Broadcasts and templates

Create and submit a WhatsApp template

Build a template with variables, a header, footer and buttons, then submit it to Meta so you can use it in broadcasts and to start conversations.

Before you start

Your WhatsApp number is connected
You know the message and, if it contains details that change per person (like a name), where they go

Click Templates in the sidebar (1) (or Broadcasts, then Templates). Click New Template (2). The page also has Sync from Meta (3) and Browse library (4).

The Message templates page with the Templates sidebar item, New Template, Sync from Meta and Browse library marked 1 to 4
In the New Message Template window type the Template Name (1). Use lowercase letters, digits and underscores only, for example order_confirmation.

The Template Name field marked 1
Choose the Category (1): Marketing for offers and promotions, or Utility for updates the customer expects about an order, visit or account. Set the Language (2) to the exact code Meta uses, for example en_US. Note that en_US and en are different.

The Category and Language fields marked 1 and 2
Write the Body Text (1). Use {{1}}, {{2}} for details that change, in order starting from {{1}}. Optionally add a Header (none, text, image, video or document), a Footer (2) of up to 60 characters, and up to 10 Buttons. Quick-reply buttons must come before link, phone or copy-code buttons.

The Body Text and Footer fields marked 1 and 2
Click Submit for Approval (1). The template is sent to Meta and shows as Pending until they decide.

The Submit for Approval button marked 1

How long does approval take?

Meta reviews each template. It is usually decided within a day, often much sooner.

Can I edit a template after it is approved?

Yes, but saving re-submits it to Meta and the status goes back to Pending while they review.

What does {{1}} mean?

It is a placeholder. When you send a broadcast you choose what goes into it, for example the contact's name. See Send a broadcast.

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