Conversations · 2 min read
Create a WhatsApp Template
WhatsApp templates are approved message formats you use to message customers first, or outside the 24-hour customer service window. The builder checks your variables as you type, so you can fix mistakes before Meta reviews it.
Pick the right category
- Marketing: offers, announcements, and other promotions.
- Utility: updates customers expect, like confirmations, reminders, and service notices.
- Authentication: verification codes.
Before you start
- WhatsApp is connected and set up.
- You know the category and language.
- You have realistic sample values for your variables.
Create it
- Go to Settings > WhatsApp > Templates and click Create Template.
- Enter:
- Template Name: lowercase letters and underscores, like
order_ready. - Category and Language.
- Header (optional): text, media, or a variable.
- Write the Body, and add a Footer if you like.
- Enter a sample value for every variable.
- Optional: add buttons, such as Quick Reply, Visit Website, Call Phone Number, Copy Offer Code, or Marketing Opt-Out.
- Fix any errors shown, then click Create.
- Track its status in Settings > WhatsApp > Templates.
Variable rules
| Rule | Valid | Not valid | | --- | --- | --- | | Use numbers |
{{1}}, {{2}} | {{1$}} | | Balanced braces | {{1}} | {{1 or {{1}}} | | Not at the start or end of the body | Hi {{1}}, your order is ready. | {{1}} your order is ready. or Your order is ready for {{1}} |Variables are checked in both the header and body. Passing these checks doesn't guarantee approval. Meta still reviews the category, content, and policy.
Edit, resubmit, or clone
- Edit and resubmit: open the template's three-dot menu, choose Edit template, make changes, and submit again.
- Clone: choose Clone template from the menu, rename it, update the content, and create it.