How to create your CTWA ad in META ads manager

Learn how to create a Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) ad in Meta Ads Manager, from choosing the campaign objective to publishing the ad, and what happens when someone clicks it.

Once your ad account, Facebook Page, and WhatsApp API number are in the same business portfolio, you are ready to create your Click-to-WhatsApp (CTWA) ad. This article walks you through the three parts of the setup in Meta Ads Manager: the campaign, the ad set, and the ad creative. It also explains what happens once someone clicks your ad.

What's covered

• How to choose the campaign objective

• How to set up your ad set

• How to design the ad creative

• What happens when a user clicks the ad

• Key takeaways

How to choose the campaign objective

Step 1: Go to Meta Ads Manager and click Create.

Step 2: In the dropdown menu, choose Auction as the buying type.

Step 3: Select a campaign objective, either Sales or Engagement.

How to set up your ad set

Step 4: Under Messaging Apps, select WhatsApp.

Step 5: Choose the Facebook Page linked to your API number.

Step 6: Under WhatsApp Business Number, select your DoubleTick API number. Do not pick a regular WhatsApp Business App number.

Step 7: Set your budget and schedule.

Step 8: Define your target audience.

How to design the ad creative

Step 9: Add your creative elements, such as the headline, image, and call-to-action (CTA).

Step 10: Click Publish to launch your ad.

What happens when a user clicks the ad

• A WhatsApp chat opens: The customer lands in a WhatsApp chat with your DoubleTick-connected number.

• Your CTWA journey starts: If you have set up a CTWA journey, it starts automatically.

• You engage the lead: You can collect details, qualify the lead, route the chat to an agent, or send follow-ups.

• You track everything: You can see conversations, replies, and performance directly in DoubleTick.

If you reply to the customer within 24 hours, you also get a free messaging window of up to 7 days with that customer.

Key takeaways

• Choose Auction as the buying type and Sales or Engagement as the objective.

• In the ad set, select WhatsApp under Messaging Apps.

• Pick your DoubleTick API number, not a regular WhatsApp Business App number.

• Set your budget, schedule, and audience, then add your creative and publish.

• Every ad click opens a WhatsApp chat with your DoubleTick number, and your CTWA journey starts on its own.

• Reply within 24 hours to get a free messaging window of up to 7 days.

Frequently asked questions

Which buying type should I choose?

Choose Auction from the dropdown when you create the campaign.

Can I use my WhatsApp Business App number for this ad?

No. Select your DoubleTick API number under WhatsApp Business Number. A regular WhatsApp Business App number will not connect to DoubleTick.

My DoubleTick number does not show up in the ad set. What should I do?

Check that your ad account, Facebook Page, and WABA are all in the same business portfolio, and that DoubleTick is listed under Partners in your WhatsApp account.

What happens after I publish the ad?

When someone clicks the ad, they land in a WhatsApp chat with your DoubleTick number, and any CTWA journey you have set up starts automatically.

Where can I see how my ad is performing?

You can track conversations, replies, and performance directly in DoubleTick.

Is replying to CTWA leads free?

If you reply within 24 hours of the customer's first message, you get a free messaging window of up to 7 days.

Related articles

How to create or claim an ad accountHow to add your facebook page and WhatsApp API numberHow to ensure CTWA ads only generate leads from the Facebook and InstagramUnderstanding the 7-day free messaging window for CTWA leadsMessage from CTWA