Shared Number vs Your Own WhatsApp
Level can send WhatsApp messages from a shared Level number or from your own WhatsApp Business Account (BYO).
At a glance
| Shared number | Your own number (BYO) | |
|---|---|---|
| Plans | Free, Starter | Pro, Agency |
| Setup | Works immediately | Meta embedded signup required |
| Billing | Level bills per message (paid plans) or 50 free/mo (Free) | Meta bills you directly; unlimited sends from Level |
| Branding | Messages from Level’s WABA | Messages from your business name |
| Best for | Getting started fast | Established brands, higher volume |
Shared number (Free / Starter)
On Free and Starter, Level sends messages from a shared WhatsApp Business number:
- Free plan — 50 included messages per month, then sending stops until next cycle or upgrade
- Starter plan — Pay per delivered message after Shopify usage billing approval
No Meta Business Manager setup required. Go to Integrations to confirm shared number is active.
Your own number — BYO (Pro+)
Pro and Agency plans can connect your own WhatsApp Business Account:
- Go to Integrations → WhatsApp connect
- Complete Meta embedded signup
- Sync and assign your templates — see Connect your own number
Messages are sent from your brand. Meta invoices you for WhatsApp conversation fees directly.
Which should I choose?
- Just testing or low volume → Shared number on Free
- Growing store, want reminders + abandoned cart → Starter with shared number
- Brand matters, higher volume, own WABA → Pro with BYO
Next
- Shared: Templates overview
- BYO: Embedded signup
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