Meta has unveiled new WhatsApp features to assist millions of small businesses in India as they gear up for the festive season. At the inaugural WhatsApp Business Summit in the country, the company announced that the ‘Meta Verified’ feature is now accessible to all eligible small businesses using the WhatsApp Business app.

With a 'Meta Verified' subscription, businesses gain a verified badge, protection against impersonation, dedicated account support, and premium tools to strengthen their online brand presence. This badge will also appear on WhatsApp Channels and Business pages, making it easier for businesses to establish credibility across social media platforms and websites.

“WhatsApp’s widespread use and simplicity place it at the heart of India’s digital transformation, enabling businesses to grow through innovative ideas and models”, said Sandhya Devanathan, VP of Meta India.

Alongside ‘Meta Verified,’ Meta is introducing a new feature that allows businesses using WhatsApp Business to send personalized messages to customers. This includes reminders for appointments, birthday wishes, and updates on holiday sales, which can now be sent more efficiently. The paid feature enables businesses to customize messages with the customer’s name, add call-to-action buttons, and schedule messages in advance.

Meta also announced the upcoming launch of ‘WhatsApp Business Yatra’, an initiative designed to provide in-person training for small businesses in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, helping them expand their digital capabilities.

Currently, 60 percent of WhatsApp users interact with businesses weekly, and 92 percent of users engage with businesses through messaging apps, underscoring the growing importance of these communication tools.