# Create a Message Template

In this quickstart, you'll learn how to create a message template for WhatsApp Business API. Templates are pre-approved message formats that allow businesses to initiate conversations with users or send notifications after the 24-hour messaging window has closed.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Understanding Template Basics**

Before creating a template, it's important to understand the key components:

**Template Categories:**

* **Marketing**: For promotional offers and sales notifications
* **Utility**: For transactional updates like order confirmations
* **Authentication**: For sending verification codes

**Template Components:**

* **Header** (Optional): Can include text, image, video, or document
* **Body** (Required): Main content with variables (`{{1}}`, `{{2}}`, etc.)
* **Footer** (Optional): Additional static information
* **Buttons** (Optional): Action buttons like links or quick replies
  {% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Choose Your Creation Method**

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Template Library Method" %}
**Using the Template Library:**

* Pre-written templates for common use cases
* Instant approval in most cases
* Limited customization options
* Best for getting started quickly
  {% endtab %}

{% tab title="Custom Template Method" %}
**Creating a Custom Template:**

* Complete flexibility over content and structure
* Requires approval from Meta (up to 24 hours)
* Full control over all template elements
* Best when you need specific messaging formats
  {% endtab %}
  {% endtabs %}

We'll cover both methods in the following steps.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Creating a Template from the Template Library**

Here's how to create a template using the Template Library:

* In WhatsApp Business Manager, navigate to **Message Templates** in the left sidebar
* Select **Create Template**
* Under "Browse the WhatsApp Template Library," click **Browse Templates**
* Find a suitable template for your use case
* Click on your desired template to select it
* Complete the template form by adding your template name, selecting the language, and filling in button details if applicable
* Click **Submit**

If using the API instead, please use this [endpoint](https://docs.360dialog.com/docs/messaging-api/api-reference/templates#post-v1-configs-templates). 
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Creating a Custom Template**

For more flexibility, you can create a custom template using this [endpoint](https://docs.360dialog.com/docs/messaging-api/api-reference/templates#post-v1-configs-templates).

{% hint style="info" %}
Including `"allow_category_change": true` lets Meta recategorize your template if needed, preventing rejection.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Review and Approval Process**

After submitting your template:

* **Category Validation**: Meta checks if your template is correctly categorized
* **Template Review**: Meta reviews the content against their guidelines
  * Library templates are usually approved instantly
  * Custom templates can take up to 24 hours for approval
* **Check Status**: You can check the status using this [endpoint](https://docs.360dialog.com/docs/messaging-api/api-reference/templates#get-v1-configs-templates):

Your template will be marked as `PENDING`, `APPROVED`, or `REJECTED`.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Tips for Template Success**

For better approval chances and user engagement:

* Keep content clear and consistent with your template category
* Provide accurate examples for all variables
* Use `allow_category_change: true` to prevent miscategorization rejections
* Make the first 60-65 characters engaging (this appears in message previews)
* For marketing templates, include clear opt-out options
* Test different templates to see which ones perform better

Once approved, your template is ready to use in your WhatsApp messaging campaigns!
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Quick Examples

Here are simple examples for each template category:

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Marketing Template" %}

```json
{
  "name": "seasonal_promotion",
  "category": "MARKETING",
  "components": [
    {
      "type": "HEADER",
      "format": "TEXT",
      "text": "Our Summer Sale is on!"
    },
    {
      "type": "BODY",
      "text": "Shop now through August 31 and use code SUMMER25 to get 25% off all merchandise."
    },
    {
      "type": "FOOTER",
      "text": "Reply STOP to unsubscribe from promotions"
    }
  ]
}
```

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Utility Template" %}

```json
{
  "name": "order_status",
  "category": "UTILITY",
  "components": [
    {
      "type": "BODY",
      "text": "Your order #{{1}} has been shipped! It should arrive by {{2}}. Track your delivery here: {{3}}",
      "example": {
        "body_text": [
          ["ABC123", "Aug 25", "https://example.com/track/ABC123"]
        ]
      }
    }
  ]
}
```

{% endtab %}

{% tab title="Authentication Template" %}

```json
{
  "name": "verification_code",
  "category": "AUTHENTICATION",
  "components": [
    {
      "type": "BODY",
      "text": "Your verification code is {{1}}. This code expires in 10 minutes.",
      "example": {
        "body_text": [
          ["123456"]
        ]
      }
    },
    {
      "type": "BUTTONS",
      "buttons": [
        {
          "type": "COPY_CODE",
          "example": "123456"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}
```

{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}

That's it! You're now ready to create your first WhatsApp template and start sending structured messages to your customers.


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