Create and Approve a WhatsApp Template
Get one Approved WhatsApp template ready for campaigns or (for Utility) one-to-one inbox sends.
Full screen detail: Templates · Media Library · WhatsApp Flows · Opt-out for Marketing.
Before you start
| Need | Where |
|---|---|
| WhatsApp connected | Settings → WhatsApp — Connect WhatsApp |
| Admin or manager | Broadcasts access |
| Header image or PDF (optional) | Upload under Broadcasts → Media — Media Library |
| Optional Flow | Publish under Broadcasts → Flows before Add Flow |
Path at a glance
- Open Templates
- Create the draft
- Pick category and buttons
- Marketing STOP (if needed)
- Submit to Meta
- Handle Approved or Rejected
- Use the template
1. Open Templates
- Open Broadcasts → Send → Templates.
- Page title: WhatsApp Templates.
2. Create the draft
- Click New Template (form title Create Template).
- Note on the form: Save a draft, then Submit to Meta from the template list or details.
- Set Name, Category, Language, and Body.
- Header: Text (optional line), Image (JPEG/PNG from Media Library), or Document (PDF from Media Library). Meta reviews the sample; campaigns and Inbox send use the library public URL (or an Advanced HTTPS URL).
- Save the draft (status Draft).
Message preview shows the header media when set, and empty placeholders as amber chips.
Authentication templates usually start in Meta Business Manager; paste the Meta Template ID in Kazenly. Prefer Utility or Marketing for your first template.
3. Pick category and buttons
| Goal | Category | Buttons |
|---|---|---|
| Transactional update | Utility | None, Add Website, and/or Add Flow |
| Promo / offer | Marketing | Same; include STOP (next step) |
| Link only | Utility or Marketing | Add Website — Link Type Fixed or Dynamic ({{1}} suffix + Sample Suffix) |
| Opens a form | Utility or Marketing | Add Flow — Flow must be Published |
| Link + form | Utility or Marketing | Both (≤3 buttons total) |
| Plain text | Utility or Marketing | No buttons |
Call / Quick reply buttons are not available yet. Authentication templates cannot use a Flow button.
4. Marketing STOP (if needed)
For Marketing, Kazenly warns if STOP is missing from footer, body, or buttons. Prefer Add footer: Reply STOP to unsubscribe (footer max 60 characters).
You can still save and submit without STOP — Meta may rate Marketing quality lower. Details: Opt-out Instructions for Marketing Templates.
5. Submit to Meta
- From the list or details, click Submit to Meta (Submitting… while in progress).
- Status becomes Pending, then Approved or Rejected.
- Optional: Sync from Meta on the list to pull Business Manager templates and refresh Header IMAGE / Missing on Meta badges.
Filter by status or category while you wait.
6. Handle Approved or Rejected
| Status | Meaning | Next |
|---|---|---|
| Draft | Kazenly only | Submit when ready |
| Pending | Waiting on Meta | Wait or Refresh status |
| Approved | Ready to use | Campaigns and (Utility) inbox send |
| Rejected | Meta declined | Read Rejection reason · create a new draft with a new name — do not resubmit the same row |
Troubleshooting: Template Rejected.
7. Use the template
| Use | How |
|---|---|
| Broadcast to a list | Run Your First WhatsApp Campaign (G1) — IMAGE / DOCUMENT headers need Media Library pick or Advanced HTTPS URL |
| One chat, window open or closed | Utility only — Send a Utility Template — same header media rules |
| Attach a form | Publish Flow first, then Add Flow on the template before Submit |
Campaigns only list templates that are Approved. Pending and rejected show as not available.
Quick paths
| Path | Steps |
|---|---|
| A. Utility, no buttons | Create → Utility → Save → Submit → Approved |
| B. Utility + Visit website | Create → Utility → Add Website → Submit → Approved |
| C. Utility + Flow | Publish Flow → Utility → Add Flow → Submit → Approved |
| D. Marketing + STOP | Create → Marketing → STOP footer → Submit → Approved |
| E. Marketing + website or Flow | Same as D, plus Add Website and/or Add Flow |