Template Categorisation Guidelines

Modified on: Wed, 26 Feb, 2025 at 6:32 AM

Our template category guidelines are how we define the category of message templates on our platform. Use these guidelines when choosing a category for each of your templates.

For each category, we outline the message objective, business goal and example templates.

How to create a WhatsApp Template?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Marketing templates
Utility templates
[To be Released] Authentication templates
FAQs
How can we assign a category to a template?
What are WhatsApp message templates?
How do I assign the correct category to a WhatsApp template?
What happens if my template is categorized incorrectly?
What types of messages fall under Marketing Templates?
What qualifies as a Utility Template?
What are Authentication Templates used for?
Can I mix content from different categories in one template?
What happens if my template is rejected?
How can I ensure my template gets approved quickly?
Where can I find more information or request support?

Marketing templates

Marketing templates are our most flexible. They can enable businesses to achieve a wide range of goals, from generating awareness to driving sales and more.

Message Objective	Business Goal	Example Templates
Awareness	Generate awareness of your business, products, or services among customers who have subscribed to receive messages from your business on WhatsApp.	"Did you know? We installed a new tower in your area so you can enjoy a better network experience. To learn more, visit our site {{1}}." "Diwali is around the corner! Join us at {{1}} on October 24 to celebrate with friends and family. For more details about our event, click {{2}}." "Looking for a getaway this fall? Our newest resort just opened in {{1}}: the perfect place to relax and unwind. Learn more here: {{2}}"
Sales	Send general promotional offers to customers related to sales events, coupons or other content intended to drive sales.	"As a thank you for your last order, please enjoy 15% off your next order. Use code LOYAL15 at checkout. Visit our site here {{1}}." "Refer → save! Use code FRIEND so you both earn $10 off your next order." "Upgrade to our Premium cabin to enjoy more benefits, like additional legroom and priority boarding. Click {{1}} or log into our app to upgrade." "You have been pre-approved for our credit card! Enjoy an introductory offer of {{1}} if you apply via your personalized link: {{2}}." "Don’t forget! Today only, get double points on your purchases. Visit your nearest store and use your phone number at check-out."
Retargeting	Promote relevant offers or other call-to-actions to customers who may have visited your website, used your app, or engaged with your products and services.	"Don't miss out on your favorite shows! Re-subscribe now: {{1}}" "You left items in your cart! Don’t worry, we saved them for you. Click here to checkout now: {{1}}." "Thank you for visiting our site. You can secure your health insurance in a few easy clicks – continue here: {{1}}." "You didn’t finish your application! Please log into your profile here to pick up where you left off: {{1}}." "We miss you! Join us for an afternoon or evening of fun with your family. Click here to book with a special rate: {{1}}."
App Promotion	Request customers to install or take a specific action with your app.	"Did you know? You can now checkout in our app. Download it here {{1}} to check out our streamlined experience." "Thank you for using our app. We noticed you have not used our latest feature, {{1}}. Click here {{2}} to learn more about how this benefits you!" "In-app only: 20% off this week! Use code SUMMER20 to save on select styles. To download our app, click here: {{1}}." "Hi {{1}}, your friend {{2}} recently joined our community. Send them a welcome message today: {{1}}"
Build Customer Relationships	Strengthen customer relationships through personalized messages or by prompting new conversations.	"{{1}}, did you think we’d forget? No way! Happy birthday! We wish you the best in the year ahead." "As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on what drives us: You. Thank you for being a valued customer. We look forward to continuing to serve you" "Hello, I am the new virtual assistant. I can help you discover products or provide support. Please reach out if I can help!"

Also considered marketing templates are:

Templates with mixed content (e.g. Both utility and marketing, such as order update with a promo or offer).
Templates where contents are unclear (e.g., contents are only “{{1}}” or “Congratulations!”).

Note: Examples are illustrative only, templates containing similar content or content including this example text may be categorized differently based on their exact content.

Utility templates

Utility templates are typically triggered by a user action or request. They must include specificity about the active or ongoing transaction, account, subscription or interaction to which they relate. For example, an order confirmation must contain an order number.

Message Objective	Business Goal	Example Templates
Opt-In Management on WhatsApp	Confirm opt-in for receiving messages on WhatsApp as a follow-up to opt-in collected via other channels (e.g., website, email). Also confirm opt-out.	"Thanks for confirming opt-in! You’re in. You’ll now receive notifications via WhatsApp." "Thank you for confirming your opt-out preference. You will no longer receive messages from us on WhatsApp."
Order Management	Confirm, update, or cancel an order or transaction with a customer using specific order or transaction details in the body of your message.	"Thank you! Your order {{1}} is confirmed. We will let you know once your package is on its way." "Hooray! Your package from order {{1}} is on its way. Your tracking number is {{2}} and expected delivery date is {{3}}." "Unfortunately, one item from your order {{1}} is backordered. We will follow up with an estimated ship date. If you wish to cancel and receive a refund, please click here: {{2}}" "We have received your item from order {{1}}. Your refund for {{2}} has been processed. Thank you for your business."
Account Alerts or Updates	Send important account updates, including time-sensitive alerts, safety information, payment reminders, and other information relevant to already-purchased or subscribed products and services. These messages should not intend to upsell or cross-sell new products or services.	"Daily update for account ending in {{1}}: Your balance is {{2}}." "Reminder: Your monthly payment for your subscription to {{1}} will be billed on {{2}} to the card you have saved on file." "To finish setting up your profile, you need to upload a photo. Please click here to upload: {{1}}." "The product you ordered {{1}} on {{2}} has been recalled. Please click here {{3}} to learn more." "There is a tornado alert in your area. We recommend you remain indoors until {{1}} o'clock today."
Feedback Surveys	Collect feedback on previous orders, interactions or ongoing relationships with customers. These messages should not be about requesting feedback related to potential upsell or cross-sell opportunities.	"We have delivered your order {{1}}! Please let us know if there was any issue by reaching out here: {{2}}." "Your feedback ensures we continually improve. Please click here {{1}} to share your thoughts on your recent visit at our {{2}} location. Thank you in advance!" "You chatted with us online recently about order {{1}}. How was your experience? Click to fill out a short survey: {{2}}."
Continue a Conversation on WhatsApp	Send a message to start an interaction on WhatsApp that began in another channel. These messages should not be initiated without a user having requested the conversation to be moved to WhatsApp.	"Hi! I see you requested support via our online chat. I am the virtual assistant on WhatsApp. How can I help?" "Hi {{1}}, we are following up on your call with customer service on {{2}}. Your case has progressed to the next step. Please log into your account to continue: {{3}}."

Note: Examples are illustrative only, templates containing similar content or content including this example text may be categorized differently based on their exact content.

[To be Released] Authentication templates

Authentication templates enable businesses to authenticate users with one-time passcodes (usually 4-8 digit alphanumeric codes), potentially at multiple steps in the login process (e.g., account verification, account recovery, integrity challenges).

Authentication templates are our most restricted. For a template to be classified as authentication, a business must:

Use WhatsApp’s preset authentication message templates, which include optional add-ons like security disclaimers and expiry warnings
Configure a one-time password button (copy-code or one-tap)
Follow content restrictions: URLs, media, and emojis are not allowed for authentication template content or parameters. Additional length restrictions of 15 characters also apply to parameters.

Definition	Examples
Authentication code	"{{1}} is your verification code." "{{1}} is your verification code. For your security, do not share this code." "{{1}} is your verification code. This code expires in 15 minutes."

FAQs

How can we assign a category to a template?

When you create a message template, you select the category you believe applies, based on the template category guidelines outlined above. We then determine the template’s category, based on the template contents and these same guidelines. If we agree with the category you designated, we set the template status to PENDING (it then goes through template review to ensure it is in compliance with our policies. If we disagree, we set it to REJECTED.

For creating a template please refer to the documentation below:

How to create a WhatsApp Template?

What are WhatsApp message templates?

WhatsApp message templates are pre-approved messages businesses use to communicate with customers outside the 24-hour messaging window. They ensure consistent, structured, and policy-compliant messaging.

How do I assign the correct category to a WhatsApp template?

When creating a template, you must select one of the three categories based on the message’s purpose:

Marketing – Promotional messages, offers, and customer engagement.

Utility – Order confirmations, payment reminders, and account updates.

Authentication – One-time passcodes (OTP) for account verification and login security.

WhatsApp reviews and finalizes the category based on content. If misclassified, the template may be rejected and need revision.

What happens if my template is categorized incorrectly?

If WhatsApp determines the category you selected is incorrect, your template will be rejected. You will need to revise and resubmit it under the correct category.

What types of messages fall under Marketing Templates?

Marketing templates are the most flexible and include:

Promotional offers and discounts
Event invitations and announcements
Retargeting messages (e.g., abandoned cart reminders)
App promotions and referral programs

Example:
"You left something in your cart! Complete your purchase here: {{1}}."

Note: Templates with mixed content (e.g., order updates with a promo) are also considered Marketing.

What qualifies as a Utility Template?

Utility templates provide customer-requested updates and transactional messages such as:

Order confirmations and tracking updates
Payment and subscription reminders
Account alerts and security notifications

Example:
"Your package from order {{1}} is out for delivery. Track it here: {{2}}."

Note: Utility templates cannot contain promotions, upsells, or sales-related content.

What are Authentication Templates used for?

Authentication templates are strictly for user verification and must:

Contain only an OTP (one-time passcode).
Follow WhatsApp’s preset authentication template format.
Not include URLs, media, emojis, or promotional content.

Example:
"{{1}} is your verification code. Do not share this code."

Can I mix content from different categories in one template?

No, templates should be clear and specific to one category. A Utility template that includes a promotional message will be categorized as Marketing and may be rejected if misclassified.

What happens if my template is rejected?

If your template is rejected, it means:

It may have violated WhatsApp’s policies.
The content did not match the selected category.

You can edit and resubmit the template after correcting the issue.

How can I ensure my template gets approved quickly?

✔ Choose the correct category based on the content.
✔ Ensure the message is clear and contains all necessary details.
✔ Follow WhatsApp’s guidelines to avoid rejection.

For detailed instructions, refer to [How to Create a WhatsApp Template?](Insert Link Here).

Where can I find more information or request support?

If you need further assistance, check WhatsApp’s official documentation or reach out to WhatsApp Business Support for help.

By following these guidelines, businesses can improve template approval rates, ensure compliance, and maximize their WhatsApp engagement.