Automation & AI

Creating Message Templates

Create and submit Meta-approved WhatsApp templates so you can send proactive messages to customers who haven't messaged you first.

10 min Intermediate

How to do it

Go to Templates

Click Templates in the left sidebar, then click New Template.

Choose a template category

Select the category that best fits your message: Marketing (promotions, offers), Utility (order updates, reminders), or Authentication (OTP codes). The category affects Meta's review criteria.

Write your template with variables

Write the message body. Use {{1}}, {{2}} for dynamic values that will be filled in when you send (e.g. "Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has been shipped and will arrive by {{3}}.").

Submit for Meta approval

Click Submit for Approval. Meta reviews all templates before they can be used. Approval typically takes 24–48 hours.

Use the template once approved

Once the status shows Approved, you can use the template to start new conversations with customers in campaigns or directly from the inbox. Fill in the variable values when sending.

Without a template, you can only reply: WhatsApp only allows you to initiate a new conversation using an approved template. If you want to message a customer first, you must use a template.