Why Twilio
Apollo Space uses Twilio as its WhatsApp Business provider because it is the most stable and auditable option available: Meta approval, official templates, delivery status callbacks, and support for multiple numbers within the same organization. The integration is BYO key (Bring Your Own Key) — you create and own the Twilio account. Apollo Space only sends messages through your account; the actual WhatsApp charges go directly to you.What you need to get started
Twilio account
Sign up at twilio.com. A pay-as-you-go plan is
sufficient — no enterprise plan required.
Approved WhatsApp number
Approval is handled by Meta (Business). Twilio covers the end-to-end
process — it typically takes 2 to 7 business days depending on your
business type.
Messaging Service in Twilio
Create a Messaging Service that groups together: your approved number,
inbound webhook, status callback, and (optionally) pre-approved templates.
Credentials
Account SID + Auth Token + Messaging Service SID — three strings
you paste into Apollo Space (Settings → Integrations → WhatsApp).
How sending works
When Marcus sends a message:Apollo Space composes the call
The agent writes the message in your organization’s voice, choosing an
approved template (when outside the 24-hour window) or free-form text
(when inside it).
Apollo Space calls Twilio
Via the Messaging Service SID — Twilio selects the sending number
from your configured pool.
Twilio delivers via Meta
Twilio is the one that actually talks to the WhatsApp infrastructure.
Apollo Space only receives the message ID and initial delivery status.
Inbound tracking (replies)
When someone replies, Twilio calls an Apollo Space webhook. The reply
becomes activity on the lead and triggers a notification in the chat of
the relationship owner. Marcus does not reply on its own — replies
come from a human (or the Digital Twin
configured for that contact).
WhatsApp 24-hour window
Meta enforces a strict rule: once the customer sends you a message, a 24-hour window opens during which you can reply with free-form text. Outside that window, any first message must use a Meta-approved template. Marcus handles this automatically:- Inside the window → free-form text, in your organization’s voice
- Outside the window → uses the template best suited to the context, pre-registered in your Twilio Messaging Service
Operating modes
Self (default)
You use your own number and your own Twilio account. The entire bill is
yours (Twilio charges you directly). This is the recommended option for
any serious team — full control, zero intermediary.
Shared (Apollo Space pool)
In development. Will be an option for small teams to try the product
without getting their own number approved. Reduced monthly quotas;
suitable for initial exploration, not production use.
Costs
| Where it lands | Who pays |
|---|---|
| Sent message (Meta per-conversation pricing) | Your Twilio account |
| Apollo Space platform usage (orchestration, agents, tracking) | Your Stars balance |
Step-by-step setup
See Set Up WhatsApp for the complete guide with screenshots and common error troubleshooting.Next steps
Marcus — who uses this channel
The outbound agent sends via WhatsApp when the channel is connected.
Step-by-step guide
Full configuration details and troubleshooting.
Stars
How Apollo Space usage and Twilio usage split in your billing.