WhatsApp Template Message Guide

 All the messages that are sent to both, inactive and active users using any of the pre-approved message templates are known as template messages. These messages are sent once the 24-hour window of session message is closed and you wish to initiate a conversation again. 

Also, you can use these template messages to send transactional messages (delivery alerts, appointment reminders, etc.) to users who have opted in to receive messages from you viz. You can Initiate a Conversation with users on WhatsApp using these template messages. (These users should have given you permission to receive messages on WhatsApp) 

WhatsApp Template Message gives Businesses to reach out to their customers by sending them notifications on WhatsApp. In order to send these templates to users, we need to get them approved from WhatsApp.

In case your template messages are getting rejected, here are a few reasons why:

WhatsApp doesn't allow spamming and harmful content. So, these are four things on what Business cannot send a Template Message:

• No threatening content
• No data collection
• No contests or quizzes

WhatsApp Template Messages cannot contain threatening or abusive content. For example, Template Messages that threaten customers with legal action if they don't pay back their loans are not allowed.

Moreover, businesses can't collect data using WhatsApp Template Messages. While polls are out of the question, a survey after an experience is fine. Similarly, you can't ask for sensitive personal information such as credit card numbers through Template Messages.

Last but not least, Template Messages should not contain any content related to quizzes, contests, or anything that involves skills or chance.

In addition to the content constraints above, you need to comply with WhatsApp Template Message formatting rules.

Since October 2021, WhatsApp now approves all messages including Promotional & Offer Message. This includes Transactional, Non-transactional, Notifications, Updates and Follow Up Messages.

We have gotten various Template Messages approved for our clients, do check out those Sample Promotional Template Messages for different industry verticals.

In 2022, WhatsApp Template messages get approved within 10 minutes in AiSensy Dashboard. WhatsApp might take some time to approve some WhatsApp Templates, but it won't take more than 6-24 hours. 

 No! Once a WhatsApp Template Message is approved, one can not make changes or edit the Template Message. Only the dynamic values in the Template Message can be edited which is set while submitting it. 

Yes, there is a size limit of the media file in the WhatsApp template messages. The following is the size limit of different media files –

Video- 16 MB

Image- 5 MB

Document- 100 MB

Audio- 16 MB

Sticker- 100 KB

 There are no such restrictions in the format of Template Label, just that it should be in 2-3 words. We recommend writing the Template Label as simple as possible without any special characters. 

Please note that the media file needs to be sent along with some text. It is not like you can send only Images, Files or Videos. TEXT is mandatory because, based on Text, WhatsApp Approves or Rejects a WhatsApp template message.

• Proofread your content for spelling and grammar before submitting it for review. Messages with incorrect spellings or any grammatical errors may prompt customers to view these messages as spam
   
• Make sure to use variable parameters (e.g., {{1}}, {{2}}, etc.) and that they have the correct number of curly brackets (i.e., there need to be 2 brackets on the left and 2 on the right of the variable)
   
• Make sure the parameters (e.g., {{1}}) contains some text with it
  For example:
  Correct Format:
  Hello {{1}}
  
  Wrong Format:
  Hello
  {{1}}
  {{2}}
   
• Make sure the language selected matches the content of your message template
  
• If you select Spanish as the message template language but the content is in English, your message template will be rejected
• Ensure that your content is in one language. A mixture of languages such as "Hinglish" or "Spanglish" will not be approved
   
• If you’re going to submit a message template for testing your API connection, please ensure it’s in the correct format. Any other variation will be rejected
  
• Message template name: test
• Content: Hello {{1}}
   
• Refrain from using a URL shortener for your links (e.g., bit.ly, TinyURL, or goo.gl) because they obscure the intended link destination
   
• The URL domain in your links should belong to your business
   
• Refrain from using extra spaces at the end of your template or double spacing in between your content. Generally, this spacing results in rejection of the message
  
  
• Refrain from adding double line space between your texts. For example;
  Correct Format:
  Hello {{1}},
  
  How may I help you?
  
  Incorrect Format:
  Hello {{1}},
  
  
  How may I help you?
  
  
• Avoid using Emoticons in Quick Reply Buttons.
  
  
• Phone Number as Call to Action: The Phone Number must be written along with the country code without the plus (+) sign. If the number is submitted without the country code, it violates the format and gets rejected by WhatsApp.

The major reason for rejection of WhatsApp Template Messages is your content not being in alliance with the WhatsApp Commerce Policy 

Another reason is your Template Message Content might not be in line with the WhatsApp Template Message Guidelines.