Message Templates

What Are Message Templates?

Message templates are pre-approved message formats that allow you to send outbound notifications to customers outside the 24-hour conversation window. Every outbound message that initiates a new conversation must use an approved template.

Template Categories

WhatsApp classifies templates into three categories, each with different pricing:

| Category | Use Case | Examples | |----------|----------|---------| | Utility | Transaction-related | Order confirmations, shipping updates, payment receipts | | Authentication | OTP/verification | Login codes, password resets, 2FA | | Marketing | Promotions | Offers, product launches, re-engagement |

Creating a Template

Via Dashboard

1. Go to Templates → Create Template
2. Select the category (Utility, Authentication, or Marketing)
3. Choose the language(s)
4. Build the template structure:
   • Header (optional): text, image, video, or document
   • Body (required): the message text with optional parameters {{1}}, {{2}}…
   • Footer (optional): small text below the body
   • Buttons (optional): quick reply or call-to-action buttons
5. Submit for approval

Via API

curl -X POST https://api.startmessaging.com/v1/templates \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "name": "order_shipped",
    "language": "en",
    "category": "utility",
    "components": [
      {
        "type": "header",
        "format": "text",
        "text": "Order Shipped! 🚚"
      },
      {
        "type": "body",
        "text": "Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has been shipped and will arrive by {{3}}. Track it here: {{4}}"
      },
      {
        "type": "footer",
        "text": "StartMessaging"
      },
      {
        "type": "buttons",
        "buttons": [
          { "type": "url", "text": "Track Order", "url": "https://track.example.com/{{1}}" }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }'

Template Approval

• Utility & Authentication: Usually approved within 1 hour
• Marketing: May take up to 24 hours; subject to stricter review
• Rejection reasons: Misleading content, missing opt-out, promotional content in utility category

Check template status:

curl https://api.startmessaging.com/v1/templates?status=pending \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

Using Parameters

Parameters are placeholders ({{1}}, {{2}}, etc.) that get replaced with dynamic content when sending:

{
  "to": "5511999999999",
  "type": "template",
  "template": {
    "name": "order_shipped",
    "language": { "code": "en" },
    "components": [
      {
        "type": "body",
        "parameters": [
          { "type": "text", "text": "Maria" },
          { "type": "text", "text": "#ORD-1234" },
          { "type": "text", "text": "January 20, 2026" },
          { "type": "text", "text": "https://track.example.com/ORD-1234" }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}

Template Best Practices

1. Keep it concise — shorter templates have higher read rates
2. Use the correct category — miscategorized templates get rejected
3. Include a clear CTA — tell the user what to do next
4. Add personalization — use parameters for names and order details
5. Test in sandbox before going live

FAQ

How many templates can I create? There’s no limit on the number of templates. However, only approved templates can be used for sending messages.

Can I edit an approved template? No — you must create a new template and submit it for approval. You can delete the old one after the new one is approved.

What happens if my template is rejected? You’ll receive a rejection notification with the reason. Fix the issue and resubmit.