WhatsApp Template Builder: Create & Submit Templates

The WhatsApp Template Builder lets you design, preview, and submit WhatsApp message templates directly to Meta for approval. Templates are required for sending outbound business messages on WhatsApp — they ensure your messages comply with WhatsApp's policies and provide a consistent experience for your customers.

What Are WhatsApp Templates?

WhatsApp templates are pre-approved message formats that you can use to send outbound messages to customers. They include a body text, optional header, optional footer, and interactive buttons. Once Meta approves your template, you can use it in broadcasts, automated messages, and marketing campaigns.

Accessing the Template Builder

  1. Open your Workspace
  2. Go to Marketing in the sidebar
  3. Click Template Builder

Building a Template

Template Basics

  • Template Name — A lowercase, alphanumeric name with underscores (e.g., welcome_message, order_confirmation). Max 60 characters. This is automatically formatted as you type.
  • Category — Choose the template category:
    • Marketing — Promotions, offers, and general business updates
    • Utility — Account updates, order confirmations, and transactional messages
    • Authentication — OTP codes and verification messages
  • Language — Select the language for this template (e.g., en_US for US English)

Header

Choose the header type for your template:

  • None — No header
  • Text — A short text header (max 60 characters)
  • Image — An image header (upload JPG, PNG)
  • Video — A video header (upload MP4)
  • Document — A document header (upload PDF)

Body Text

This is the main content of your template. Max 1,024 characters.

You can use variables like {{1}}, {{2}}, etc. to create dynamic content. When you include variables, a Sample Values field appears so you can preview how the template will look with real data.

Footer

Optional short text that appears at the bottom of the message. Max 60 characters.

Buttons

Add up to 3 interactive buttons to your template:

Button Type Description
Quick Reply — A simple button that sends a predefined response back
URL — Opens a website link (you can include a variable in the URL)
Phone Number — Initiates a phone call to a specified number

Each button has a Button Text field (max 25 characters). URL and Phone Number buttons have additional fields for the URL or phone number.

Saving and Submitting

Save as Draft

Click Save as Draft to store your template locally without submitting it to Meta. This is useful when you're still working on a template or want to review it before submission.

Submit to Meta

Click Submit to Meta to send your template to WhatsApp/Meta for review. Once submitted:

  • The template status changes to "Submitted"
  • Meta will review the template (usually within a few hours to a day)
  • You'll be notified when the template is approved or rejected
  • Approved templates can be used in broadcasts and automated messages

Template Status

Status Meaning
Draft — Saved locally, not yet submitted
Submitted — Sent to Meta, awaiting review
Approved — Ready to use in messages
Rejected — Meta rejected the template (check the reason and revise)

Best Practices

  • Keep it clear and concise — WhatsApp templates have character limits. Get to the point quickly.
  • Use variables wisely — Variables make templates reusable, but make sure the sample values you provide are realistic.
  • Choose the right category — Meta reviews templates based on their category. A marketing template sent as a utility message may get rejected.
  • Test with drafts first — Save as draft and review your template before submitting to avoid rejection.
  • Follow WhatsApp policies — No promotional content in utility templates, no spam, and always include an opt-out option where appropriate.

Related

Keywords

WhatsApp templates, template builder, Meta approval, WhatsApp business, message templates, marketing templates, WhatsApp automation, template submission