---
title: "WhatsApp Template Message: Template Creation, Approval, and Using in Bot Flow"
description: "## **🔍 What Is a WhatsApp Template Message?** A **WhatsApp template message** (also called Highly Structured Message or HSM) is a pre-approved message format used to send messages outside the 24-hour customer support window. It is essential for notifications, reminders, promotions, and…"
url: "https://docs.waatee.com/docs/whatsapp-template-message-template-creation-approval-and-using-in-bot-flow/"
updated: "2025-06-10"
category: Bot Channel / WhatsApp Advanced
---

# WhatsApp Template Message: Template Creation, Approval, and Using in Bot Flow

## **🔍 What Is a WhatsApp Template Message?**

A **WhatsApp template message** (also called Highly Structured Message or HSM) is a pre-approved message format used to send messages outside the 24-hour customer support window. It is essential for notifications, reminders, promotions, and other re-engagement purposes on WhatsApp.

waatee allows you to:

- Create your own templates
- Submit them for approval from Meta
- Use approved templates in your WhatsApp bot flows

##  

## **🛠 Step-by-Step Guide to Using WhatsApp Templates**

### **1️⃣ Create a New Template**

- Navigate to **Messenger Settings > WhatsApp > Template Manager**
- Click on **Create New Template**

You’ll need to provide the following:

- **Template Name:  ***e.g:* *“wa_test_template”*
- **Category** (**Marketing**, Utility, or OTP/Auth)
- **Language/ Locale: English**
- **Message Components** (Header, Body, Footer)
- **Add Buttons **(*Optional*)

- **Enter Button Text and Action value**
- Provide valid web link & phone number

- **Use variables** like {{1}}, {{2}} for dynamic content (*Optional*)
- After filling the template structure, save the bot flow

### **2️⃣ Submit Template for Approval**

- waatee will send the template to Meta (Facebook) for approval
- Approval usually takes a few minutes to a few hours

Once approved, the status will change from **Pending** to **Approved**.

### **3️⃣ Use Template in a Bot Flow**

Once approved, go to **Bot Flow Editor** and do the following:

- Choose **Compose Next Message**
- Select **Template Message**

- Pick the approved template from the dropdown list
- Set delay if needed, and click **Save**

### **4️⃣ Test the Template Flow**

To verify everything is working:

1. Go to your connected WhatsApp channel.
2. Type the trigger keyword that starts the flow. (*e.g: wa_test*)
3. The bot will respond using the selected template.
4. Ensure the dynamic variables (e.g., name, product, date) are rendering correctly.
5. Confirm message delivery and preview link/button functionality if used.

**✅ If the template doesn’t send:**

- Ensure the phone number is opted-in to receive messages.
- Check if the template is approved.
- Confirm template variables are not missing or misformatted.

## **💼 Use Cases for WhatsApp Template Messages**

- 🔔 **Appointment Reminders** – Notify users of upcoming events
- 🧾 **Payment Confirmation** – Send invoices or confirmations
- 🚚 **Order Updates** – Track shipping and delivery statuses
- 🛍️ **Promotions** – Share discounts or campaign offers
- 🆘 **Account Alerts** – Notify about login, OTP, or security issues

##  

## **FAQ**

**Can I edit a template after it is approved?**No. Approved templates are locked. You must create a new version for edits.

**What if my template is rejected?**You can review the reason, adjust the wording, and resubmit a new template.

**Can I send a template message any time?**Yes, template messages can be sent even after the 24-hour customer support window.

**Can I add clickable buttons in templates?**Yes. You can add **CTA buttons** (like URL or call) and **Quick Reply buttons**.

**Is approval required for every language?**Yes. If you want to send in multiple languages, create and submit per language.

##  

## **✅ Conclusion**

WhatsApp Template Messages are essential for proactive outreach and automation beyond the 24-hour window. With waatee, creating, submitting, and integrating templates into your flow is simple and efficient. Use them for re-engagement, lead nurturing, and delivering critical business updates right inside WhatsApp.

Start creating your first template today and boost your automation potential