Summary
This guide explains how to create different types of RCS (Rich Communication Services) templates in Wati. You’ll learn how to create text-based messages, file-based templates, rich cards, and carousels - allowing you to send simple updates, share files, or engage users with interactive content.
Instructions
When to Use This
Use this guide when you want to prepare templates for your RCS broadcasts. Text templates are ideal for quick messages, file templates for documents or media, rich cards for visually engaging messages, and carousels for showcasing multiple items in one broadcast.
RCS Template Types Overview
Wati supports several types of RCS templates to help you send engaging and effective messages:
Text Template: Simple, straightforward messages ideal for updates, alerts, or reminders. Supports personalization with variables and optional suggested actions.
File Template: Share documents, images, or media files. Supports PDF, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and video/audio formats, with optional thumbnails for previews.
Rich Card Template: Visually engaging messages with an image or video, a title, description, and interactive buttons for quick replies or links.
Carousel Template: Display multiple rich cards in a single broadcast. Each card can include media, a title, description, and suggested action buttons, making it perfect for showcasing multiple products or offers.
Instructions
Follow these steps for the relevant template type.
Text-Based Template
Step 1: Go to RCS Templates
From the main dashboard, navigate to the Broadcast section and click RCS.
Step 2: Create a new template
Click the + Create New RCS button.
Step 3: Name your template
Enter a unique name in the RCS Template Name field.
Step 4: Select content type
Make sure Text is selected.
Step 5: Write your message
In the Body section, type your message.
Step 6 (Optional): Add personalization
Click Add Variable to insert placeholders like {{name}} or {{phone}}.
Step 7 (Optional): Add suggested actions
Toggle Suggested Actions to include buttons or interactive elements.
Step 8: Save the template
Click Save to store your template.
File-Based Template
Select Content-Type: Choose File.
Upload Your File: Either Browse Files from your computer or provide a File URL (HTTPS required). Supported formats: PDF, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and video/audio formats.
Add a Thumbnail (Optional): Upload or link a thumbnail, especially useful for video previews.
Save the Template: Click Save to finalize.
Rich Card Template
Select Content-Type: Choose Rich card.
Name the Template: Give it a descriptive name (e.g.,
card_test).Add Media: Upload or link to an image or video for your card.
Add Card Content: Fill in the Title and Description.
Add Suggested Actions: Include buttons for quick replies or links.
Save the Template: Click Save to store it.
Carousel Template
Select Content-Type: Choose Carousel.
Name the Template: Give it a name (e.g.,
carousel_test).Configure Each Card: For every card in the carousel:
Upload or link media (image/video).
Enter a Title and Description.
Add suggested action buttons for that card.
Add More Cards: Add as many cards as needed to your carousel.
Save the Carousel Template: Click Save once all cards are configured.
Ready-to-use RCS campaign templates
These templates are copy-paste ready, making it easy to launch campaigns quickly.
Your first campaign kit
Re-engage dormant users
Message: “Hey {{name}}, your {{benefit/points/offer}} is waiting. Tap to claim.”
Format: Rich Card
Actions:
View & Apply/Remind me later
Abandon-cart / drop-off recovery
Message: “Still thinking about {{item/service}}? Here’s {{incentive}}. Need help?”
Format: Carousel
Actions:
Checkout
Flash Sale (sitewide)
RCS Title: Mega 24-Hour Sale
Body: Hey {{name}}, {{brand}} is live with up to {{discount}}% off. Your picks are waiting - tap to shop now.
Suggested Actions:
Shop Now→ {{deeplink_utm}}View Categories→ {{deeplink_categories}}Optional Image: hero_sale.jpg
Industry-specific sample templates
BFSI – Policy Renewal
Title: Policy renewal due {{due_date}}
Body: Renew {{policy_name}} in 2 steps.
Actions:
Renew Now→ {{deeplink_renew}},View Policy→ {{pdf_link}}SMS version: "Renew {{policy_name}} by {{due_date}}: {{short_link}}"
Healthcare – Report Ready
Title: Your report is ready
Body: View and download your {{test_name}} report.
Actions:
View Report→ {{pdf_link}},Book Follow-up→ {{deeplink_booking}}SMS version: "{{test_name}} report ready: {{short_link}}"
Travel/Logistics – Shipment Update
Title: Shipment {{tracking_id}} update
Body: Arriving {{eta}}. Change delivery if needed.
Actions:
Track→ {{deeplink_tracking}},Change Slot→ {{deeplink_timeslot}}SMS version: "Shipment {{tracking_id}}: arrives {{eta}}. {{short_link}}"
EdTech – Class Reminder
Title: Class starts soon
Body: {{course_name}} at {{time}}. Join from your phone.
Actions:
Join Class→ {{deeplink_join}},Materials→ {{deeplink_materials}}SMS version: "{{course_name}} at {{time}}. Join: {{short_link}}"
These templates are designed to save time and help your campaigns perform better by leveraging RCS features like rich media, suggested actions, and secure, in-thread interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I include emojis in my text template?
Yes, emojis can be added in the message body to make messages more engaging.
2. What is the character limit for a text template?
Wati shows a character counter (e.g., 38/800), giving you a generous limit to craft your message.
3. How do variables work?
Variables are placeholders automatically replaced with each recipient’s information (like name or phone number) to personalize messages.
4. What file types are supported in file templates?
PDF, JPG, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and video/audio formats. File URLs must use HTTPS.
5. Can I add multiple items in a broadcast?
Yes, use a Carousel Template to showcase multiple rich cards in a single broadcast.