What is a WhatsApp Template Message?

WhatsApp Template Messages

A WhatsApp Template Message is a pre-approved message format that businesses use to initiate conversations with customers outside the 24-hour service window. These templates help maintain compliance with WhatsApp’s rules while ensuring messages are professional, secure, and consistent.

📌 When Do You Need a Template Message?

When you start a new conversation with a customer.
When more than 24 hours have passed since the customer’s last message.
For sending transactional alerts, OTPs, reminders, or promotional campaigns.

Tip : Inside the 24-hour window, businesses can reply freely without templates.

🧩 Parts of a Template Message

Header (optional) → Can include a short title, image, or document.
Body (required) → Main content of the message, supports placeholders like {{1}}.
Footer (optional) → Extra notes or disclaimers.
Buttons (optional) → Call-to-action (e.g., “Visit Website”) or quick replies.

✅ How Templates Are Approved

Templates are created and submitted in Meta Business Manager (WhatsApp Manager).
Meta reviews them against policies.
Approval usually takes 24–48 hours.
Once approved, they appear as Active and ready to use.

⚠️ Why Templates Get Rejected

Content is overly promotional or spam-like.
Placeholders (e.g., {{1}}) are misused or unclear.
Unsupported languages are selected.
Content violates Meta’s Commerce & Messaging Policies.

📊 Example Template

Template Name: order_update_2025

Category: Transactional

Language: English

Body:

Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has been shipped and will arrive by {{3}}. Track it here: {{4}}

🎯 Benefits of Template Messages

Keep conversations compliant with WhatsApp’s rules.
Ensure faster delivery beyond the 24-hour response window.
Personalize messages with placeholders for better customer experience.

📞 Need Help?

If your templates are rejected or you need setup guidance, contact MyOperator Support at support@myoperator.com or check your Meta Support Inbox.

Updated on: 20/09/2025