📄 Templates
How to create a WhatsApp template
WhatsApp templates are pre-approved messages you send to customers outside the 24-hour session window — for order updates, reminders, follow-ups, or campaigns. Meta approves each template before use, usually in 15 minutes to 24 hours.
Before you begin
ℹ
Your WhatsApp number must be connected first. If you haven't set up your channel yet, connect your WhatsApp number →
- Your message body (max 1,024 characters)
- The template category — Marketing, Utility, or Authentication
- Optional: header (text, image, or document), footer, and CTA buttons
Step-by-step
01
Go to Templates in the sidebar
Click Templates in the left navigation. You'll see all your existing templates and their Meta approval status.
Templates
3 approved · 1 pending
+ New Template
order_confirmation
Utility · en
02
Click "New Template" and fill in the basics
Enter the name (lowercase, underscores only — no spaces), choose the category, and select the language.
⚠
Choose category carefully. Marketing = ₹0.95/message. Utility = ₹0.14/message. Category cannot be changed after submission — you'd need to create a new template.
03
Write your message body
Use {{1}}, {{2}} etc. for personalised values. They'll be replaced with real contact data when sending. Always fill sample values for each variable.
04
Add optional header and buttons
Add a text header, image, or document above the body. Add up to 3 buttons below (URL, phone number, or quick reply).
05
Submit for Meta approval
Review the preview, then click Submit to Meta. Status will change to Pending → Approved or Rejected.
Common mistakes to avoid
Spaces in template names
follow up message → will fail. Use follow_up_message.Marketing message submitted as Utility
Promotional content in a Utility template gets rejected. If you're selling, use Marketing category.
No sample values for variables
Always fill in real-looking examples for every {{n}} variable. Generic values like "name1" get flagged.
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