Can my restaurant send a voice message on the WhatsApp API, and what file does it need?
Updated 14 October 2026
Yes, as a service message while the customer's 24-hour window is open. A real voice message needs an .ogg file with the OPUS codec; other formats arrive as a plain audio file.
- Voice message: set voice to true and use an .ogg file encoded with OPUS.
- Play icon only up to 512 KB. Larger voice files show a download icon.
- Plain audio: leave voice off and the customer sees a download icon and a music icon.
- File limit: audio up to 16 MB in AAC, AMR, MP3, MP4 audio or OGG (OPUS, mono).
- Window closed? Only pre-approved template messages can be sent.
Order updates that need no recording
Customers get their order confirmation and status on WhatsApp from your own number, automatically, with nothing to record.
Next questions
Sources (2)
- Audio files up to 16 MB are supported in AAC, AMR, MP3, MP4 audio and, Meta for Developers (WhatsApp Business Platform), read 14 October 2026
- Audio messages are among the message types you can send during an, Meta for Developers (WhatsApp Business Platform), read 14 October 2026