WhatsApp Groups API: Create & Manage Groups (2026 Guide)
The WhatsApp Groups API allows Official Business Accounts (OBA) to create and manage groups using code. It supports up to 8 participants per group. You can create 10,000 groups per number. Features include pinning messages and sending invites, but calling is not supported. Pricing uses a per-message model.
Group chats are powerful. They build community. The WhatsApp Groups API brings this power to your software. But it is not for everyone.
We verified the rules. Unless you have an Official Business Account (OBA) with the green tick, you cannot use this. Standard business accounts are locked out. This is a strict rule. Check your status first.
Key Concepts Covered in This Guide
- Core Topic Entity: WhatsApp Groups API
- Primary Problem Entity: Manual Group Management
- Core Solution Entity: Automated Group Creation
- Supporting Sub-Entities: OBA, Group Invite Link
- Desired Outcome: Scalable Group Messaging
Eligibility and Key Limits
You need a green tick. You need to know the limits.
Access is restricted. Only verified brands get in.
- OBA Requirement: You must be an Official Business Account.
- Participant Limit: Max 8 participants per group. This is small. It is intimate.
- Creation Limit: You can make 10,000 groups per business number.
WhatsApp Groups API works with the Official Business Account (OBA) to solve manual admin tasks and achieve scalable community management.
Note that Coexistence users cannot use this. If you use Multi-solution Conversations, it won't work.
Since this feature is strictly locked behind verification, you must secure your badge first. Read our guide on How to Get a Verified WhatsApp Business Account (Blue Tick) Fast to learn the exact steps to get approved and unlock these advanced group features.
Supported Features & Message Types
You can manage groups. You can pin messages.
The API gives you control.
- Group Management: Create groups. Delete groups. Remove participants.
- Invites: Get an invite link. Reset it. Send it via template.
- Messaging: Send text. Send media. Pin important chats.
Programmatically create WhatsApp groups to save time. Automate the setup. Let the code do the work.
Unsupported Actions (What You Can't Do)
It is not the same as the app. Some features are missing.
Don't expect everything.
- No Calls: The Calling API does not work here.
- No Auth/Commerce: You cannot send Authentication or Commerce templates.
- No Interactive Messages: Buttons and lists are out.
- No Analytics: You won't see performance metrics for these templates.
Conclusion
The WhatsApp Groups API is a niche tool. It is for verified brands. It is for small groups. If you fit the mold, it is powerful. If you need large groups or calling, look elsewhere.
Scale your business messaging with WUSeller. We help you manage your Official Business Account features. Start for free today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to create a WhatsApp group using API?
Use the create group endpoint. You must use the specific group management endpoints. This allows you to create a group, name it, and get an invite link. You must have an OBA.
Can I use WhatsApp Groups API without OBA?
No, OBA is mandatory. You must have an Official Business Account (Green Tick). Standard business accounts cannot access these WhatsApp Group API features.
What are the limits for WhatsApp API groups?
Max 8 participants and 10,000 groups. Each group can hold only 8 participants. You can create a total of 10,000 groups per business phone number.
Does WhatsApp Groups API support calling?
No, calling is not supported. The API does not support voice or video calls in groups. It also blocks interactive messages and disappearing messages.
How to send group invites via WhatsApp API?
Generate a link and send via template. You can programmatically get a group invite link. Then, send this link to users using a text-based template message.