Business WhatsApp Templates
Create and submit templates for Meta approval to message customers outside the 24-hour window.
Business WhatsApp templates are reviewed and approved by Meta. Once approved, you can use them to reach customers even if they haven't messaged you recently.
Why you need them
On Business WhatsApp, you can only send free-form messages within 24 hours of a customer's last message. After that window, you must use an approved template.
Templates also let you send proactive campaign messages to contacts who have opted in.
Create a template
Go to Settings → Templates → + Create Template → Business WhatsApp.
Fill in:
- Template name — lowercase, underscores only (e.g.
festival_offer_2024) - Category — Marketing, Utility, or Authentication
- Language — English, Hindi, or others
- Header — optional: text, image, video, or document
- Body — your main message (supports variables like
{{1}},{{2}}) - Footer — optional small text at the bottom
- Buttons — optional: quick reply buttons or website links
Click Submit to Meta. Review takes 24–48 hours.
Template categories
| Category | Use for | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Marketing | Promotions, offers, campaigns | Higher per-message cost |
| Utility | Order updates, reminders, confirmations | Lower cost |
| Authentication | OTP, verification codes | Lowest cost |
Template status
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Submitted, waiting for Meta review |
| Approved | Ready to use in campaigns and the inbox |
| Rejected | Meta didn't approve it — edit and resubmit |
Tips for getting approved
- Be clear and specific — vague templates get rejected
- Don't use promotional language in Utility templates
- Include an opt-out option in marketing templates ("Reply STOP to unsubscribe")
- Avoid all-caps, excessive emojis, or spammy phrases
Sync templates from Meta
If you manage templates directly in Meta Business Manager, go to Settings → Templates → click Sync from Meta to pull the latest status into SalesByte.