# Templates (/docs/whatsapp/templates)

> Create WhatsApp message templates, get them approved by Meta, and use them to start chats and run broadcasts.

A template is a message Meta approves before you send it. You need one to start a chat, to message a customer outside the [24-hour window](/docs/whatsapp/how-it-works#the-24-hour-customer-service-window), and for [broadcasts](/docs/whatsapp/broadcasts).

## Open templates [#open-templates]

Click **Templates** on a number card. Use **Templates for:** to switch numbers.

Click a template to preview it. Search and filter by category or status. **Sync from Meta** (the refresh button) pulls in templates you created or changed in Meta.

## Template categories [#template-categories]

Meta reviews each template against its category and charges by category.

| Category           | When to use                                                                         | Example                                                                                  |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Marketing**      | Offers, announcements, and re-engagement                                            | `Hi {{1}}, our summer sale starts today. Reply to see this week's offers.`               |
| **Utility**        | Updates about something the customer asked for, like orders, bookings, or reminders | `Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has shipped and arrives on {{3}}.`                           |
| **Authentication** | One-time codes that confirm who the customer is                                     | A one-time code with a copy-code button, for example `123456 is your verification code.` |

Pick the category honestly: Meta can lower your messaging limit if marketing is sent as utility. See Meta's [template guidelines](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/message-templates/guidelines?utm_source=omnidim\&utm_medium=docs).

## Template statuses [#template-statuses]

| Status       | Meaning                                                                        |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **APPROVED** | Ready to send.                                                                 |
| **PENDING**  | In review, usually a few minutes and up to 24 hours.                           |
| **REJECTED** | Fix the wording and create it again. The reason is in Meta's WhatsApp Manager. |

A template with a media header needs its file before it can send. Open it and click **Upload**, or paste a public URL. The file is reused on every send.

## Create a template [#create-a-template]

  
    ### Start a new template [#start-a-new-template]

    Click **New template**. A live preview shows on the right.
  

  
    ### Name, language and category [#name-language-and-category]

    * **Template name**: lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only, for example `order_confirmation`.
    * **Language**: the language the message is written in.
    * **Category**: **Marketing**, **Utility**, or **Authentication**. See [Template categories](#template-categories).
  

  
    ### Write the message [#write-the-message]

    * **Header type** (optional): **None**, **Text**, **Image**, **Video**, or **Document**. For a media header, upload the file here.
    * **Body text**: the message. Use `{{1}}`, `{{2}}` for values that change per customer, with some fixed text around each.
    * **Footer text** (optional): up to 60 characters, for example "Reply STOP to opt out".
    * **Buttons** (optional): **Quick reply**, **URL**, or **Phone number**.

    Authentication templates can't have variables or custom buttons; add a copy-code button with **Add OTP button**.
  

  
    ### Submit [#submit]

    Click **Create template**. It shows as **PENDING** until Meta reviews it.
  

Interakt templates are created in Interakt and synced here.

## Send a template in a chat [#send-a-template-in-a-chat]

1. In the chat inbox, click **New chat**, or in a chat click **+** and choose **Template**.
2. For a new chat, enter the customer's **Phone number** with the country code.
3. Pick an approved template.
4. Fill in each variable. If the template has a media header, choose **Use a link** or **Upload a file**.
5. Check the preview and click **Send template**.

When they reply, you can chat freely for 24 hours.