> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.doubletick.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.doubletick.io/templates/create-templates/how-to-create-a-message-template.md).

# How to Create a Message Template

Learn how to create and submit a WhatsApp message template in DoubleTick.

DoubleTick allows you to create WhatsApp message templates directly from your account. This article walks you through the entire process, from naming your template to submitting it for Meta's approval.

#### What's covered

* [Before you begin](#before-you-begin)
* [Open the New Template Builder](#step-1-open-the-new-template-builder)
* [Enter the basic details](#step-2-enter-the-basic-details)
* [Build the template content](#step-3-build-the-template-content)
* [Add buttons (optional)](#step-4-add-buttons-optional)
* [Provide variable examples](#step-5-provide-variable-examples)
* [What happens after submission](#what-happens-after-submission)
* [Key takeaways](#key-takeaways)
* [Frequently asked questions](#frequently-asked-questions)

#### Before you begin

Templates in DoubleTick are grouped into three categories: **Marketing**, **Utility**, and **Authentication**. To understand the difference between these categories before creating your first template, refer to [Understanding WhatsApp Message Template Categories](/templates/get-started/understanding-whatsapp-message-template-categories.md).

<figure><img src="https://2303112206-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F53n17VnOICC1LtDqlENV%2Fuploads%2FNgJ3Pl7UNTCGoGSu5fpk%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=94038840-aa71-4cba-94bf-a2a0d8b9b7a8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 1: Open the New Template Builder

Hover over the left side of your screen to open the navigation panel. Once it slides open, you will see a **New Template** button on the right-hand side. Click on it to open the template builder.

<figure><img src="https://2303112206-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F53n17VnOICC1LtDqlENV%2Fuploads%2FJI5iyNyQaSj7d4eOL5iJ%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202026-04-16T171423.950.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=0cbb0e48-506c-458c-843e-c15f8fe5b260" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 2: Enter the basic details

**Template Name:** Start by entering a name for your template. Keep it simple and descriptive so it is easy to identify later. The maximum character limit for the template name is 512 characters.

**Category:** Select the category that best fits your template. Here is a breakdown of all available options:

**Marketing:**

* **Custom:** Create promotional templates for offers, announcements, and engagement-related content.
* **Carousel:** Send messages that showcase your catalog or multiple products. You get up to 10 cards, each of which can include details about a product or service. See [how to create a carousel template message](/templates/create-templates/how-to-create-a-carousel-template-message.md) for the full walkthrough.
* **Call Permission:** Create a call permission request template to reach users outside the service window. See [how to create a call permission request template](/additonal-channels/whatsapp-calling/business-initiated-calling-on-doubletick-complete-guide/how-to-create-a-call-permission-request-template-on-doubletick.md).

**Utility:**

* **Custom:** Send communications related to an ongoing customer interaction, such as order updates, reminders, or alerts.
* **Call Permission:** Create a call permission request template to reach users outside the service window. See [how to create a call permission request template](/additonal-channels/whatsapp-calling/business-initiated-calling-on-doubletick-complete-guide/how-to-create-a-call-permission-request-template-on-doubletick.md).

**Authentication:**

* **OTP / Copy Code:** Send a verification code for transaction confirmation, account login, or identity verification.

**Language:** English is selected by default. If you need a different language, open the language dropdown and select from the available options. You can view the full list of supported languages approved by Meta [here](https://developers.facebook.com/documentation/business-messaging/whatsapp/templates/supported-languages/).

**Channel:** Select the WhatsApp API number (channel) you want to create this template for. If you have multiple channels onboarded, all of them will appear in the dropdown. Select the relevant one and click **Next**.

<figure><img src="https://2303112206-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F53n17VnOICC1LtDqlENV%2Fuploads%2F4hVNMxynsj9lhvBevGf9%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202026-04-16T171941.755.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=a920ec93-e746-45bc-b281-54c693441280" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 3: Build the template content

This is where you design the actual message your recipients will see.

**Header (Optional):** The header appears at the top of your template. You can choose from the following five header types:

* **None:** Select this if you do not want to add a header.
* **Text:** Add a short heading. Maximum character limit: 60 characters.
* **Image:** Supported formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG. Maximum file size: 5 MB. You can either upload a file from your device or enter an image URL.
* **Video:** Supported format: MP4. Maximum file size: 16 MB. You can either upload a file from your device or enter a video URL. Please note that YouTube URLs are not supported in the header.
* **Document:** Supported format: PDF. Maximum file size: 100 MB. You can either upload a file from your device or enter a document URL.

A live preview of your header will appear on the right-hand side as you make your selections.

**Body:** The body is the main message of your template. Type your content in the text field provided. The maximum character limit for the body is 1,024 characters.

To make your message more personalized, you can include variables, which are dynamic values that change for each recipient. To add a variable, type it between two curly brackets, for example: {{name}}, {{renewal\_date}}, {{email\_id}}, or {{order\_id}}. You can use any variable that needs to be unique for each customer.

**Footer (Optional):** The footer appears at the bottom of your message. You can use this to add a sign-off such as your team name or brand name. The maximum character limit for the footer is 60 characters.

Once you have filled in all the content, click **Next**.

<figure><img src="https://2303112206-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F53n17VnOICC1LtDqlENV%2Fuploads%2F1XddRVsvmEG0C6eOQSAR%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202026-09-18T163223.002.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=c189667f-db04-4bfb-8751-2db83e2eb165" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 4: Add buttons (optional)

Buttons allow your recipients to respond to your message or take a specific action directly from the chat. To add a button, click **Add a Button** and choose from the following types:

* **Marketing Opt-Out:** A stop button that allows recipients to opt out of marketing messages. See [what WhatsApp opt-in is and how to manage it](/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/whatsapp-opt-in-what-it-is-and-how-to-manage-it.md).
* **Custom Button:** Add a button with any label of your choice for quick replies or custom actions.
* **Visit Website:** Embed a URL with a button label to direct recipients to a webpage. You can add a maximum of two website buttons per template.
* **Call Phone Number:** Add your company name as the button label and enter a phone number, so recipients can call you directly from the message.
* **Call on WhatsApp:** Let customers tap to call your WhatsApp business number directly from the message, with no dialing needed. See [how to add a Call on WhatsApp button](/additonal-channels/whatsapp-calling/incoming-whatsapp-calling-api-your-complete-guide/how-to-add-a-call-on-whatsapp-button-to-a-template.md) for the full walkthrough.
* **Share Contact Info:** Let customers share their phone number with your business in one tap. Especially useful when a customer has messaged you via a WhatsApp username and you only have their BSUID. See [Understanding WhatsApp usernames and BSUID](/meta-business-setup/business-usernames-and-bsuid/understanding-whatsapp-usernames-and-bsuid.md) to learn more. This must be the only button on the template. No other buttons can be added alongside it.
* **WhatsApp Flow:** If you have created a WhatsApp Flow on Meta, you can link it directly to a button in your template.

You can add up to 10 buttons in a single template. Once you have added all the buttons you need, click **Next**.

<figure><img src="https://2303112206-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F53n17VnOICC1LtDqlENV%2Fuploads%2FtloJz54xfS7s87jPCEVu%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202026-04-16T172850.848.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=432c7027-40d1-44a9-b2f1-04b4301fc7db" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 5: Provide variable examples

If your template contains variables, Meta requires you to provide a sample value for each one before the template can be reviewed. This helps Meta understand the context of your message.

For example, if you used {{name}} in your template, enter a sample name. If you used {{policy\_number}}, enter a sample policy number. Fill in all the example values and click the green **Submit Template** button. The preview on the right-hand side will update to reflect your sample inputs.

#### What happens after submission

Once submitted, your template will be sent to Meta for review. This process typically takes **24 to 48 hours**. During this time, the template status will show as **Pending**. You can [check your template's status](/templates/check-message-template-status.md) anytime from the Templates section.

Once Meta approves the template, the status will automatically change to **Approved**, and you can start using it to send messages to your customers. If it's rejected instead, see [how to fix a rejected template](/templates/fix-message-template-rejection.md) for common causes and resolutions.

#### Key takeaways

* Templates fall under three categories: Marketing, Utility, and Authentication. Pick the one that matches your use case.
* Header, body, and footer make up your message content; only the body is required.
* You can add up to 10 buttons per template, including Call on WhatsApp and Share Contact Info.
* Share Contact Info must be the only button on its template. It can't be combined with others.
* Variables need a sample value before Meta will review your template.
* Meta typically reviews templates within 24–48 hours; status moves from Pending to Approved.

#### Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>How long does Meta take to approve a template?</summary>

Usually 24 to 48 hours. You can track the status, Pending or Approved, from your Templates section.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I edit a template after submitting it?</summary>

Once submitted for review, a template can't be edited. If it gets rejected or you need changes, create a new template instead.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Do I need to add a header, footer, or buttons?</summary>

No. Only the body is required. Header, footer, and buttons are all optional.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How many buttons can I add to a template?</summary>

Up to 10 buttons per template, mixing any supported types listed in Step 4, except Share Contact Info. It must be used on its own.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if my template includes variables?</summary>

You'll need to provide a sample value for every variable before submitting, so Meta can understand the context of your message.

</details>

#### Related articles

* [Understanding WhatsApp Message Template Categories](/templates/get-started/understanding-whatsapp-message-template-categories.md)
* [How to Create a Carousel Template Message](/templates/create-templates/how-to-create-a-carousel-template-message.md)
* [Check Message Template Status](/templates/check-message-template-status.md)
* [Fix Message Template Rejection](/templates/fix-message-template-rejection.md)
* [How to Add a Call on WhatsApp Button to a Template](/additonal-channels/whatsapp-calling/incoming-whatsapp-calling-api-your-complete-guide/how-to-add-a-call-on-whatsapp-button-to-a-template.md)
* [Understanding WhatsApp usernames and BSUID](/meta-business-setup/business-usernames-and-bsuid/understanding-whatsapp-usernames-and-bsuid.md)


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://learn.doubletick.io/templates/create-templates/how-to-create-a-message-template.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.