WhatsApp Business Template Message Previewer
Preview and validate WhatsApp Business API template messages before submission to Meta. See exactly how your template renders on mobile with live character counts and variable validation.
{{1}}, {{2}} for dynamic content (e.g., domain name, customer name).{{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} for dynamic content. Variables must be sequential (no skipping numbers). When sent, these are replaced with real data.Using template messages for form submissions?
FormBeep uses WhatsApp Business template messages to send you instant notifications when someone fills your form — no setup required. We handle the template approval, variable mapping, and delivery. You just get the notification.
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What are WhatsApp Business template messages?
Template messages are pre-approved message formats required by the WhatsApp Business API to send notifications to customers outside the 24-hour customer service window. Unlike regular messages, templates must be submitted to Meta for approval before you can use them. They're designed for common business scenarios: order confirmations, shipping updates, appointment reminders, and form submission notifications.
Each template consists of a header (optional), body (required), footer (optional), and buttons (optional). You can use variables like {{1}}, {{2}} to personalize the message with customer-specific data when sending.
Template message character limits
WhatsApp enforces strict character limits for each template component:
- Header: 60 characters (text only, or you can use media)
- Body: 1024 characters (this is where your main message goes)
- Footer: 60 characters (small text, no variables)
- Button text: 25 characters per button
Exceeding these limits will cause your template submission to be rejected by Meta. Use this previewer to validate your template before submitting.
How to use variables in WhatsApp templates
Variables let you personalize template messages with dynamic content. Use the format {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} in your template body and header. Variables must be sequential — you can't skip numbers. For example, if you use {{1}} and {{3}}, Meta will reject the template because {{2}} is missing.
When you send the message via API, you pass an array of values that replace the variables in order: ["John", "john@example.com", "Premium Plan"] would replace {{1}}, {{2}}, {{3}} respectively.
Template categories and approval
Meta requires you to categorize each template as Marketing, Utility, or Authentication. Utility templates (order updates, account alerts, form submissions) typically get approved within minutes. Marketing templates (promotions, announcements) face stricter review and may take 24–48 hours. Choose the category that matches your use case — miscategorized templates may be rejected.
If you're sending form submission notifications, services like FormBeep handle template approval and management automatically so you don't have to deal with Meta's approval process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between template messages and regular messages?
Regular WhatsApp messages can only be sent within 24 hours of the customer's last message to you. Template messages are pre-approved formats that let you send notifications anytime, even if the customer hasn't messaged you recently. They're required for business-initiated conversations.
How long does template approval take?
Utility templates (notifications, alerts, confirmations) are usually approved within minutes. Marketing templates can take 24–48 hours. If rejected, Meta provides a reason — common issues are overly promotional language or missing required information.
Can I edit a template after it's approved?
No. Once approved, templates are immutable. If you need to make changes, you must submit a new template with a different name. This is why previewing and validating before submission is crucial.
How many buttons can I add to a template?
Quick reply buttons: maximum 3. Call-to-action buttons (URL or phone): maximum 2. You can mix types, but the total cannot exceed 3 buttons. Each button label is limited to 25 characters.
Do I need WhatsApp Business API to use templates?
Yes. Template messages are only available through the WhatsApp Business API, not the WhatsApp Business App. If you want template-based notifications without managing the API yourself, use a service like FormBeep that handles it for you.