# WhatsApp Templates

WhatsApp marketing relies on message templates, which are pre-approved messages by Meta. These templates include WhatsApp broadcasts, greeting messages, and advertising messages.  It's a smart practice to have your most frequently used messages pre-approved for smooth and hassle-free communication.

### Rules for creating WhatsApp templates

For your WhatsApp messages to get approved, follow these simple guidelines:

1. **Template Name:** Use only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores.
2. **Content Guidelines:** Respect WhatsApp rules regarding message content.
3. **Restricted Content:** Avoid promoting restricted items like drugs, weapons, etc. [Learn more.](https://www.whatsapp.com/legal/commerce-policy/)
4. **No Sensitive Data:** Don't ask for financial or sensitive information.
5. **Variable Format:** Use {{variableName}} for variables, and provide samples for clarity. For example: {{name}}, {{price}}, or {{companyName}}.

Once you have created your template you can submit it for approval. It can take up to 24 hours for an approval decision to be made. Once a decision has been made, a tag will appear with your WhatsApp Message Template. 

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### WhatsApp templates Status

Templates can have the following statuses.

1. **`Submitted`**: Your template is in the process of being reviewed by WhatsApp/Meta. Wait for approval; the review typically takes around 24 hours.
2. **`Pending`**: Your template has been submitted and is awaiting review. Be patient; it's in the queue for the approval process.
3. **`Recently Approved`**: Your template has met WhatsApp's guidelines. Wait for the status to change to Approved to share the Template.
4. **`Approved`**: Your template is ready to use. Start sending your approved messages to contacts.
5. **`Rejected`**: Your template didn't meet WhatsApp's guidelines and needs adjustments. Re-create your template as per feedback and resubmit for review.
6. **`Error`**: An issue occurred during the template process; it might be incomplete or incorrect (wrong template category, or invalid link in the CTA). Review the template for errors and resubmit the template if needed.


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