Quick Answer
Create the template and submit it for Meta approval
Go to Settings → WhatsApp → Templates, select Create Template, choose its category and language, add the message content and any variables, media, or buttons, and submit the completed template for review.
Create WhatsApp Messages That Are Ready for Approval
Sending WhatsApp messages outside an active conversation often requires an approved message template.
WhatsApp templates are reviewed by Meta, and different message categories—including marketing, utility, and authentication—have different requirements.
Without understanding those requirements, templates may be rejected or prevented from delivering.
BizStackPro allows you to create templates, add variables and interactive elements, submit them for approval, and review their current status.
Important Update: WhatsApp Marketing Templates Pause in the U.S.
The source guidance states that beginning April 1, 2025, Meta paused delivery of WhatsApp marketing templates to U.S. phone numbers.
Utility and authentication templates remain permitted, along with service replies sent during the 24-hour customer-service window.
Use Utility Templates
Move necessary messages that customers expect—such as confirmations and status updates—to the appropriate utility category.
Consider Click-to-WhatsApp Ads
Use customer-initiated actions to begin compliant WhatsApp conversations.
Use the 24-Hour Service Window
Respond promptly after a customer message while the service conversation window remains active.
Permitted activities: Utility conversations, authentication messages, service replies during the 24-hour window, and customer-initiated Click-to-WhatsApp conversations.
At a Glance
Template categories
Utility and Marketing
Approval provider
Meta
Approval status
Pending, Approved, or Rejected
Approval time
A few minutes to 24 hours
Before You Begin
Confirm that WhatsApp is active and decide which category fits the purpose of the message.
- Have an active WhatsApp subscription for the BizStackPro location.
- Complete Meta onboarding for the location.
- Determine whether the message belongs in the Utility or Marketing category.
- Prepare a lowercase template name.
- Keep the message language consistent with the language selected for the template.
- Prepare sample values for every variable included in the template.
- Confirm that any media or buttons support the message’s purpose.
Create a WhatsApp Template
Build the message, provide examples for variable content, and submit the finished template to Meta.
1. Open WhatsApp Templates
Go to Settings → WhatsApp → Templates and select Create Template.
2. Enter the template details
Add a lowercase Name, select the Utility or Marketing category, and choose the template language.
3. Add the header and body
Add an optional text or media header, and then write the main message in the Body section.
4. Add variables and sample values
Select Add Variable in the Header or Body, choose the custom variable, and provide a sample value for Meta’s review.
5. Add optional footer text
Include footer content when it supports the message.
6. Add optional media
Attach an image, a video under 16 MB, a document such as a PDF, or location coordinates when appropriate.
7. Submit the template
Review the complete message and select Create to submit it for Meta approval.
8. Monitor the status
Return to the Templates tab and monitor whether the template is Pending, Approved, or Rejected.
Submission reminder: Keep the name lowercase, use consistent language, and include a sample value for every variable.
Convert Marketing Templates into Utility Templates
The Template Rewriter can convert a blocked U.S. marketing template into a utility-style template. It adjusts the content and adds _utility to the new template name.
1. Open the marketing template
Select the existing template you want to convert.
2. Start the conversion
Select Convert to Utility Template.
3. Review and submit the rewrite
Review the rewritten content and submit the new template for approval.
Utility content: Utility templates should contain necessary information the customer expects, such as confirmations, reminders, and status updates—not general promotional messaging.
Use Trigger Links in WhatsApp Templates
Trigger links allow you to track clicks and start automations when a contact selects a link in a WhatsApp template.
1. Create the trigger link
Go to Marketing → Trigger Links and create the link you want to track.
2. Add the link to the template
Insert the trigger-link URL into the WhatsApp template body.
3. Build the workflow
Create a workflow that starts when the contact clicks the trigger link.
4. Review the results
Use reporting to monitor link clicks and improve the follow-up experience.
Best Practices
Always include sample values
Provide examples for every variable placeholder submitted for Meta review.
Keep template names lowercase
Use lowercase names to reduce avoidable submission problems.
Choose the correct category
Use the Utility category only for necessary, expected information that fits Meta’s utility requirements.
Use media intentionally
Add images, videos, or documents only when they improve the clarity or context of the message.
Respond to rejections promptly
Review Meta’s rejection reason, edit the template, and resubmit the corrected version.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we add custom variables in a template?
Select Add Variable in the Header or Body, choose the custom variable, and provide a sample value for submission.
How do I resubmit a rejected template?
Select Edit Template, correct the content, and select Create to submit it again for Meta approval.
What happens if my template is rejected?
Meta provides a reason for the rejection. Adjust the affected content and resubmit the template for review.
How long does template approval take?
Approval usually takes between a few minutes and 24 hours, depending on Meta’s review process.
Can I include media in WhatsApp templates?
Yes. Templates can include images, videos under 16 MB, and documents such as PDFs.
How does the AI Template Rewriter work?
It removes non-compliant elements, rewrites the content to align with Meta’s utility rules, and submits the converted template automatically.
