Meta has introduced a subtle yet powerful update to the WhatsApp Cloud API — Typing Indicators. This feature enables businesses and developers to simulate human-like conversations by displaying a “typing…” status while crafting a reply, enriching the overall messaging experience.
✨ What is the Typing Indicator?
This feature allows your WhatsApp Business account to show a “typing…” message once a user’s input is received. It adds a touch of realism, making both live agents and bots feel more responsive — especially useful when replies need a second or two to generate.
🕐 The typing status lasts up to 25 seconds or disappears once a response is sent — whichever comes first.
✅ Why It Matters
- Boosts User Confidence: Signals that the system or agent is actively working on a reply.
- Reduces Abandonment: Users are more likely to stay engaged when they see a live response is coming.
- Feels Natural: Adds a human element to automated conversations.
🛠️ How to Use Typing Indicators with WokieTokie
1. In Bot Replies
Now available inside Bot Manager → Bot Reply settings:
- Toggle Typing On Display
- Set a delay (e.g., 1–3 seconds) before the bot replies
- Save to simulate a thoughtful response
🧠 Useful when your bot is calling external APIs or pulling user data.
2. In AI Assistant
Found under Bot Manager → AI Assistant Settings:
- Toggle Enable Typing On Indicator
- Use this alongside a delay to balance AI generation times
💡 Works whether AI is the primary responder or a fallback, adding polish to every message.
3. In Shared Inbox (Signature Message)
Inside Bot Manager → Configuration → Shared Inbox Signature Message:
- Activate Typing On Indicator
- The indicator appears when an agent starts typing or focuses on the chat input
🎯 Perfect for creating smooth agent handovers and real-time support workflows.
🧠 Why Use It?
- Adds human-like nuance to responses
- Creates buffer time for back-end processes or external API calls
- Builds trust with your users during interactions
- Ideal for agent handovers and hybrid chat experiences
⚙️ Pro Tips
✅ Use typing indicators only when a real response is being prepared
❌ Avoid using it in laggy or non-functional flows
🔁 Combine with “read” receipts for instant acknowledgement
🔍 Real-World Scenarios
- Customer support via live chat
- Bots pulling external data (e.g., tracking orders)
- Refund or status update flows
- AI-based assistants processing contextual memory
💬 Final Thoughts
The Typing Indicator might be a small visual cue, but its impact on user experience is massive. Whether you’re using full automation or a human-bot hybrid model, this feature helps you make interactions feel more natural and responsive.
👉 Ready to implement it? Try it today with WokieTokie — your all-in-one WhatsApp automation toolkit.