WhatsApp Business quick replies vs a keyboard app
Quick replies are the saved messages built into the WhatsApp Business app. A keyboard such as textcuts keeps saved messages for every app you type in. This page compares the two and says plainly when the built in shortcut is all you need. We make textcuts, so read that column with that in mind.
Short answer: If you answer customers only in the WhatsApp Business app and 50 saved replies are enough, quick replies are free and already there, so use them. A keyboard is the better pick when you also reply in Instagram, Messenger, iMessage or email, when a name or time changes each time and you want a blank to fill in, or when you want folders and your own library on both iPhone and Android.
Side by side
Quick replies exist in the WhatsApp Business app, which is a separate app from the ordinary WhatsApp Messenger.
| Feature | WhatsApp Business quick replies | textcuts |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | Inside the WhatsApp Business app only. | Every app that shows the keyboard, including WhatsApp, WhatsApp Business, Instagram, Messenger, iMessage, SMS and Gmail. |
| How you insert | Type / in the message field to list your quick replies source | Switch to the keyboard and tap the textcut. |
| How many you can save | Up to 50 source | Free: 8 textcuts and 1 folder. Pro: no limit. |
| Blanks to fill in | The help page describes shortcuts and messages, not blanks to fill in source | Yes. A blank such as a name opens a panel, and recent values come back. Free plan: one blank per textcut. |
| Folders | None described source | Yes. 1 folder free, more with Pro. |
| Editing before you send | Yes, the text lands in the message field source | Yes, the text lands in the message field. |
| Images and files | Media can be part of a quick reply in the app, not on Web or Desktop source | No. Text only. |
| Hebrew gender forms | No. | Yes, chosen with a tap. A Pro feature. |
| Account | A WhatsApp Business account. | None. |
| Price | Free in the app. | Free tier. Pro 3.99 dollars a month, 24.99 dollars a year or 49.99 dollars once (US). |
When quick replies are enough
The built in shortcut is a good tool and it costs nothing.
- Your customers reach you only in the WhatsApp Business app.
- You have fewer than 50 replies and they never change from customer to customer, such as opening hours, an address or a price list.
- You like typing a short word after a slash and do not want to install anything.
- You want default replies built from your business profile.
When a keyboard is the better fit
- You also answer in Instagram, Messenger, iMessage, SMS or email, and want one library everywhere.
- A name, a day or a time changes each time and you want a blank filled in with one tap, not edited by hand.
- You want folders for stages such as new customer, booking and after the sale.
- You write in Hebrew and want one message that reads correctly for a woman or a man.
- You use both iPhone and Android.
Using both
They do not conflict. Keep your fixed business answers as quick replies and use textcuts for messages with details that change. For ready made wording, see the templates for small business owners or the roundup of quick reply keyboards. A team that shares images and files should also read textcuts vs Boards.
Frequently asked questions
How many quick replies can WhatsApp Business hold?
Up to 50 in the WhatsApp Business app, according to WhatsApp's help page on quick replies.
How do I use a quick reply in a chat?
Type / in the message field to list your quick replies, pick one, and it lands in the field where you can edit it before you send.
Can quick replies fill in a customer's name?
WhatsApp's help page describes shortcuts and saved messages, not blanks to fill in. A keyboard like textcuts opens a panel for a blank such as a name and offers recent values again.
Do quick replies work in the normal WhatsApp app or in Instagram?
Quick replies are a feature of the WhatsApp Business app. A keyboard works in any app where you can type, so the same textcuts work in WhatsApp, Instagram and the rest.
Is textcuts free?
There is a free tier with 8 textcuts, 1 folder and one blank per textcut, and inserts are never metered. Pro adds more textcuts and folders, messages with two or more blanks and Hebrew gender forms.