At a glance
Overview
- 1 Open WhatsApp Suite → Templates (Manage Templates). WhatsApp must be connected first.
- 2 Click Create template and choose Marketing, Utility, or Authentication. For Marketing, pick Standard message or Media card carousel next.
- 3 Fill the builder for that type (details below), then Validate Template and Submit Template for Meta review.
- 4 Wait for Approved status (often minutes; can take up to 24 hours). Filter the list by status or category anytime.
- 5 Use Sync from Meta if you created or edited templates in Meta Business Manager. Approved templates work in campaigns, inbox re-opens, and automations.
Step by step
Create by type
Pick a category from Create template, then follow that flow.
Marketing — Standard message
Promotions, offers, and general outreach. Category is locked to Marketing on the create page.
- 1 From Create template, choose Marketing → Standard message.
- 2 Enter Basic Information: template name (a–z, 0–9, underscore, max 20) and language. Optionally use Create content with AI if your plan includes it.
- 3 Optional Header: None, Text (max 60, plain), or media (Image JPG/PNG ≤5MB, Video MP4/3GP ≤16MB ≤60s, or Document PDF ≤100MB) via upload or public URL.
- 4 Write the Body (required, max 1024). Use {{1}} style variables only where needed, then fill Example Values for approval whenever variables exist.
- 5 Optional Footer (max 60) and Buttons (up to 3: Quick Reply, URL, Phone — max 2 URL and 1 phone). Reorder with arrows; Quick Reply can be first or last as a group. Validate, then Submit Template.
Marketing — Media card carousel
Still a Marketing template. Shared body plus 2–10 media cards, each with its own buttons.
- 1 From Create template, choose Marketing → Media card carousel.
- 2 Enter name and language, then write the shared Body (variables + example values if used).
- 3 Add 2–10 carousel cards. Every card must use the same structure (same header type and button layout).
- 4 Per card: required Image or Video header, optional card body (max 160), and up to 2 buttons (Quick Reply, URL, or Phone).
- 5 Validate and Submit Template. There is no separate top-level footer — actions live on the cards.
Utility
Transactional updates such as orders, shipping, account, or payments. Keep copy non-promotional for smoother approval.
- 1 From Create template, choose Utility to open Create Utility Template.
- 2 Enter name and language (AI assist available on supported plans).
- 3 Configure Header, Body, Example Values, Footer, and Buttons the same way as a standard Marketing message.
- 4 Keep the content clearly utility-focused — promotional language is a common rejection reason.
- 5 Validate and Submit Template, then wait for Approved before using it in campaigns or automations.
Authentication
OTP / verification codes. Meta controls most of the body; you mainly set security options and the Copy Code button.
- 1 From Create template, choose Authentication to open Create Authentication Template.
- 2 Enter name and language. Use Fill Dummy Data if you want quick placeholders for review.
- 3 Body follows Meta’s verification-code pattern (not free-form marketing copy). Optionally keep Add Security Recommendation on.
- 4 Set Code Expiration between 1 and 90 minutes (default 15).
- 5 Add the Copy Code button (OTP only; one button). Validate and Submit Template — no custom header, footer, or media.
Tips
- Match the category to the real use case — wrong category is a common Meta rejection reason.
- Always provide sample/example values when the body or URLs use variables.
- Save as Draft anytime; Drafts is in the Manage Templates toolbar. Template library can prefill Meta utility/auth or UpScaleUp marketing starters on supported plans.
- Archived templates may be deleted by Meta after about 28 days unless you unarchive them.
- Avoid spammy urgency and all-caps; clarity beats hype for approval and replies.