Conversations · 2 min read
WhatsApp Limited-Time Offer Templates
A limited-time offer (LTO) template shows an expiration date and a live countdown timer inside the WhatsApp message. It also has a Copy Code button so customers can copy your promo code in one tap.
LTO templates are Marketing templates only, and Meta must approve them before you send them.
What customers see
- Header: an image or video.
- Body: your offer, with variables. For example, "Hi {{1}}, use code {{2}} for 25% off!"
- Buttons: a Copy Code button, and an optional URL button.
The countdown timer only shows on WhatsApp for iOS and Android.
Before you start
- WhatsApp is connected and set up.
- You have the Create/edit WhatsApp templates permission.
- Your offer details, promo code, and media are ready.
Create an LTO template
- Go to Settings > WhatsApp > Templates, click Create Template, and choose Blank template.
- Choose Limited Time Offer.
- Add:
- Header: upload an image or video.
- Body: your offer message, using variables like
{{1}}for the name and{{2}}for the code. - Buttons: a Copy Code button is required. You can add a URL button to your offer page.
- LTO templates don't support a footer.
- Check the live preview, which shows the countdown bar, offer text, and buttons, then submit.
- Track approval in Settings > WhatsApp > Templates.
Send it
Each time you send an LTO template, you set the expiration date and time. That means you can reuse one approved template for many campaigns. Just change the expiration and code.
- Conversations: open the contact, choose WhatsApp, and pick the template.
- Workflows: add a WhatsApp action, pick the template, and fill in the expiration and offer code.
- Bulk actions: go to Contacts, select your audience, and start a WhatsApp bulk action.
Ideas
- Flash sales: a 4-hour sale with a copy-code button.
- Abandoned carts: a workflow sends a discount valid for 24 hours.
- Last-minute appointments: promote same-week openings with a countdown to end of day.
- Seasonal promotions: a weekend or holiday offer by bulk action.
- Renewals: a renewal discount that expires on a set date.
FAQs
Do I need a new template for each promotion? No. Set a new expiration and code when you send.
Why can't my customer see the timer? It only shows on WhatsApp for iOS and Android.
What happens when the timer hits zero? The message stays in their chat, marked as expired.
Can LTO templates be Utility or Authentication? No, Marketing only.
Does the LTO format get approved faster? No.
Do LTO messages count toward my messaging limits? Yes.