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Create and Manage WhatsApp Templates

The WhatsApp template editor in DriveMetaData (DMD) allows teams to build Meta-compliant WhatsApp messaging templates. You can construct both Standard Templates (single message layout with media, body text, and interactive buttons) and Carousel Templates (multi-card horizontally scrollable templates).

Before you start​

Confirm the following prerequisites before building WhatsApp templates:

  • Your WhatsApp Business Account (WABA) is connected and verified in DMD workspace settings.
  • Required media assets (images, MP4 videos, PDFs) are uploaded to the Media Library or accessible via public HTTPS URLs.
  • You have identified the target WhatsApp category: MARKETING, UTILITY, or AUTHENTICATION.
  • You understand Meta's strict variable formatting rules ({{1}}, {{2}}).

Standard WhatsApp Templates​

Standard templates consist of a single header, message body, optional footer, and up to 10 interactive action buttons.

create standard templates

1. Basic Information​

  • Template Name: Lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores only (e.g., black_friday_promo_2026).
  • Category: Select MARKETING, UTILITY, or AUTHENTICATION.
  • Language: Select the target locale (e.g., en_US, es_ES).

2. Header Configuration​

Select one of four header options:

  • None: Message starts directly with body copy.
  • Text: Static text header or dynamic text containing a single variable placeholder {{1}}.
  • Image: Attach a JPG/PNG header image (max 5 MB).
  • Video: Attach an MP4 video (max 16 MB).

3. Body Copy and Variables​

Enter your message body text (up to 1,024 characters). Use double curly braces for positional dynamic variables:

Hi {{1}}, thank you for joining {{2}}! Your unique discount code is {{3}}.
warning

Meta Variable Formatting Rules

  • Variables must be sequential numbers starting from 1: {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}}.
  • Variables cannot be placed at the very beginning or very end of the message body.
  • Variables cannot be adjacent (e.g., {{1}}{{2}} is invalid).

4. Interactive Buttons​

Add interactive buttons to increase engagement:

  • Quick Reply: Pre-set response text that users can tap to reply instantly (up to 3 buttons).
  • Call to Action (CTA):
    • Visit Website: Direct URL button. Can be static or dynamic (e.g., https://example.com/orders/{{1}}).
    • Call Phone Number: Direct dial button with country code and phone number.

Carousel templates display up to 10 horizontally scrollable cards, giving recipients an interactive catalog experience.

Card Structure​

Each card in a WhatsApp Carousel template contains:

  1. Header Image or Video: Visual media asset specific to the card item.
  2. Body Text: Card description copy supporting dynamic variables.
  3. Card Buttons: Up to 2 buttons per card (Quick Reply or Visit Website URL).
  1. Navigate to /templates/whatsapp/create?type=carousel.
  2. Enter basic metadata (Template Name, Language, Category).
  3. Click Add Card to add cards (minimum 2 cards, maximum 10 cards).
  4. For each card:
    • Select header media from the Media Library or upload a file.
    • Enter card body copy.
    • Configure card button labels and dynamic URL paths.
  5. Review the live interactive carousel preview on the right panel.
  6. Click Submit Template for Approval.

Variable Mapping and Fallback Values​

Meta requires sample fallback values for every dynamic variable before approving a template.

In the Variable Mapping section:

  1. Map each variable placeholder (e.g., {{1}}) to a DMD customer attribute (e.g., first_name).
  2. Provide a realistic Meta Example Value (e.g., Alex).
Placeholder: {{1}}  --->  DMD Attribute: first_name   --->  Meta Example: Alex
Placeholder: {{2}}  --->  DMD Attribute: company_name  --->  Meta Example: DriveMetaData

Meta Sync and Approval Lifecycle​

All WhatsApp templates submitted through DMD are automatically sent to Meta's automated template review system.

[Draft]  --->  [Pending Review]  --->  [Approved] (Ready for Campaigns)
                                  --->  [Rejected] (Fix & Resubmit)
StatusMeaningAction Needed
DraftSaved locally in DMD, not submitted to MetaComplete form and click Submit
PendingUnder review by Meta automated safety filtersUsually completes in 1-15 minutes (can take up to 24 hours)
ApprovedApproved by MetaTemplate can now be selected in Campaign Module
RejectedFlagged by Meta for policy or syntax violationReview rejection reason code, fix copy/variables, and resubmit

QA Checklist​

  • Template name contains only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores.
  • Variables follow strict sequential numbering ({{1}}, {{2}}).
  • Realistic sample values are provided in the Meta Example Map for all placeholders.
  • Header media handle is properly uploaded and preview renders cleanly.
  • Dynamic CTA button URLs contain exactly one variable suffix (e.g., https://domain.com/item/{{1}}).

Common Issues and Troubleshooting​

IssueCauseFix
Meta Rejection: Invalid FormatNon-sequential variables (e.g., {{1}} and {{3}} without {{2}})Renumber placeholders sequentially
Meta Rejection: Promotional Content in Utility CategorySelected category UTILITY but copy contains discount offerChange template category to MARKETING
Media Upload ErrorFile size exceeds Meta limits (Image > 5MB, Video > 16MB)Compress asset file size and retry
Dynamic URL Button FailsDomain host omitted from button URLInclude full protocol prefix https:// in base URL