Facebook Launches Graph API v21.0 and Marketing API v21.0

Facebook has announced the release of Graph API v21.0 and Marketing API v21.0. This update includes several changes that may affect developers using Facebook's platform. Here are the key points:

General Updates

Image Expansion Merging With Standard Enhancements

• For single media ads, the Image Expansion feature will now be part of Standard Enhancements.
• Affected endpoints:
  • POST /{ad_account_id}/adcreatives
  • POST /{ad_account_id}/ads
  • GET /{ad_id}/previews
  • GET /{ad_account_id}/generatepreviews

Deprecations & Breaking Changes

Deprecate: package_name / signature_hash params for OTP buttons on Authentication Message Templates

• Starting with v21.0, package_name and signature_hash must be defined within the supported_apps button property array.

Deprecate: Messaging Events API

• Messaging Events API will be deprecated in September 2025.
• Partners should transition to the Conversion API.

Instagram Insights API: Metric Deprecation

• Metrics being deprecated starting version 21:
  • video_views (total value)
  • email_contacts (time series)
  • get_directions_clicks (time series)
  • profile_views (time series)
  • text_message_clicks (time series)
  • website_clicks (time series)
  • phone_call_clicks (time series)
• Migrate usage by January 8th, 2025.

WhatsApp Cloud API Local Storage

Applies to 'v21.0+'

• Local storage settings can now be configured via POST /<WHATSAPP_BUSINESS_PHONE_NUMBER_ID>/settings before phone number registration.
• Changes to local storage settings require deregistering the phone number first.

Marketing API v21 Impacts

Original Objective Usage

• New ad sets or ads cannot be created within original objective campaigns starting with v21.
• Impacted APIs:
  • /act_{ad_account_id}/campaigns
  • /act_{ad_account_id}/ads
• Transition to simplified objectives is encouraged.

Meta Business SDK

Meta Business SDK v21 Release

• Includes bug fixes, dependency upgrades, new features, and an updated API interface.
• Sample code for over 30 scenarios will be provided in five languages.
• Upcoming deprecations:
  • May 2025: Facebook Platform SDK v17.0 or below

API Version Deprecations

Graph API

• November 20, 2024: Graph API v.15 will be deprecated.
• May 14, 2025: Graph API v.16 will be deprecated.

Marketing API

• February 4, 2025: Marketing API v19.0 will be deprecated.
• May 6, 2025: Marketing API v20.0 will be deprecated.

Developers are recommended to migrate all calls to the latest API version to avoid disruptions.