloud API payload,

but now with the specific parameters for voice message.

3

Start sending native voice messages,

displayed just like a personal voice note on WhatsApp.

In practice

Transcription requirements

For the voice transcription to work, the end user must have the relevant WhatsApp settings enabled. Otherwise, the message will appear as a regular audio note.

Supported Media Types

At the moment, only audio/ogg (with OPUS codec only) supports native voice messages. For all other formats, the voice flag will be ignored and a regular audio message will be delivered instead.

Payload Difference

Sending a voice message works similarly to sending a regular audio file, with one key difference: you must include a new boolean field called voice in your payload.

To send a native voice message, set the voice parameter to true. If this parameter is omitted or set to false, the message will be delivered as a standard audio message.

Examples:

Voice message using Media ID:

curl --location 'https://waba-v2.360dialog.io/messages' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--header 'D360-API-KEY: {{YOUR-D360-API-KEY}}' \
--data '{
  "messaging_product": "whatsapp",
  "recipient_type": "individual",
  "to": "{{recipient-phone-number}}",
  "type": "audio",
  "audio": {
    "id": "{{previously-uploaded-media-id}}",
      "voice": true
  }
}'

Voice message using URL:

curl --location 'https://waba-v2.360dialog.io/messages' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--header 'D360-API-KEY: {{YOUR-D360-API-KEY}}' \
--data '{
  "messaging_product": "whatsapp",
  "recipient_type": "individual",
  "to": "{{recipient-phone-number}}",
  "type": "audio",
  "audio": {
    "link": "link-to-opus-file",
      "voice": true
  }
}'

Generating Media ID

Please refer to this documentation to learn how to generate a media ID before sending your message.

Restrictions

• Currently in Alpha: we recommend a gradual rollout.

• Feature still evolving: expect updates and required feedback loops.

• Available for all regions.

Timeline

Phase	Status
Allowlist	✅ Ongoing
Onboarding	✅ Ongoing
Sending	✅ Ongoing
Feedback Collection	✅ Ongoing
Beta Launch	TBC