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CRM and sales

What is a click-to-WhatsApp ad?

A click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) ad is a Facebook or Instagram ad with a Send Message button that opens a WhatsApp conversation with the business, often with a prefilled message. Conversations that start from a CTWA ad carry referral data (ad ID, campaign, headline, creative), open a 72-hour free messaging window instead of 24 hours, and are the fastest-growing lead source on Meta.

Updated 29 Aug 2026 · 1 min read

On this page
  1. Why it matters
  2. In VGraple CRM
  3. Related terms

CRM AND SALES

Click-to-WhatsApp ad (CTWA)

A click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) ad is a Facebook or Instagram ad with a Send Message button that opens a WhatsApp conversation with the business, often with a prefilled message. Conversations that start from a CTWA ad carry referral data (ad ID, campaign, headline, creative), open a 72-hour free messaging window instead of 24 hours, and are the fastest-growing lead source on Meta.

ad referralconversions apilead sourceclick to whatsapp ads

Click-to-WhatsApp ad (CTWA) in one line

Why it matters

CTWA ads turn ad spend into conversations rather than form fills, which convert better and cost less per lead in most Indian categories. The 72-hour free window means the whole qualification can happen without a template charge, and the referral data lets you report cost per lead and per booking by ad, and send purchases back to Meta for optimisation.

In VGraple CRM

Ad referrals are captured on the conversation and lead with campaign and ad details, flows can trigger on a specific ad, source reports show leads and revenue per ad, and the Conversions API sends purchase events back to Ads Manager. The CTWA feature page covers setup in Ads Manager.

Ad referral, Conversions API, Lead source, Service conversation.

Frequently asked questions

Do CTWA conversations cost anything?
No. The 72-hour window opened by the ad is free for any message type, including marketing templates.
Can I trigger a flow only for a specific ad?
Yes. Flow triggers can match the ad or campaign ID in the referral.
Do I need the Conversions API?
Not to run ads, but it is how Meta learns which ads produce buyers.

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