Imagine solving complex customer queries—changing a flight, checking an order status, or uploading documents—all through WhatsApp. With webviews, these interactions feel like they’re happening entirely within the app, even though a web-based interface is working behind the scenes.
It’s fast. It’s seamless. And most importantly, your customers stay engaged without feeling redirected or interrupted.
In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about WhatsApp webviews, from their functionality to advanced implementation strategies. Whether you're new to the concept or a seasoned pro, this guide is designed to inspire and inform.
What are WhatsApp webviews?
A WhatsApp webview is essentially a mini web page or application that opens on top of the WhatsApp interface. These webviews allow businesses to create custom, interactive experiences without requiring users to leave the app.
Key features of webviews:
- Embedded forms: Collect information like feedback, applications, or onboarding details.
- Product catalogues: Showcase products with descriptions and images for easy browsing.
- Payments: Securely collect payments directly within WhatsApp.
- Managing bookings: Allow users to schedule, modify, or cancel appointments and reservations directly within WhatsApp.
- Document uploads: Allow users to upload files for processes like insurance claims or service cancellations.
Analogy for beginners: Think of webviews as pop-up windows inside WhatsApp that allow users to complete tasks—from shopping to signing forms—without leaving the conversation.
Benefits of using webviews in WhatsApp
1. Improved user experience
Webviews simplify complex interactions by presenting information visually and interactively. For example, Allianz uses webviews to streamline insurance-related tasks like policy cancellations and making claims. Customers can upload necessary documents—such as proof of a car sale—without switching to another platform. Similarly, Tendam utilises WhatsApp webviews for WISMO (Where Is My Order) and WISMR (Where Is My Return) processes, enabling customers to quickly check the status of their orders or returns directly within the app.
2. Increased efficiency
By reducing the need for multiple messages or external links, webviews help resolve queries faster. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also reduces pressure on customer support teams.
3. Versatile use cases
Webviews can be tailored to any industry:
- Airlines: Enable customers to check in, manage seat selections, update frequent flyer information, or even change flights and seats within WhatsApp.some text
- For example, easyJet leverages WhatsApp webviews to provide seamless options for flight changes and seat assignments, reducing the need for external portals or lengthy support interactions.
- Retail: Interactive product catalogues with in-app checkout.
- Banking: Secure KYC (Know Your Customer) processes and payment forms.
- Insurance: Appointment scheduling and form submissions.
4. GDPR compliance
With data privacy regulations like GDPR, businesses need secure solutions. Hubtype’s webviews are designed to meet these high standards by ensuring data remains private and secure throughout the customer journey. By leveraging our webviews, businesses can confidently handle sensitive customer data while adhering to GDPR regulations.
Technical overview of webviews
How webviews work
Webviews are implemented via the WhatsApp Business API, which enables businesses to seamlessly guide users into a web-based interface, such as a browser, while maintaining full awareness of the user journey. Through backend tracking, the transition from WhatsApp to the webview and back to WhatsApp is so smooth that users often feel as though they never left the app. These components can:
- Display dynamic content from a server.
- Collect data input by the user.
- Send data back to the server securely.
Common challenges
- Data Privacy: Ensuring compliance with GDPR and other regulations.
- Customisation: Creating WhatsApp experiences that align with your brand guidelines, including look and feel.
- Performance: Optimising load times to avoid user frustration.
- Device compatibility: Designing webviews that work seamlessly across devices and screen sizes.
- Performance: Optimising load times to avoid user frustration.
- Device compatibility: Designing webviews that work seamlessly across devices and screen sizes.
Hubtype addresses these challenges with advanced encryption protocols, lightweight designs, and rigorous testing across multiple devices.
Practical guide: Implementing WhatsApp webviews
Step-by-step process:
- Set up the WhatsApp Business API: Register and configure the API with Meta’s guidelines.
- Develop the webview: Use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create a responsive interface.
- Integrate with Flow Builder: Hubtype’s no-code Flow Builder simplifies webview deployment by offering pre-built templates and drag-and-drop functionality.
- Test thoroughly: Test the webview across devices to ensure compatibility and usability.
- Launch and monitor: Deploy the webview and use analytics to track engagement and performance.
Best practices:
- Design for mobile: Ensure buttons, forms, and text are optimised for smaller screens.
- Minimise load times: Compress files and use caching.
- Prioritise security: Implement SSL and data encryption.
Common pitfalls:
- Ignoring accessibility standards.
- Overcomplicating user flows.
- Failing to account for low-bandwidth environments.
Hubtype’s technical edge
Hubtype stands out as the leading provider of WhatsApp Business Solutions, with webviews being one of the key features that set us apart. Here’s why:
1. Ease of use with Flow Builder
Flow Builder makes creating and deploying webviews effortless. It’s a no-code solution that empowers both technical and non-technical teams to:
- Build workflows in minutes.
- Integrate webviews seamlessly with existing systems.
- Deploy GDPR-compliant solutions with confidence.
2. GDPR compliance
Hubtype is built with European businesses in mind, ensuring the highest data security and privacy standards. Features like encrypted data transmission and secure document uploads set us apart.
3. Proven track record
Leading companies like Allianz trust Hubtype for their WhatsApp interactions. For example, Allianz uses Hubtype webviews to manage complex tasks such as insurance policy cancellations, combining ease of use with compliance.
4. Scalability
Hubtype’s platform is designed to handle enterprise-level demands, ensuring that webviews function smoothly even with high user volumes.
Future trends in WhatsApp Webviews
1. AI integration
Webviews are evolving to include AI-powered features like personalised product recommendations and automated document verification through AI agents.
2. Omnichannel experiences
Businesses are starting to integrate webviews across multiple platforms, creating consistent user experiences from WhatsApp to Messenger and beyond.
3. Enhanced analytics
Advanced tracking will enable businesses to monitor user interactions within webviews, offering insights to optimise performance further.
What’s next?
WhatsApp webviews are changing how businesses interact with customers, providing rich, interactive experiences directly within the app. Hubtype’s solutions make implementing webviews seamless, secure, and GDPR-compliant, empowering enterprises to stay ahead in the competitive landscape.
Whether you’re streamlining insurance claims, showcasing products, or collecting payments, Hubtype’s technical edge ensures your webviews deliver unparalleled value. Ready to elevate your WhatsApp communication? Let’s get started.
