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.
Note: Broadcasts are now Campaigns – same powerful features, updated name!
Instructions
Steps to create a Template Message
1. Navigate to the Template Message section
Go to Campaigns.
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 campaign, 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.
With the newly introduced AI Marketing Assistant, you can also improve your templates with the help of AI to reduce template rejections.
Note: The maximum character limit for the message body, including variable values, is 550 characters for Marketing templates and 1024 character for Utility and Authentication templates.
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 Campaign Title (Optional):
None: No campaign 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.
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 in Wati?
WhatsApp Template Messages are pre-approved messages used to send important notifications like alerts, updates, or reminders, even after the 24-hour customer service window has expired.
2. What types of content can be included in a template message?
Templates can include text, images, videos, documents, call-to-action buttons, and quick reply buttons.
Creating template messages
3. Where do I create WhatsApp Template Messages in Wati?
You can create them by going to Campaigns → Template Messages → Your Templates and clicking New Template Message.
4. What is the difference between text-only and rich media templates?
Text-only templates contain only text with optional variables, while rich media templates can include images, videos, documents, and interactive buttons.
5. How do I personalize a template message?
You can use variables in the format {{parameter}}, which are replaced with contact attribute values when the message is sent.
Limits and requirements
6. What are the character limits for template messages?
Marketing templates support up to 550 characters, while Utility and Authentication templates support up to 1024 characters, including variable values.
7. Are there any naming rules for template messages?
Yes. Template names must use underscores instead of spaces and should be unique. Deleted template names cannot be reused.
Approval and management
8. How long does template approval take?
Meta typically reviews templates within 30 minutes to 24 hours. During this time, the template status shows as Pending.
9. Can I edit a template after submitting it for approval?
No. Once submitted, the template becomes read-only. You can only edit templates saved as drafts.
10. What happens if I delete a template?
Deleted templates cannot be reused. You must create and submit a new template with a different name.
Plans and submission process
11. Where should Wati Standard or Pro users submit templates from?
Templates must be submitted directly from your Wati account. Submitting templates from WhatsApp Manager will not add them to Wati.
12. How can I find or filter existing templates?
You can use the search bar to find templates by keyword and apply filters to sort templates by their status.