Create a message template

Create a template when you need to start a business-initiated conversation or message a customer outside the 24-hour service window. Meta reviews the content and category before the template becomes available for sending.

Before you beginCopy Anchor Link

• Connect the WhatsApp number and confirm that Waaru can read its business account.
• Decide whether the message is marketing, utility, or authentication.
• Write the final customer-facing content and collect realistic sample values for every variable.
• Confirm that your intended recipients have given the required permission.

Choose a category and explain the variablesCopy Anchor Link

Marketing covers offers and promotions. Utility covers updates related to a customer’s transaction or request. Authentication covers verification codes. Meta reviews the category as well as the message; selecting a category does not guarantee approval.

A variable is a placeholder for a value that changes between recipients. For example, in Your order {{1}} is ready, the sample value ORDER-123 shows Meta how the message will read: Your order ORDER-123 is ready.

Use numbered variables in sequence: {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}. Start at 1 and leave no gaps. Named variables such as {{name}} are not supported by this editor. A text header supports only {{1}}, with its own sample value separate from the body.

The sample explains the placeholder during review. When sending, provide the correct value for each recipient. Do not send the sample order number to your customers.

Create the templateCopy Anchor Link

1. Open Templates and select the WhatsApp number.
2. Select Create template.
3. Enter a name using lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores.
4. Choose the language and category that match the message purpose.
5. Write the body. Add variables only where the value changes per recipient.
6. Provide a sample for every variable so Meta can review the intended meaning.
7. Optionally add a supported header, footer, or button.
8. Review the preview, then select Create template.

Keep a variable surrounded by meaningful fixed text. A body made mostly of variables is harder to review and easier to misuse. Samples are review examples, not default values sent to customers.

Add a media headerCopy Anchor Link

Choose Image, Video, or Document as the header type. Select an existing public asset or upload a supported file and confirm that it is suitable for public access. Images support JPEG or PNG up to 5 MB, videos support MP4 up to 16 MB, and documents support PDF up to 100 MB.

Choose the connected WhatsApp number that will submit the sample to Meta. Check the selected file in the message preview. Waaru prepares Meta's review sample from the uploaded file; the public link is reused for template sends. The preview helps you review the content, but an approved test send is needed to confirm its appearance on a recipient's device.

Files uploaded here are public to anyone with their link. Do not upload private customer documents or conversation attachments.

What happens after submissionCopy Anchor Link

Waaru submits the template to the connected WhatsApp Business Account. Its status can move through review, approval, rejection, pause, or disablement. A newly submitted template is not sendable until Meta reports it as approved and Waaru has the current status.

If the submission fails, keep the draft and correct the specific field shown in the error. Do not create repeated copies to work around a validation problem.

Next: Sync and manage templates.