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 customer’s last reply.
• 💰 Template categories affect pricing: Utility and Authentication are typically cheaper, while Marketing often incurs higher rates.
• 🔒 Templates ensure compliance with WhatsApp policies and allow businesses to send messages reliably and at scale.

✅ Before You Start

To create and use templates, you’ll need:

• A WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) connected to your Meta Business Manager
• A verified phone number
• Meta approval for your template (usually within 1–2 minutes)

✏️ How to Create a WhatsApp Template

1. Go to Meta WhatsApp Manager.
2. Click Create Message Template.
3. Choose a category: Utility, Authentication, or Marketing.
4. Select a language and enter your message text.
• Use placeholders like for dynamic values (e.g., name, order ID).
5. Add optional media (image, video, document) or interactive buttons.
6. Click Submit for Approval.

💬 Example Templates

🧠 How Templates Work

• Once approved, templates can be sent via:
• Meta UI (WhatsApp Manager)
• WhatsApp Business API
• Partner platforms (e.g., Twilio, 360dialog, MyOperator)
• Each template has a status: Pending, Approved, Rejected, or Paused.
• Templates are language-specific and regularly audited for policy compliance.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Template Issues

• ❌ Rejected templates → Check category alignment and policy compliance (e.g., no promotions in Utility).
• ⏱️ Approval delays → Try small edits and resubmit.
• ⚠️ Formatting errors → Ensure placeholders like match the preview fields.

🌟 Best Practices for WhatsApp Templates

• Keep body text under 1024 characters.
• Write clear, concise, and customer-friendly content.
• Avoid vague terms like “click here” → be descriptive (“Track order”).
• Always match category to intent:
• Utility → service updates
• Authentication → OTP/login
• Marketing → promotions/engagement
• Test placeholders with real sample data before submission.
• Use short, descriptive template names (e.g., order_update_2025).

📎 Related FAQs

• How do I send a WhatsApp template via API?
• How long does it take to get a template approved?
• What are the categories of WhatsApp templates?

✨ Pro Tip: Choose the right category from the start — misclassifying (e.g., adding promotional language in a Utility template) can cause rejections, delays, and higher messaging costs.