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What are the types of WhatsApp templates available?

WhatsApp Business Template Categories


WhatsApp Business templates are divided into three Meta-defined categories: Utility, Authentication, and Marketing. These categories guide Meta’s review process and determine when and how messages can be sent to customers.



🔧 1. Utility Templates (Transactional)


  • Purpose: Share important, time-sensitive updates after a customer action.
  • Nature: Non-promotional.
  • Common use cases:
  • Order confirmations or shipping updates
  • Appointment reminders
  • Payment receipts or account alerts
  • Example: Hi, your appointment on is confirmed. We'll see you at.



🔐 2. Authentication Templates


  • Purpose: Deliver secure one-time passwords (OTP) or login codes to verify identity.
  • Nature: System-triggered, non-promotional.
  • Common use cases:
  • Login via phone number
  • Account recovery
  • Transaction verification
  • Example: Your verification code is. It will expire in 10 minutes.


Info : Authentication templates may only be available after Meta approval for this feature.



📢 3. Marketing Templates (Promotional)


  • Purpose: Promote products, re-engage users, or run offers.
  • Nature: Requires customer opt-in and stricter policy checks.
  • Common use cases:
  • Product recommendations or launches
  • Flash sales or discount campaigns
  • Win-back messages for inactive users
  • Example: Hi, enjoy 20% off all accessories today only! Shop now:.



📊 Comparison of Template Categories


Category

Purpose

Allowed Use Cases

Restrictions

🔧 Utility

Transactional, service updates

Orders, appointments, receipts

No promotional language

🔐 Authentication

Security, identity verification

OTPs, login codes, recovery

Available only after approval

📢 Marketing

Promotional, re-engagement

Discounts, campaigns, product launches

Requires opt-in; stricter review



ℹ️ Important Notes


  • ✅ Categories affect Meta approval: promotional wording in Utility templates = rejection.
  • ⏱️ Any message sent outside the 24-hour customer window must use an approved template.
  • 📊 Templates are created, categorized, and tracked in Meta WhatsApp Manager or via MyOperator.






Tip : Choose the correct category upfront. Misclassification (e.g., adding a discount in a Utility template) will slow down approval and may impact your compliance score.

Updated on: 22/09/2025