WhatsApp Template Message Formatting Rules

Follow these WhatsApp template formatting rules to ensure quick approval and a professional message structure.

Key Formatting Rules for WhatsApp Template Messages

Avoid rejections by adhering to these key guidelines for spelling, variables, URLs, and spacing in your WhatsApp templates.

1. Grammar and Spelling Accuracy

Ensure your message is free of spelling and grammatical errors before submission. Mistakes may lead to your template being flagged as spam.

2. Correct Variable Syntax

When using variable parameters (e.g., for names, dates, or order numbers), they must strictly adhere to the {{1}}, {{2}} , {{3}} format with exactly two curly brackets on each side.

3. Contextual Variable Placement

Always ensure that your variable parameters are embedded within descriptive text. Avoid using variables as standalone lines or directly consecutive to each other without accompanying content.

Example:

• Correct format:

Hello {{1}}, your order {{2}} is ready.

• Incorrect format:

Hello  
{{1}}  
Your order: {{2}}

4. Language Consistency

Your template content must be entirely in one language. Mixed-language content, like Spanglish (Spanish and English) or Franglais (French and English) is not permitted.

5. Test Template Format

If you are submitting a template solely for API connection testing purposes, it must follow a very specific, predefined format. Any deviation will result in rejection.

• Template Name: test

• Content: Hello {{1}}

6. URL Guidelines

Do not use URL shorteners (e.g., bit.ly, TinyURL, goo.gl) in your links. The full, original URL must be visible to recipients for transparency and security reasons.

Example:

• Correct: Visit our website: https://www.yourbusinessname.com/new-products

• Incorrect: Visit our website: https://bit.ly/123xyz

7. Spacing & Line Breaks

Refrain from using extra spaces at the end of lines or double spaces between words or sentences. Such unnecessary whitespace can cause template rejection.

• Correct:

Hi {{1}},  
Your appointment is confirmed for {{2}}.  

• Incorrect:

Hi {{1}},  

  
Your appointment is on {{2}}. 

8. Quick Reply Buttons

Do not include emoticons or emojis within the text of your Quick Reply buttons.

• Allowed:

[Yes] [No] [Call Support]  

• Rejected:

[👍 Yes] [👎 No] 

9. Phone Number Format for Call-to-Action

When a phone number is used in a Call-to-Action (CTA) button, it must include the full country code, but without the plus (+) sign. Failure to include the country code or adding a plus sign will lead to rejection.

Example:

• Correct: Call Us: 911234567890 (India: 91)

• Incorrect: Call Us: [phone] or 1234567890

By following these guidelines, you increase the chances of your WhatsApp template being approved quickly. Ensure clarity, consistency, and correctness before submission.