Create a WhatsApp Template

Opening the template builder

In the sidebar, open WhatsApp Business API → Manage Template. The builder shows the form on the left and a live WhatsApp preview on the right that updates in real time as you build.

Creating a general template (Utility / Marketing)

1. 1

   Template settings

   Choose the Business Number to create the template under, then enter a Template Name — lowercase letters, numbers, and underscore only (spaces are converted automatically), max 60 characters. Pick the Category (Utility for transactional messages, Marketing for promotional) and the Language.

2. 2

   Header (optional)

   Add a header if you want one: Text (up to 60 characters), or Image / Video / Document. For media headers, provide a publicly accessible sample media URL — Meta uses it during review; the actual media can be set when sending.

3. 3

   Body

   Write the message body (up to 1,024 characters). Use the toolbar for *bold*, _italic_, and ~strikethrough~, and click + Variable to insert a dynamic value such as $(name) or $(orderid). The preview on the right shows exactly how the message will look.

4. 4

   Variable sample values

   Every variable you use appears in the Variable Sample Values section — enter a realistic example for each one. Meta requires these samples to review your template.

5. 5

   Footer & buttons (optional)

   Add a Footer (up to 60 characters) and Buttons: up to 3 Quick Reply buttons, or up to 2 Call To Action buttons (max 2 website links, max 1 phone call). A website button’s URL may end with one variable for dynamic links, e.g. https://example.com/track/$(orderid).

6. 6

   Submit for approval

   Click Submit Template for Approval and confirm. The template is sent to Meta for review.

Creating an Authentication (OTP) template

Choose Authentication — OTP as the category and the builder switches to a fixed-format panel — Meta defines the message wording for authentication templates, so the body cannot be customised.

1. 1

   Configure the options

   Safety suggestion adds “For your security, do not share this code.” to the message. Expiration time adds “This code expires in N minutes.” (1–90). Automatic filling enables one-tap autofill in your Android app (requires your app’s package name and signature hash). Set the Copy button text — default “Copy code”.

2. 2

   Check the preview & submit

   The preview shows the final message with a sample code (123456). When you later send with this template, you supply the real code through the $(verificationCode) variable. Click Submit Template for Approval.

After you submit — Meta approval

Every new template is reviewed by Meta — usually within a few minutes, up to 24 hours. The result appears in your Template List once our system syncs: Pass means the template is ready to send; Fail means it was rejected and you can edit and resubmit. Only templates with status Pass can be used for sending.