# Why You Should Use “Send Interactive Message” Instead of “Send Template” in Bot Studio

When building flows in Bot Studio, many users rely on the Send Template component. While it has its place, in most cases, the **smarter and more cost-effective choice is Send Interactive Message**.

Here’s everything you need to know — why to use it, how to use it, and the benefits for your business.

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<mark style="color:green;">**Why Use “Send Interactive Message”?**</mark>

**Save on Costs 💰**

•  Every time you send a “template,” it counts as a marketing template usage.\
•  With “Send Interactive Message,” you avoid consuming these templates, reducing your costs.

**No Frequency Cap 🚀**

•  Meta applies restrictions (frequency caps) on how often you can send marketing templates.\
•  Interactive messages, however, are session-based (within the 24-hour user window) and not capped.

**Better Conversations 🙌**

• Interactive messages offer buttons, lists, and quick replies.\
• They make it easier for customers to respond, leading to higher engagement and more conversions.

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&#x20;<mark style="color:green;">**Send Template vs. Send Interactive Message**</mark>

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="184.59259033203125"></th><th width="232.25927734375"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Feature / Usage</strong></td><td><strong>Send Template</strong> </td><td><strong>Send Interactive Message</strong> </td></tr><tr><td><strong>When to Use</strong></td><td>To initiate chats outside 24-hour window, or for broadcast campaigns</td><td>To continue conversations within 24-hour window</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Cost 💰</strong></td><td>Uses marketing template credits (adds to cost)</td><td>Free inside session (no template charges)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Frequency Cap 🚫</strong></td><td>Subject to Meta’s frequency limits</td><td>Not frequency capped</td></tr><tr><td><strong>User Experience 🙌</strong></td><td>One-way text delivery (static message)</td><td>Interactive (buttons, lists, quick replies)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Best For</strong></td><td>Promotions, re-engagement, reminders</td><td>Guided journeys, FAQs, product browsing, lead nurturing</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Flexibility 🔄</strong></td><td>Limited — fixed template approved by Meta</td><td>High — fully customizable within Bot Studio</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Approval Needed ✅</strong></td><td>Yes (Meta must approve every template)</td><td>No approval required</td></tr></tbody></table>

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**👉 Quick Rule of Thumb:**

* Use Send Template to start a chat outside the 24-hour window.
* Use Send Interactive Message to keep the chat alive, cost-free, and engaging.

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**How to Use “Send Interactive Message” in Bot Studio**<br>

<figure><img src="https://2303112206-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F53n17VnOICC1LtDqlENV%2Fuploads%2FMukmMVTsRObXxSuFAaGi%2Ft%20(4).gif?alt=media&#x26;token=b277cf5e-c2d0-4cb1-a037-c3b79798596d" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. **Open Bot Studio** \
   Log in to DoubleTick, go to Bot Studio, and open the bot you want to edit
2. **Locate Message Component** \
   If you’ve been using “Send Template,” remove or disable it.
3. **Add “Send Interactive Message”**\
   Drag and drop the component into your flow.
4. **Choose Format** \
   Decide between Quick Replies, Buttons, or Lists depending on your use case.
5. **Configure Options** \
   Add your button labels, list items, or quick replies
6. **Connect Next Steps**  \
   Link each option to the right flow (e.g., “Pricing” button → pricing info flow).
7. **Save & Test** \
   Preview the flow and test it in a real chat.

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Think of Send Template as your key to *open the door* (starting chats when users are inactive) & Think of Send Interactive Message as the way to *keep the conversation going* (engaging customers without extra costs or restrictions).

By using both smartly, you’ll:\
✅ Save money on template usage\
✅ Avoid Meta’s frequency caps\
✅ Deliver a smoother, more interactive user experience\
✅ Generate more leads and sales through natural conversations

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This way, you’re not just saving costs — you’re making your bots more powerful, interactive, and revenue-driven.