How long does it take to get a WhatsApp template approved?

Meta typically reviews and approves WhatsApp message templates within 24 hours, though many are approved within minutes. Templates that follow Meta's guidelines — no misleading content, proper variable usage, and clear opt-out options for marketing — are approved fastest. Rejection reasons usually include overly promotional language in utility templates, missing opt-out instructions, or content that violates Meta's commerce policies. This generator helps you create compliant templates that pass review on the first attempt.

What is the difference between Marketing, Utility, and Authentication templates?

Marketing templates are for promotional messages like product launches, offers, seasonal campaigns, and re-engagement messages. Utility templates are for transactional updates such as order confirmations, delivery notifications, appointment reminders, and account updates. Authentication templates are specifically for one-time passwords (OTPs) and verification codes. Each category has different pricing — Marketing is the most expensive, Authentication is the cheapest. Choosing the correct category affects both approval speed and cost.

Can I include buttons in my WhatsApp templates?

Yes. WhatsApp templates support two types of interactive buttons: Quick Reply buttons (up to 3) that let users respond with a single tap, and Call-to-Action buttons (up to 2) that can either open a URL or dial a phone number. Buttons significantly improve engagement rates — templates with buttons see 40–60% higher response rates compared to plain text. This generator includes a button builder to help you add interactive elements.

What are template variables and how do I use them?

Variables are dynamic placeholders in your template that get replaced with personalised data when the message is sent. They are formatted as {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}, etc. For example, "Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has been shipped" becomes "Hi John, your order #12345 has been shipped" when sent. You must provide sample values for each variable during template submission. Variables can be used in the header, body, and button URLs of your template.

How many templates can I create on WhatsApp Business API?

There is no hard limit on the number of templates you can create, but Meta recommends maintaining a clean template library. Templates that consistently receive low quality ratings or high block rates may affect your account's messaging limits. Best practice is to create focused, high-performing templates and retire ones with poor engagement. With Dunefox, you can manage, track, and optimise all your templates from a single dashboard.

What happens if my WhatsApp template gets rejected?

If a template is rejected, Meta provides a rejection reason. Common reasons include: using marketing language in a utility template, missing required opt-out text, using prohibited content categories, or having unclear variable usage. You can edit and resubmit rejected templates. This generator follows Meta's latest guidelines to minimise rejections — it warns you about common issues like missing opt-out text or incorrect category selection before you submit.

What is the Meta API JSON output from this generator used for?

The JSON output is a ready-to-submit payload for the WhatsApp Business API's template creation endpoint. You can paste it directly into Meta Business Manager under "Message Templates", or use it with your BSP's (Business Solution Provider's) dashboard like Dunefox. The JSON includes all required fields: name, language, category, components (header, body, footer, buttons), and sample variable values for Meta's review.

Can I use images or documents as WhatsApp template headers?

Yes. WhatsApp templates support four header types: None, Text, Image, and Document. Image and document headers require uploading a media handle through Meta Business Manager — you cannot include the actual file in the template JSON. This generator lets you select the header type so the correct JSON structure is generated. Media headers significantly increase engagement, especially for product showcases, invoices, and shipping labels.

How do I use formatting like bold and italic in WhatsApp templates?

WhatsApp supports basic text formatting using special characters: wrap text with asterisks (*bold*) for bold, underscores (_italic_) for italic, and tildes (~strikethrough~) for strikethrough. Code formatting uses backticks (`code`). These work in the template body and are visible in the live preview of this generator. Note: headers do not support rich text formatting — only the message body does.

What is a Quick Reply button vs a Call-to-Action button in WhatsApp templates?

Quick Reply buttons (up to 3 per template) let users respond to your message with a single tap — the tapped button text is sent as their reply. These are ideal for surveys, opt-in/out confirmations, and simple choices like "Yes / No / Maybe". Call-to-Action (CTA) buttons (up to 2 per template) open a website URL or dial a phone number when tapped. They are ideal for "Track Order", "Book Now", or "Call Us" actions.

Are pre-built templates in this generator already approved by Meta?

No. The templates in this generator are starting-point examples that follow Meta's best practices — they are not pre-approved. Each template must be individually submitted and reviewed by Meta for your specific WhatsApp Business account. However, templates built with this generator are structured correctly (correct JSON format, proper variable syntax, compliant button types) to maximise first-attempt approval rates. Avoid adding URLs, phone numbers, or overly promotional language to Utility or Authentication templates.

Free Tool

WhatsApp Template Generator

Build Meta-approved WhatsApp templates in seconds. Pick from 10+ ready-made templates or build from scratch — live preview, variable filler, and API JSON ready to copy.

Template Category

Promotions, offers, re-engagement. Requires user opt-in.

Template Name

Lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only

Header (optional)

Message Body

153 / 1024 chars

Use {{1}}, {{2}}, etc. for variables. Use *bold* and _italic_ formatting.

Sample Variable Values

Used for preview only — not included in the API JSON

{{1}} — Variable 1

{{2}} — Variable 2

{{3}} — Variable 3

Footer (optional)

Buttons (max 3)

Quick Reply or Call-to-Action (URL)

📱 Live Preview

Business

online

Your message header

Hi [Var 1],

Don't miss our biggest sale of the year! Get up to 50% off on all products.

Use code [Var 2] at checkout.

Offer valid till [Var 3] only. 🛍️

Reply STOP to opt out

12:34 ✓✓

Shop Now

📣 MARKETING

Meta API JSON

Ready to paste into Meta Business Manager

{
  "name": "my_template",
  "language": "en",
  "category": "MARKETING",
  "components": [
    {
      "type": "HEADER",
      "format": "TEXT",
      "text": "Your message header"
    },
    {
      "type": "BODY",
      "text": "Hi {{1}},\n\nDon't miss our biggest sale of the year! Get up to *50% off* on all products.\n\nUse code *{{2}}* at checkout.\n\nOffer valid till {{3}} only. 🛍️",
      "example": {
        "body_text": [
          [
            "Sample 1",
            "Sample 2",
            "Sample 3"
          ]
        ]
      }
    },
    {
      "type": "FOOTER",
      "text": "Reply STOP to opt out"
    },
    {
      "type": "BUTTONS",
      "buttons": [
        {
          "type": "QUICK_REPLY",
          "text": "Shop Now"
        }
      ]
    }
  ]
}

WhatsApp Template Types Explained

📣

Marketing

Used for promotions, offers, and re-engagement. Requires explicit opt-in. Meta reviews these most strictly due to spam risk.

🔧

Utility

Order updates, booking confirmations, account alerts. High open rates since customers actively expect these messages.

🔐

Authentication

OTP and verification codes only. Very strict format — Meta provides a standardized template that you fill with your code.

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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WhatsApp message templates are pre-approved message formats required for sending business-initiated messages through the WhatsApp Business API. Every outbound message sent outside an active 24-hour conversation window must use an approved template. Templates support text, media (images, videos, documents), interactive buttons (quick reply, call-to-action), and dynamic variables like customer names or order numbers. Meta reviews and approves each template before it can be used.