Meta has brought a major update for small businesses using WhatsApp Business in India.
The company has launched a new AI-powered feature that can reply to customer messages automatically, even in the middle of the night.
This new tool is designed to help small and medium businesses manage customer chats more easily without hiring a large support team or using expensive software.
Customers Can Get Replies 24×7
One of the biggest benefits of this new Business AI feature is that it works round the clock.
If a customer sends a message late at night, the AI can instantly respond without waiting for a human reply.
The AI can handle common customer questions, share product details, book appointments, collect leads, and even guide users about services.
This means business owners may no longer need to stay constantly active on calls or chats.
AI Learns From Your Business Information
The feature works using the information added by the business itself.
Companies can train the AI by providing details about products, pricing, delivery, offers, and services.
Once the information is added, the AI can automatically answer customer questions based on those details.
This can save businesses a lot of time, especially when answering the same questions repeatedly.
Support for Indian Languages Coming
Meta says the AI will also support multiple Indian languages.
Customers will be able to ask questions in their preferred language and receive replies in the same language.
The company also plans to add UPI payment support in the future.
This could allow customers to make payments directly inside the WhatsApp chat itself.
AI Will Assist Humans, Not Replace Them
Meta has clarified that the AI feature will not completely replace human support.
Business owners will still have full control over customer conversations.
If a chat becomes too complex or needs personal attention, a human can step in and continue the conversation manually.
Why This Matters for Small Businesses
A large number of small businesses in India already use WhatsApp to connect with customers.
According to Meta, millions of users chat with businesses every week on the platform.
For businesses with limited staff, replying to every message quickly can be difficult.
Meta believes this AI tool can help solve that problem by handling routine conversations automatically.
How to Enable the Feature
Eligible users can access this feature through the “Your Business AI” option inside the “Tools” section of the WhatsApp Business app.
Meta says the rollout will happen gradually over the next few weeks.
Businesses will also have the option to edit, change, or turn off the feature whenever they want.
