WhatsApp Message Templates: 50 Ready-to-Use Examples + Best Practices

By ChatDaddy Team April 7, 2026 15 min read
WhatsApp message templates 50 examples guide 2026
Quick Answer: WhatsApp message templates are pre-approved message formats required for all business-initiated conversations outside the 24-hour window. They come in three categories: Marketing, Utility, and Authentication. This guide includes 50 ready-to-use templates across every business scenario plus a complete approval guide.

WhatsApp message templates are the backbone of every broadcast campaign, automated notification, and proactive outreach flow. Without approved templates, you cannot initiate conversations, send order updates, or run promotional campaigns — your business communication is entirely reactive.

This guide gives you everything: how templates work, how to get them approved, and 50 ready-to-copy templates across every major use case.

1. What Are WhatsApp Message Templates?

A WhatsApp message template is a pre-formatted, Meta-reviewed message that businesses use to initiate conversations or send messages outside the 24-hour service window. Every time you send an outbound broadcast, a shipping notification, or a re-engagement campaign, you are using a message template.

Templates are necessary because WhatsApp needs to prevent spam. By requiring pre-approval of all business-initiated messages, Meta ensures that businesses only send content that is genuinely useful to customers — not spam blasts.

Key facts about templates:

2. Template Categories and Pricing in 2026

Category Use For Relative Cost Opt-Out Required?
MarketingPromotions, product launches, re-engagementHighestYes
UtilityOrder updates, reminders, account alertsLowNo (recommended)
AuthenticationOTP codes, verification messagesVery lowNo
Important: Misclassifying a marketing message as utility is a policy violation. Meta monitors template usage against category definitions. Violations result in template rejection, quality rating drops, or account suspension.

3. Template Structure: Components and Variables

Every template has up to four components:

  1. Header (optional): Image, video, document, or text — displayed at the top. Images must be JPG/PNG, max 5MB.
  2. Body (required): Main message text, up to 1,024 characters. Variables use {{1}}, {{2}} format (or named variables via API).
  3. Footer (optional): Short text at the bottom (typically opt-out instruction or business name). Max 60 characters.
  4. Buttons (optional):
    • Call-to-action: "Visit Website" (URL) or "Call" (phone number) — up to 2 CTA buttons
    • Quick Reply: text buttons customer can tap to reply — up to 3 quick-reply buttons

4. How to Submit and Get Templates Approved

Submission Process via ChatDaddy

  1. In ChatDaddy, go to Templates > Create Template
  2. Select category: Marketing, Utility, or Authentication
  3. Select language
  4. Write your header, body, footer, and add buttons if needed
  5. Define your variables and provide sample values
  6. Submit for review — approval typically within hours

Top Tips for Fast Approval

5. E-Commerce Templates

1. Order Confirmation:
Hi {{first_name}}, your order #{{order_id}} has been placed successfully! 🎉
Items: {{items}}
Total: {{total}}
Estimated delivery: {{delivery_date}}
Questions? Reply here anytime.

2. Shipping Notification:
Good news, {{first_name}}! Your order #{{order_id}} has shipped.
Carrier: {{carrier}}
Track here: {{tracking_link}}
Expected delivery: {{date}}

3. Out for Delivery:
Hi {{first_name}}, your order is out for delivery today! 📦
Please ensure someone is available to receive it at {{address}}.

4. Delivered Confirmation:
Hi {{first_name}}, your order #{{order_id}} has been delivered! Hope you love it.
Rate your experience: {{review_link}}

5. Cart Abandonment Recovery:
Hi {{first_name}}, you left something behind! 🛒
{{product_name}} is still in your cart. Complete your order: {{cart_link}}
Offer expires in {{hours}} hours.

6. Back in Stock Alert:
Hi {{first_name}}, great news! {{product_name}} is back in stock. Get yours before it sells out again: {{product_link}}

7. Price Drop Alert:
Hi {{first_name}}, {{product_name}} just dropped from {{old_price}} to {{new_price}}!
Shop now: {{product_link}}
Reply STOP to opt out.

8. Return Confirmation:
Hi {{first_name}}, we've received your return request for order #{{order_id}}. Your refund of {{amount}} will be processed within {{days}} business days.

9. Refund Processed:
Hi {{first_name}}, your refund of {{amount}} has been processed and will appear in your account within 3–5 business days. Thanks for your patience!

10. Loyalty Points Update:
Hi {{first_name}}, you earned {{points}} new loyalty points on your last purchase! Your total: {{total_points}} points = {{value}} in rewards. Redeem: {{link}}

6. Customer Service Templates

11. Ticket Opened:
Hi {{first_name}}, your support request #{{ticket_id}} has been received. A team member will contact you within {{response_time}} hours.

12. Ticket Resolved:
Hi {{first_name}}, your support request #{{ticket_id}} has been resolved. Satisfied with the outcome? Rate your experience: {{rating_link}}

13. Follow-Up After Resolution:
Hi {{first_name}}, just checking in — is everything resolved with your {{issue_type}} from {{date}}? Reply YES or let us know if you need anything else.

14. Escalation Notification:
Hi {{first_name}}, your case has been escalated to our specialist team. {{agent_name}} will reach out to you within {{time}}. Reference: #{{case_id}}

15. Feedback Request:
Hi {{first_name}}, how was your recent experience with {{business_name}}? We'd love your feedback (takes 30 seconds): {{survey_link}}

16. Proactive Update:
Hi {{first_name}}, update on your case #{{ticket_id}}: {{status_update}}. We'll keep you posted as things progress. Questions? Just reply here.

17. Service Disruption Alert:
Hi {{first_name}}, we're experiencing {{issue_type}} affecting {{service}}. Our team is working on a fix. Estimated resolution: {{time}}. We apologise for the inconvenience.

18. CSAT Survey:
Hi {{first_name}}, how would you rate your recent support experience?
⭐ Reply 1–5
We read every response.

19. Account Verification:
Hi {{first_name}}, to complete your {{action}}, please verify your identity: {{verification_link}}. This link expires in 24 hours.

20. Password Reset:
Hi {{first_name}}, you requested a password reset for your {{business_name}} account. Reset here: {{reset_link}} (expires in 1 hour). If you didn't request this, reply here immediately.

7. Marketing & Promotional Templates

21. Flash Sale:
Hi {{first_name}}! Flash sale starts NOW! 🔥
{{discount}}% off everything until {{time}} tonight.
Shop: {{shop_link}}
Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

22. New Product Launch:
Hi {{first_name}}, meet {{product_name}}! 🆕
{{short_description}}
Be first to get it: {{product_link}}
Limited stock — reply STOP to opt out.

23. Seasonal Campaign:
Hi {{first_name}}, {{holiday}} is almost here! 🎉
Get ahead with our {{holiday}} collection — up to {{discount}}% off.
Browse: {{link}} | Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

24. Exclusive Member Offer:
Hi {{first_name}}, as a valued {{tier}} member, here's your exclusive {{month}} offer: {{offer_details}}.
Claim by {{expiry}}: {{link}}
Reply STOP to opt out.

25. Win-Back Campaign:
Hi {{first_name}}, we miss you! It's been {{days}} days since your last visit.
Here's {{discount}}% off to welcome you back: {{code}}
Valid until {{expiry}}: {{shop_link}}
Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

26. Referral Program:
Hi {{first_name}}, share {{business_name}} and earn! Get {{reward}} for every friend who signs up using your link: {{referral_link}}
Reply STOP to opt out.

27. Birthday Offer:
🎂 Happy Birthday {{first_name}}! To celebrate, enjoy {{discount}}% off your next order.
Use code: {{code}} at checkout: {{link}}
Valid for {{days}} days. Reply STOP to opt out.

28. Waitlist Notification:
Hi {{first_name}}, you're on the waitlist for {{product_name}}. The item just became available — claim your spot: {{link}} (offer reserved for {{hours}} hours).

29. Event Invitation:
Hi {{first_name}}, you're invited to {{event_name}} on {{date}} at {{location}}.
RSVP here: {{rsvp_link}} | Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

30. Post-Purchase Upsell:
Hi {{first_name}}, customers who bought {{product}} also love {{related_product}}.
Get {{discount}}% off: {{link}}
Reply STOP to opt out.

8. Appointment & Booking Templates

31. Booking Confirmation:
Hi {{first_name}}, your booking is confirmed! 📅
Date: {{date}}
Time: {{time}}
Location: {{location}}
Reply CHANGE to reschedule or CANCEL to cancel.

32. 48-Hour Reminder:
Hi {{first_name}}, reminder: your {{service}} appointment is in 2 days on {{date}} at {{time}}.
Reply CONFIRM to confirm or RESCHEDULE to change the time.

33. 24-Hour Reminder:
Hi {{first_name}}, just a heads-up — your appointment is tomorrow at {{time}}. We look forward to seeing you at {{location}}!

34. 2-Hour Reminder:
Hi {{first_name}}, your appointment is in 2 hours at {{time}}. Address: {{address}}. Any questions? Reply here.

35. No-Show Follow-Up:
Hi {{first_name}}, we missed you at your {{time}} appointment today. Let's reschedule — book a new time here: {{booking_link}}

36. Post-Appointment Follow-Up:
Hi {{first_name}}, hope your {{service}} went well today! How would you rate your experience?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ {{review_link}}

37. Cancellation Confirmation:
Hi {{first_name}}, your appointment on {{date}} at {{time}} has been cancelled. Rebook anytime: {{booking_link}}

38. Available Slot Alert:
Hi {{first_name}}, a {{service}} slot just opened up: {{date}} at {{time}}. Book before it fills up: {{booking_link}}

39. Waitlist Update:
Hi {{first_name}}, you're at position {{position}} on the waitlist for {{service}}. We'll notify you as soon as a slot opens up.

40. Recurring Booking Reminder:
Hi {{first_name}}, your monthly {{service}} appointment is coming up. Same time — {{date}} at {{time}}? Reply YES to confirm or CHANGE if you'd like a different slot.

9. Finance & Authentication Templates

41. OTP Code:
Your {{business_name}} verification code is: {{code}}
Valid for 10 minutes. Do not share this code with anyone.

42. Payment Reminder:
Hi {{first_name}}, your invoice #{{invoice_id}} for {{amount}} is due on {{date}}. Pay now: {{payment_link}}

43. Payment Overdue:
Hi {{first_name}}, your payment of {{amount}} (invoice #{{invoice_id}}) is now overdue by {{days}} days. Please settle to avoid service interruption: {{payment_link}}

44. Payment Received:
Hi {{first_name}}, we've received your payment of {{amount}} for invoice #{{invoice_id}}. Thank you! Receipt: {{receipt_link}}

45. Subscription Renewal:
Hi {{first_name}}, your {{plan_name}} subscription renews on {{date}} for {{amount}}. Update payment method: {{link}} | Cancel: {{cancel_link}}

46. Low Balance Alert:
Hi {{first_name}}, your {{account_type}} balance is {{balance}} — below your minimum threshold. Top up now: {{link}}

47. Transaction Alert:
Hi {{first_name}}, a transaction of {{amount}} was made on your account on {{date}} at {{time}}. If this wasn't you, contact us immediately.

48. Account Expiry Warning:
Hi {{first_name}}, your {{product}} expires on {{date}}. Renew now to avoid interruption: {{renewal_link}}

49. KYC Reminder:
Hi {{first_name}}, your KYC verification expires on {{date}}. Complete renewal in 5 minutes: {{kyc_link}}

50. Contract Signature Request:
Hi {{first_name}}, your {{contract_name}} is ready for signature. Review and sign here: {{signing_link}} (valid until {{expiry}}).

Submit and Manage WhatsApp Templates with ChatDaddy

ChatDaddy's template manager makes it easy to create, submit, track, and use approved WhatsApp message templates at scale. Unlimited contacts on all plans.

Try ChatDaddy Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a WhatsApp Business message template?

A pre-formatted, Meta-reviewed message required for all business-initiated conversations outside the 24-hour service window. Templates support text, images, documents, buttons, and dynamic variables.

How do I get WhatsApp message templates approved?

Submit via Meta Business Manager or your API provider (ChatDaddy). Approval typically takes 0–24 hours. For faster approval: use proper variable formatting, include opt-out for marketing templates, avoid promotional language in utility templates.

Why do WhatsApp message templates get rejected?

Common reasons: promotional content in utility templates, missing opt-out in marketing templates, misleading content, improper variable formatting, content violating WhatsApp commerce policies, or spam-like patterns.

How many message templates can I have?

Up to 250 approved templates per WhatsApp Business account. Each language version counts separately.

What are the WhatsApp template categories?

Marketing (promotional), Utility (transactional updates), and Authentication (OTP codes). Category determines pricing — marketing templates cost more than utility.

Can templates have images and buttons?

Yes. Templates can include a header image/video/document, body text with variables, a footer, and up to 3 CTA buttons or 3 quick-reply buttons.

How long does template approval take?

Most templates are approved within hours, sometimes instantly. First-time accounts or complex templates may take up to 24 hours. Rejected templates can be revised and resubmitted immediately.