Two channels, one login
Customers read SMS when it matters. They live inside WhatsApp every day. Yoola SMS now supports both from the same account: bulk SMS across six countries, and WhatsApp Business Messaging for approved template traffic.
What you can send on WhatsApp
- Utility — order updates, account alerts, transaction notices (from UGX 20/msg in Uganda pricing)
- Authentication — OTP and verification codes, including tap-to-copy style templates (from UGX 20/msg)
- Marketing — promotions to customers who opted in (from UGX 110/msg)
- Service — replies when the customer messaged you first (free under WhatsApp session rules)
Exact rates depend on destination and category; see the WhatsApp page for current figures.
What is different from SMS
WhatsApp does not allow free-form business-initiated blasts the way SMS does. You pick an approved template, fill variables (name, order number, code), and send. Consent to be contacted on WhatsApp is required — having a number on an SMS list is not automatically enough.
That is a Meta/WhatsApp platform rule, not a Yoola limitation.
No monthly fee
Many WhatsApp Business providers charge a subscription before the first message. Yoola SMS does not. You use the same credit balance model and pay for messages you send. No setup fee for access to the channel on our side.
Same dashboard as SMS
If you already send SMS on Yoola, WhatsApp is not a separate product login. Templates, sends, and status tracking sit in the same platform workflow. Developers use the documented WhatsApp-capable API paths alongside the existing SMS API.
Where it is available
WhatsApp Business Messaging is offered across the markets we support for this product (including Uganda and other listed African destinations on the product page). SMS local routes remain live in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Malawi, and Zambia.
When to use which channel
- SMS — broad parent lists, fee reminders, large promotional or notice lists, maximum reach offline
- WhatsApp — order updates, OTPs, richer confirmation, customers who already chat with your business
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