A WhatsApp carousel template is an interactive message format that allows you to showcase multiple items (e.g., products, services) in a scrollable format, each with its own image, description, and call-to-action (CTA) buttons. SMSGatewayCenter makes it easy to create and use carousel templates to engage your customers visually. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a carousel template:
What Is a WhatsApp Carousel Template? #
Carousel templates are a type of WhatsApp Business API template message under the Marketing category, designed to display up to 10 cards in a single message. Each card can include an image, a brief description, and up to two CTA buttons (e.g., “Shop Now,” “Learn More”). These templates are perfect for promoting products, showcasing offers, or highlighting services in a visually appealing way.
Requirements for Carousel Templates #
- Category: Must be classified as a Marketing template.
- Approval: Requires pre-approval from WhatsApp before use.
- Card Limit: Up to 10 cards per carousel.
- Media: Each card must include an image (JPG, JPEG, or PNG, up to 5MB).
- Buttons: Each card can have up to 2 CTA buttons (e.g., URL links or quick replies).
- Character Limits:
- Card title: Up to 60 characters.
- Card description: Up to 160 characters.
- Button text: Up to 20 characters per button.
How to Create a Carousel Template on SMSGatewayCenter #
Access the Template Messages Section #
- Log in to your SMSGatewayCenter account at https://unify.smsgateway.center.
- Navigate to the WhatsApp Business API section, then go to the Template Messages tab.
Start Creating a Carousel Template #
- Click Add New Template.
- Select Marketing as the category, as carousel templates are promotional.
- Choose the template type as Carousel (this option may be labeled as “Interactive – Carousel” in the SMSGatewayCenter UI).
- Specify the language for your template (e.g., English, Hindi).
Configure the Carousel Details #
- Template Name: Enter a unique name (e.g., “product_showcase_may2025”).
- Add Cards: Create 2 to 10 cards for the carousel:
- Image: Upload an image for each card (JPG/JPEG/PNG, up to 5MB) or provide an external URL.
- Title: Add a title for the card (e.g., “Summer Dress – 20% Off,” up to 60 characters).
- Description: Write a brief description (e.g., “Limited stock, grab yours now!” up to 160 characters).
- Buttons: Add up to 2 CTA buttons per card:
- Button Type: Choose “Visit Website” (URL link) or “Quick Reply” (triggers a response).
- Button Text: Enter the button label (e.g., “Shop Now,” up to 20 characters).
- Button Action: For URL buttons, provide the link (e.g., your website); for Quick Reply, set a postback ID to trigger a response.
- Repeat for each card (e.g., one card for each product in your catalog).
Submit for Approval #
- Review your carousel template to ensure all cards meet WhatsApp’s guidelines (e.g., image size, character limits).
- Submit the template for WhatsApp approval via SMSGatewayCenter. Approval typically takes 24-48 hours.
Send the Carousel Template #
- Once approved, go to the Compose section in your dashboard.
- Select the approved carousel template from the list.
- Add any dynamic values if the template includes variables (e.g., customer name).
- Choose your recipients (e.g., upload a contact list or target a segment).
- Send the message and track engagement using SMSGatewayCenter’s analytics.
Best Practices for Carousel Templates #
- Use High-Quality Images: Ensure images are clear and visually appealing to attract attention (recommended resolution: 800x800px).
- Keep Descriptions Concise: Stick to the character limits and make descriptions compelling (e.g., highlight key benefits or discounts).
- Leverage CTAs: Use buttons to drive action, such as linking to your product page or prompting a reply (e.g., “Interested?”).
- Obtain Opt-In: Ensure customers have opted in to receive marketing messages to comply with WhatsApp’s policies.
- Test Before Sending: Use SMSGatewayCenter’s Test feature to preview the carousel and ensure all cards display correctly.
Why Use Carousel Templates? #
- Engage Visually: Showcase multiple products or offers in one message, increasing engagement.
- Drive Conversions: CTAs make it easy for customers to take action (e.g., visit your website).
- Save Time: Promote several items at once without sending multiple messages.
Carousel templates are a powerful way to promote your business on WhatsApp. For further assistance with creating or managing carousel templates, contact our support team.