> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.chatalog.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.chatalog.ai/broadcast-setup/broadcast-whatsapp/create-a-whatsapp-message-template-1.md).

# Create a WhatsApp message template

In the Broadcast page:

Step 1: Click the dropdown to select the WhatsApp channel you wish to broadcast messages.

Step 2: Select the "Templates" tab. 

Step 3: Select "Add Template" to create a WhatsApp Message Template.

<figure><img src="/files/14QwHeGGHTb0PntTmKno" alt=""><figcaption><p>Broadcast - Templates</p></figcaption></figure>

Step 4: Select "Single Message" to create a WhatsApp Message Template.

<figure><img src="/files/YX3OXME9nT1QZcy53Wrb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/gVFiuaDTYpSAEJLlqEsk" alt=""><figcaption><p>Create a new template</p></figcaption></figure>

You can follow the below steps to create a new template:

Step 1: Name your template.&#x20;

Step 2: Select the category that indicates the purpose of your broadcast.&#x20;

Step 3: Select the language of your broadcast message.&#x20;

Step 4: Select the header for your message. You can choose Text, Image, Video, or Document as header. Select none means default.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/l7TYXdKk8YWy6HcBV5ZW" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Step 5: Fill in the broadcast message.&#x20;

Step 6: Optionally add buttons for your broadcast message. There are two types of buttons: call-to-action (i.e. URL or Phone) and quick reply (i.e. text). You can add up to 2 call-to-action or 3 quick reply buttons. Each template only allows one type of button.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/Jzqw49k4YeJKy9SNxwud" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/W5MqElrQ0uUKmFpUHNVa" alt=""><figcaption><p>call-to-action (i.e. URL or Phone) </p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/T08tj4oxlMCZ4pkkSl5H" alt=""><figcaption><p>quick reply (i.e. text)</p></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/7k1TFCVufru8jxLccw4d" alt=""><figcaption><p>Each template only allows one type of button</p></figcaption></figure>

Step 7: Preview and submit the template after completing all the necessary information, or Submit as "Draft " then you can edit it later.

<figure><img src="/files/oGNVrZ0LFFERmjaIs470" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Template Status

You can check the template status after submitting a template.

<figure><img src="/files/UabOLC6jBty9d9pjmdIb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Template Limitations

* The message template name field is limited to 512 characters.
* The message template content field is limited to 1024 characters.
* A template can only be edited when it is in a state of **APPROVED**, **REJECTED**, or **DRAFT,** can not be edited when in **PENDING**.  A template can be edited once per day, up to 10 times per month.

<figure><img src="/files/DGf7so1Y3UUW4LN0KNRC" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/KaOgtStXu7KJCqkxB4qz" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/WN4GvoLrygYhXKyjWKOT" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/Nr1CmyDKk63UjTGbkT3x" alt=""><figcaption><p>can not be edited when in <strong>Pending</strong></p></figcaption></figure>

* WhatsApp Business Accounts can only create 100 message templates per hour.

#### Common Rejection Reasons

WhatsApp commonly rejects message templates with the following patterns:

{% hint style="warning" %}

* Variables are placed at the beginning or end of the message.
* Variables are placed next to each other, such as `“{{1}} {{2}}”`.
* Variables have mismatched curly braces or use words instead of numbers. The correct format is `{{1}}`, not `{{one}}`.
* Variable parameters are not sequential. For example, `{{1}}`, `{{2}}`, `{{4}}`, `{{5}}` are defined but `{{3}}` does not exist.
* Call to action button URL contains a direct link to WhatsApp, such as "<https://wa.me/14154443344>", which Meta no longer allows.
* Template is a duplicate of an existing template. WhatsApp rejects templates submitted with the same wording with a different name.&#x20;
* Template contains content violating the [WhatsApp Commerce Policy](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/commerce-policy/?fbclid=IwAR0qUSf97RVgUHFtGar3YUqZaz1wOG-arhNUd2inOHRo8qH6GgFlHccUBek) or the [WhatsApps Business Policy](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whatsapp.com%2Flegal%2Fbusiness-policy%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1yvdZWGarAKSb9ia6FBUpuZ9KSU9q5wsFoKqRZCRPEtOaLYagxy4Ad7YA\&h=AT3lviDT9OysiltSzIaI5dZ3mgUQHRGxmh5I5sbd9oO6563HYCyub60wUHLfFcO-4zDNfxSpM7qZVrb2sVm4OEG22FxWncEo_PJribjH2NETyb3fvR_t4vxwQuEcWhxGfsaePLsoyaYZNURGDed_z3E). Do not request sensitive identifiers from users, such as payment card numbers, financial account numbers, or National Identification numbers. Requesting partial identifiers (ex: last 4 digits of their Social Security number) is OK.
* Template appears to encourage gaming or gambling. Including words such as "raffle" or "win a prize" almost guarantees template rejection by WhatsApp.
* Template is overly vague, such as `“Hi, {{1}}, thanks”`. This type of template could be abused to spam users. You need to surround the parameters with information so that it’s clear what type of information will be inserted.
* You are using the wrong language. For example, a template in English is submitted with Portuguese language selected.
* Grammatical or spelling mistakes. Even minor spelling or grammatical mistakes are likely to be rejected by WhatsApp.
  {% endhint %}