Summary
WhatsApp Template Messages allow businesses to send important notifications, such as alerts and account updates, to customers. These messages can include call-to-action buttons, quick replies, and media elements like images and videos. Additionally, they can be sent even after the 24-hour customer service window has expired. The process of submitting WhatsApp Template Messages varies depending on your WATI plan. This guide explains how to create and submit templates for approval.
Instructions
Steps to Create a Template Message
1. Navigate to the Template Message Section
Go to Broadcast.
Select Template Messages.
Click Your Templates.
Click New Template Message to start creating a template.
Creating a Text-Only Template Message
Enter the Template Name: Use underscores instead of spaces (e.g., `template_for_demo`).
Select the Category.
Choose the Language.
Enter the Message Body: Use parameters in the format `{{parameter}}` to personalize messages. During the broadcast, these variables will be replaced with corresponding contact attribute values.
Save the Template:
Click Save as draft to continue editing later.
Click Save and submit to send the template to WhatsApp for approval.
Note: The maximum character limit for the message body, including variable values, is 1024 characters.
Creating a Rich Media Template Message
Rich templates allow you to include images, PDFs, videos, and interactive buttons.
Enter the Template Name (use underscores, e.g., `template_for_demo`).
Select the Category.
Choose the Language.
Set a Broadcast Title (Optional):
None: No broadcast title.
Text: A text-based title.
Media: A title with an image, video, or document. Supported formats:
Images: JPEG, PNG
Videos: MP4
Documents: Any valid MIME type
Add the Message Body: Click Add Variable to insert dynamic fields (e.g., `Dear {{name}}, hello from WATI.`).
Add an Optional Footer (e.g., "Powered by wati.io").
Add Interactive Buttons (Optional):
Call to Action:
Visit Website: Define Button Text, select URL Type (Static or Dynamic), and enter the URL (Dynamic URLs can use variables like `{{name}}`).
Call Phone: Enter Button Text and a phone number (without the `+` sign).
Quick Reply: Add up to 3 quick-reply buttons.
Creating Carousel Template Message
Media Card Carousels: How They Work
These templates let you send one text message with up to 10 scrollable media cards.
Key Behavior:
When users click a card's URL button (like "Buy Now"), their device opens the link in a web browser (exiting WhatsApp). To keep users in WhatsApp instead, use Product Card Carousels.
Enter the Template Name (use underscores, e.g., `template_for_demo`).
Select the Category as Marketing.
Choose the Language as per your requirements.
Select Marketing Template as Carousel.
Enter your message body.
Add a Carousel Card. You can add up to 5 cards.
Note: You can see the sample cards by enabling the switch.
Click on the “+” to add a card.
Add the card content and that’s it.
Modifying Template Messages
Click Edit to modify a draft template message.
Click Submit to send the template for WhatsApp's approval.
Approval Process: Meta reviews template submissions, which may take 30 minutes to 24 hours.
Once submitted, the status changes to Pending and the template becomes read-only.
Approved templates will have the status Approved.
Click Remove to delete a template.
Deleted templates cannot be reused; a new name is required to submit a replacement.
Searching and Sorting Template Messages
Use the search bar to find templates by keywords.
Click Filter to sort template messages by status. By following these steps, you can create, customize, and manage WhatsApp Template Messages efficiently.
Submitting Templates for WATI Standard/PRO Plan
If you are using WATI CRM, you must submit your WhatsApp Template Messages directly from your WATI account.
Important Notes:
Do not submit templates from WhatsApp Manager, as they will not be added to your WATI account.
You can manage and track all approved templates within your WATI CRM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Questions
1. What are WhatsApp Template Messages?
→ WhatsApp Template Messages are pre-approved messages that businesses can use to send notifications, alerts, and updates to customers. These messages can include text, media, and interactive buttons.
2. Why do I need to submit a template for approval?
→ WhatsApp requires businesses to use pre-approved templates for proactive messaging to prevent spam and ensure quality communication.
3. How long does it take for a template to get approved?
→ Template approval by Meta typically takes between 30 minutes to 24 hours.
Creating and Modifying Templates
4. Can I edit a template after submitting it for approval?
→ No, once submitted, a template enters a Pending state and becomes read-only. If changes are needed, you must delete the template and create a new one.
5. Can I add a hyperlink in a template message?
→ Hyperlinking isn’t supported by Meta however, you can always add buttons in a template message and add a URL link to redirect users to the desired website when they click on the button.
6. What is the maximum character limit for a template message?
→ The message body, including variable values, must not exceed 1024 characters.
7. Can I use variables in my message templates?
→ Yes, you can use variables in the format {{parameter}} to personalize messages based on contact attributes.
8. What media formats are supported for rich template messages?
→ Images: JPEG, PNG
Videos: MP4
Documents: Any valid MIME-type
Submitting and Managing Templates
9. How do I check the status of my template?
→ You can check the status of your submitted template in WhatsApp Manager under the Message Templates section.
10. What happens if my template is rejected?
→ If your template is rejected, WhatsApp will provide a reason. You can modify the template accordingly and resubmit it.
11. Can I delete a template and reuse the same name?
→ No, once a template is deleted, you cannot reuse the same name. You must submit a new template with a different name.