Meta has announced a couple of new features for businesses on WhatsApp during its Conversations event in Mumbai. The messaging app seems to be delving deeper into the e-commerce space by forging new ways for companies to sell their goods and services on the platform.
First up, there’s “Flows”, which lets businesses on the app set up interactive experiences for their customers such as menus and customisable forms. These allow users to order meals, book appointments, and even purchase flight tickets right from the chat thread. The transactions can be done through its in-app payment system, which is only available in Brazil, Singapore, and now India.
Another feature is Meta Verified Businesses, which gives companies a blue checkmark for authentication. Aside from the verified badge, the businesses also receive enhanced account support, impersonation protection, multi-device support for multiple employees, and a custom WhatsApp page that’s discoverable via web search. This feature is still in the testing phase, with the company planning on trialling it with small businesses before rolling it out more widely in the future.
As for availability, Meta says that Flows will be available globally on the WhatsApp Business Platform in the coming weeks. Its payment system is still limited to the aforementioned markets but a representative told us that the company is working on bringing it to more countries in the future. Lastly, Meta Verified subscriptions will be tested soon in select countries, but they did not specify where exactly.
(Source: WhatsApp Press Release)
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