# Set Meta Message Template

### What Are WhatsApp Message Templates?

WhatsApp Message Templates are **pre-approved messages** required by WhatsApp to:

* Send outbound messages
* Automate notifications
* Deliver OTPs
* Run marketing campaigns

All templates must be approved by **Meta (WhatsApp)** before use.

### Where to Find This Feature

**Path:**\
 1\. Select your Whatsapp Bot.

2. Click on whatsapp templates.
3. You will be redirected to the Templates gallery where you will find different templates configured by your partner.

From here, you can create **regular templates, carousel templates, and OTP templates** based on your business needs.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FB64R4QfgWHYQX3IIuYQF%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=037f8cb9-bc38-44dc-be6f-64dbada89a4d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4. Click on Your Templates to create your meta templates.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FGpdAqfME7OdA9NDfjcfq%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=5e43ec2c-96c6-48c5-b281-0ce414bfa6c6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. Click on Create Template button.

### Step 1: Template Meta (Required)

Template Meta defines the **identity and purpose** of your message template.

#### Fields to Configure

1. **Template Name**
   * Enter a unique name (no spaces, special characters not recommended).
   * Example: `order_confirmation_v1`, `otp_login`.
2. **Language**
   * Select the language of your message (e.g., English).
   * The message content must match the selected language.
3. **Category**\
   Choose one of the following:
   * **Marketing**
   * **Utility**
   * **Authentication**
4. **Template Category**

   * If **Marketing or Utility** is selected:

     * Choose a relevant template category (e.g., Promotions, Order Update, Appointment).
     * Select the template type (Regular or Carousel).

   <figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FjlZQON3P7jyJCgyWSf6k%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3906945d-0f8d-49f6-ba92-0fa579c5331f" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Regular Template

A **Regular template** is a **single-message format** that delivers one continuous message to the user.

#### Key Characteristics

* Contains **one message body**
* Supports:
  * Header (Text / Image / Video / Document)
  * Body text with variables
  * Footer text
  * CTA buttons (Call or Visit Website)
* Best suited for **simple, direct communication**

#### Common Use Cases

* OTP & Authentication messages
* Order confirmations
* Appointment reminders
* Payment alerts
* Single-offer marketing messages

#### Example

> “Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has been shipped and will be delivered by {{3}}.

* If **Authentication** is selected:
  * Choose Authentication template category (used for OTPs only).

### Carousel Template

A **Carousel template** allows you to send **multiple cards in a swipeable format** within a single WhatsApp message.

#### Key Characteristics

* Contains **multiple cards (slides)**
* Each card can have:
  * Image or media
  * Title
  * Description text
  * Individual CTA buttons
* Users can **swipe horizontally** to view multiple items
* Available only for **Marketing & Utility** categories\
  ❌ Not supported for Authentication (OTP)

#### Common Use Cases

* Product catalogs
* Multiple offers or promotions
* Feature highlights
* Real estate listings
* Ecommerce collections

#### Example

* Card 1: Product A – Buy Now
* Card 2: Product B – View Details
* Card 3: Product C – Shop Today

> ⚠️ Category selection is critical. Incorrect categorization may lead to rejection.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2Fh21C8xrOD5INIe7MkiOk%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=af70d249-f5c7-4631-b92e-499bdcd6c66b" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 2: Header (Optional)

The **Header** appears at the top of the WhatsApp message and helps highlight important information.

#### Header Types Available

1. **None**
   * No header will be added.
2. **Text**
   * Add short text with optional variables.
   * Example:\
     `Order Update for {{1}}`
3. **Media**
   * Supported media types:
     * Image
     * Video
     * Document
   * Upload a **sample file** (mandatory for Meta approval).
4. **Location**
   * Share a physical business location in the message header.

> ℹ️ Media headers must be relevant and comply with WhatsApp content policies.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2Fdrn6KpjDjf6t5NyiVAx1%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=049d9427-0f99-4b50-8081-d010b76d4d18" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Step 3: Body (Required)

The **Body** is the main content of your WhatsApp message and **cannot be skipped**.

#### How to Configure

* Write clear, structured message text.
* Variables will be autoadded and you can't change the variables
* Add **sample values** for every variable (mandatory for approval).

#### Example

```
Hello {{1}},  
Your order {{2}} has been successfully delivered on {{3}}.
```

#### Important Guidelines

* Authentication templates must only contain OTP-related content.
* Utility templates should be informational, not promotional.
* Marketing templates can include promotional language.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FhsmjY2fo87rXvDbakTq2%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=11e9f775-abe1-4394-bc55-26f79435c293" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 4: Footer (Optional)

The **Footer** appears at the bottom of the message.

#### Common Use Cases

* Brand name
* Disclaimer text
* Non-clickable information

#### Example

```
Powered by BotPenguin
```

> ⚠️ Footer text does not support variables or CTAs.

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FWePo3OKTozhBNiliFt6q%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=4879ec05-3023-4173-b400-cd8f81c79ce9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 5: Buttons (Optional)

Buttons allow users to take quick actions directly from the message.

#### Supported Button Types

1. **Call to Action (CTA)**
   * Call Phone Number
   * Visit Website

#### Button Rules

* Button text must be action-oriented and clear.
* URLs and phone numbers must be valid.
* **Authentication (OTP) templates do not support buttons.**

#### Example Buttons

* Track Order
* Call Support
* Visit Website

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FHJgFWK7nHAomt5dBCSNt%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=782bb9c3-e7e6-4cba-b9d6-b69f6dd0366c" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Step 6: Final Step: Save or Submit

Once all steps are completed:

#### Save as Draft

* Saves the template for later editing.
* Template is not sent for approval.

#### Submit for Approval

* Sends the template to Meta (WhatsApp) for review.
* Approval typically takes **a few hours to 1–2 business days**.

> ⛔ Templates cannot be edited after submission.

***

***

### Step 6: What Happens After Template Is Approved?

Once the template is **approved**, the following actions become available:

#### 1. Template Becomes Active

* The template appears in the **Approved Templates** list.
* It can now be selected in:
  * Automations
  * Campaigns
  * API-based messaging

<figure><img src="https://1745791824-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FAPDb8cKQtGlIAfgHjcsQ%2Fuploads%2FgOygYFPFhyyeRsUKR34X%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=247e7398-55a0-48d5-b179-5a39eb894983" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### 2. Connect Your WhatsApp Number

1. Click **Connect number**
2. Complete WhatsApp Business number onboarding
3. Once connected, your template becomes **usable**

> Until the number is connected, templates can’t be sent or tested.

***

### 3. Decide Where You Want to Use the Template

You can replace variables while sending the template from:

* 🤖 **Bot / Automation Flow**
* 📢 **Broadcast / Campaign**
* 🔌 **API Integration**

Below are the steps for each.

***

### Option 1: Add Variable Values in Automation (Most Common)

#### Path

**WhatsApp Automation → Bot Flow / Automation**

#### Steps

1. Open the automation or chatbot flow
2. Add an action: **Send WhatsApp Template**
3. Select the **“greetings”** template
4. You’ll see variable mapping fields like:

```
{{name}} → [Enter value or map variable]
```

5. Enter the value:
   * Static text:

     ```
     John
     ```
   * Or dynamic value:

     ```
     User Name
     ```

     (from contact data or previous input)

#### Example Mapping

```
{{name}} → First Name
```

📤 When the message is sent, the user receives:

> Hey John,\
> 👋 It's an honor to meet you…

***

### Option 2: Add Variable Values in Broadcast / Campaign

#### Path

**WhatsApp Automation → Campaigns / Broadcast**

#### Steps

1. Create a new campaign
2. Select **Template Message**
3. Choose **“greetings”**
4. For each variable, enter:
   * Column name from contact list **OR**
   * Fixed value

#### Example

```
{{name}} → name
```

(If your contact CSV has a column called `name`)

***

### Option 3: Add Variable Values via API (Advanced)

When sending via API, pass values in order.

#### Example

Template text:

```
Hey {{name}},
```

#### API Payload

```json
{
  "template_name": "greetings",
  "language": "en",
  "variables": [
    "John"
  ]
}
```

Meta replaces:

```
{{name}} → John
```

***

### Important Rules About Variables

* Variables **cannot be edited inside the template**
* Values are assigned **only while sending**
* Order matters:
  * `{{1}}` → first value
  * `{{2}}` → second value
* Every variable **must receive a value**, or message will fail

***

### Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Trying to edit variable text from the template screen\
❌ Leaving variable value empty\
❌ Passing promotional text in Utility templates\
❌ Changing approved content (requires new template)

### Post-Approval Usage

Once approved, templates can be used for:

* WhatsApp automation flows
* Campaign broadcasts
* OTP delivery
* Transactional notifications

***

### Common Rejection Reasons

* Incorrect template category
* Promotional content in Utility/Authentication templates
* Missing sample values
* Mismatch between header, body, and category

### &#x20;FAQs

<details>

<summary>Is the header mandatory?</summary>

No. Only the **Body** is mandatory.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why are sample values required?</summary>

Meta uses them to verify variable usage and message intent.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I edit a template after submission?</summary>

No.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How long does approval take?</summary>

Usually a few hours, but can take up to 48 business hours.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can OTP templates include buttons or links?</summary>

No. Authentication templates are strictly limited to OTP content.

</details>