Create a template and submit it to Meta

Open Dashboard → Templates and click Create Template (or start from a ready-made one under Library). Your wallet must have been recharged at least once and your number must be connected before a template can be submitted.

1. Template Name: lowercase letters, numbers and underscores only, for example order_confirmation. Choose carefully: the name cannot be changed once WhatsApp approves the template.
2. Category: Marketing (offers, promotions), Utility (updates about an order, booking or account the customer already has) or Authentication (one-time codes). A promotional message in a Utility template is rejected or re-categorised by Meta.
3. Language: the language the message is written in.
4. Header (optional): text (up to 60 characters), image, video or document.
5. Message Body: up to 1,024 characters. Insert {{1}}, {{2}} where a name, amount or date should go. Do not start or end the message with a variable.
6. Sample Values for Variables: give a realistic example for every variable. Meta's reviewers need them, and the form does not submit without them.
7. Footer (optional): up to 60 characters.
8. Buttons (optional): up to 10 in total: Quick Reply buttons, up to 2 Website URL buttons, 1 Phone Number button and 1 Open Flow button. Button text is up to 25 characters.
9. Check the live preview on the right, then click Submit for Approval. Save as Draft keeps it without sending it to Meta.

After submitting

• The template shows Pending until Meta decides, then Approved or Rejected. See Template pending review.
• A pending template cannot be edited. A rejected one shows Meta's reason: edit it and click Resubmit for Approval.
• Editing an approved template sends it back to Pending for a new review.
• You can delete a template yourself from its menu. One that a past campaign used is kept in those reports.

Chatbots and buttons

Only Quick Reply buttons send a reply back to you, so only they can start a chatbot flow. Website, phone and form buttons open something on the customer's phone and send nothing to your inbox.