Message templates ensure that business-initiated communication follows WhatsApp guidelines. Template message elements are varied and contain predefined text and are preformatted. These templates can be reused when there is a need to send the same message multiple times.

When you send a message template, you can send the template identifier (template name) instead of sending the message content.

Templates can contain placeholders. When you send the template message, you can replace the placeholders with values or personalized information.

Template headers can contain media that provide additional information. Templates can also be made interactive by registering buttons as part of the message. Template message elements include the following sections:

• Header
• Body
• Footer
• Buttons

To send notifications by using the WhatsApp Business Solution or the WhatsApp Cloud Business Solution, you must create and register your message templates and then submit the templates to WhatsApp for approval.
Template names can contain only lowercase alphanumeric characters and underscores ( _ ). They cannot contain other characters or white space.

Header

Headers are optional. You can use headers to provide additional information to end users. Headers can contain the following:

• Image
• Document
• Video
• Location (Early Access)
• Text (maximum of 60 characters, can include 1 placeholder)

Body

The Body section is mandatory. The body must follow these guidelines:

• Can contain only text
• Can be registered either as plain text or as text with placeholders
• Can contain a maximum of 1,024 characters
• Must not contain newlines, tabs, or more than 4 consecutive spaces

Footer

Footers are optional. They must follow these guidelines:

• Can contain only tex
• Can contain a maximum of 60 characters

Buttons

Buttons are optional. They must follow these guidelines:

• Can contain only one button type
• Can contain a maximum of 20 characters
The following button types are available:
• Quick replies – You can include a maximum of three quick reply buttons in a message. The buttons contain the predefined replies and flexible payload.
• Call-to-action – You can include a maximum of two call-to-action buttons with each button of a different action, in a message. Supported actions are call a number and visit a website.
• The number and domain website are defined when you register the template. Therefore, the URLs for buttons do not support URL shortening and tracking.

We recommend you to see the Free form Messages elements article.