⚡Quick answer -
You can, but not recommended.
Each WhatsApp template must serve one clear purpose—either:
- Utility (Transactional)
- Authentication
- Marketing (Promotional)
This classification is required by Meta’s official categories. Mixing purposes in one template can cause approval delays and rejections (if misused). Such templates (if template content follows the Meta's guidelines) will always be a part of the Marketing Category, even if they contain a notification.
Why Categorisation Matters?
Meta uses template categories to:
- Ensure compliance with WhatsApp Business policies
- Enforce rules about when messages can be sent (e.g., outside the 24-hour service window)
- Apply stricter reviews to promotional content
Once submitted, Meta may approve, reject, or recategorize your template. This affects delivery, opt-in requirements, and campaign success.
Risks of Mixing Purposes
If you submit a template labelled as Utility but it contains promotional wording (e.g., “limited-time offer”), Meta may:
- Reject the template for mislabelling
- Recategorize it as Marketing without notice
- Delay approval or flag it during audits
Examples: Correct vs. Incorrect Categorisation
Intent | Message Example | Correct Category |
Order Update | “Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has shipped. Track here: {{3}}.” | Utility (Transactional) |
Promo Inserted | “Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} shipped! Also, get 20% off your next one!” | Will always be Marketing |
Re-Engagement | “Hi {{1}}, we miss you! Come back for 15% off all items.” | Marketing (Promotional) |
Best Practice
Always create separate templates for different goals:
- Utility → transactional updates (order shipped, payment confirmed)
- Authentication → login/OTP messages
- Marketing → promotions, offers, re-engagement
This ensures faster approvals, fewer rejections, and higher delivery success.
✨ Pro Tip: Before submission, do a quick “intent check” — If it has any salesy or discount language, mark it as Marketing!
Related Articles
What are the official WhatsApp Template Message guidelines I must follow?
⚡Quick answer - Meta reviews every template. Keep the tone polite, use correct {{1}}, {{2}} variables, match the selected language, avoid shortened URLs, and respect button limits to avoid rejection. When should I use this guide? Use it right before ...
What are WhatsApp message templates and how do I create, submit, and track them in MyOperator?
⚡Quick answer - WhatsApp message templates are pre-approved message formats that businesses use to initiate conversations with customers outside the 24-hour service window. Templates are required for outbound messages sent more than 24 hours after a ...
Can multiple WhatsApp Business conversation windows be open at the same time—and how are they billed?
⚡Quick answer - Yes — under WhatsApp Business Platform (Meta / WhatsApp), it is possible to have multiple conversation windows open at the same time, and how they are billed depends on their types. When should I use this guide? Read this guide if you ...
Why aren’t my SMS messages delivered to one specific number and how do I fix it?
⚡Quick answer - Most single-number SMS failures come down to one of five issues: DND or opt-out, DLT template/header mismatch, Wrong sender ID, Bad number format, or Promotional time-band restriction (10:00–21:00 IST). Run the five-step checklist ...
What is Message Trail and how do I use it to track automated WhatsApp template messages in MyOperator?
⚡Quick answer - Message Trail lets you tag any WhatsApp template message sent via our API with a custom trail name (e.g., “OrderStatusUpdates”) and then view real-time delivery, read, and reply stats—plus export a detailed CSV report—right from your ...