How to Create a Meta WhatsApp Message Template

Open Templates & click New Template

In the left menu, under Bulk Sending, click Templates. This is your template library — “Create multimedia Meta templates to send in bulk/broadcast message campaigns.” Each row shows its Category, Language, Last Updated, and a Status badge:

• Approved (green) — ready to use in broadcasts.
• Pending (yellow) — awaiting Meta’s review.
• Rejected (red) — needs edits and resubmission.

Click New Template (top-right) to start. Tip: use Refresh Templates any time to pull the latest approval statuses from Meta.

Header — name, category, language & title

The first section sets up the template’s identity and optional top banner:

• Template Name — an internal ID. HitlChat auto-formats it to lowercase with underscores (e.g. spring_sale_2026); only letters, numbers and underscores are allowed. You can’t rename it after creating.
• Category — the template’s purpose. The current option is Marketing (promotions, offers, announcements).
• Language — the language the content is written in (defaults to English). Pick the one your message body is actually in — Meta checks this.
• Template title (Optional) — the header that appears above your message. Choose a type:
  • None — no header.
  • Text — a short headline (up to 60 characters). You may add one variable via Add Variable, then provide a sample under “Sample for header content” so Meta can review it.
  • Image / Video / Document — upload a media file (image, video, or PDF/Word doc). It previews on the right.

Body — your message and variables

The Body is the main message (up to 1,024 characters). Type it in the editor — you can bold, underline and add lists.

To personalize it, place your cursor where you want a value and click Add Variable. Variables look like {{1}}, {{2}} and so on — for example: “Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} is on its way.” A few rules:

• Variables are numeric and sequential, starting at {{1}} — no gaps or duplicates.
• You can use up to 20 variables.
• For each variable, fill in a sample under “Samples for body content” — an example value (up to 60 chars) that helps Meta review the template. These also drive the live preview.

Footer (optional)

The Footer is a small line of grey text beneath the body (up to 60 characters) — good for things like “Reply STOP to opt out.” HitlChat pre-fills “Powered by HitlChat”; edit or clear it as you like. The footer can’t contain variables.

Buttons (optional)

Buttons let customers respond or take action. As the form notes: “You can add up to ten buttons. If you add more than three, they appear in a list.” Click + Add Button and choose a type:

• Quick reply — a tappable canned reply (e.g. “Yes, please”). Button text up to 20 characters; each must be unique.
• Call-to-action buttons:
  • Visit website (up to 2) — opens a URL. Text up to 25 chars. Choose Static (a fixed link) or Dynamic (a link with one {{1}} that you fill per send — you also supply an example URL).
  • Call phone number (1) — dials a number. Text up to 25 chars; enter the phone number with its country code.
  • Copy offer code (1) — lets the customer copy a promo code. Enter a short alphanumeric code (up to 15 characters, no spaces).

Preview, save & get Meta approval

The WhatsApp preview panel on the right updates live as you type, showing your header, body (with sample values filled in), footer and buttons exactly as a customer will see them. Use it to sanity-check spacing and tone before submitting.

When everything looks right, click Save. HitlChat confirms: “Your template has been sent to Meta for approval.” and returns you to the Templates list, where it appears as Pending.

• Pending → Approved: Meta typically reviews within a few minutes to ~24 hours. Click Refresh Templates to pull the latest status.
• Rejected: open the template — you’ll see “This template was rejected by Meta / WhatsApp. You can edit the template and resubmit it for review.” Adjust the wording and save again.
• Delete a template any time from its row, or from the form in edit mode.