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What formatting rules should I follow when creating WhatsApp template messages?

admin
Updated on 14/05/2025

3 min read

To ensure your WhatsApp template messages are approved and delivered successfully, WhatsApp enforces specific formatting rules. SMSGatewayCenter helps you create compliant templates easily through our platform. Here’s a detailed guide to the formatting requirements for WhatsApp template messages:

Key Formatting Rules for Template Messages #

Text-Based Content Only #

  • Templates must be text-based, consisting of:
    • Letters (a-z, A-Z)
    • Digits (0-9)
    • Special characters (e.g., !, @, #)
    • Emojis
    • WhatsApp-specific formatting (e.g., bold, italic, ~strikethrough~, monospace).
  • Example: “Get 20% off your next order! Use code ~SAVE20~ at checkout.”

Character Limit #

  • The message body must not exceed 550 characters, including spaces, special characters, and formatting.
  • Tip: Keep your message concise to ensure it’s easy to read and meets the limit.

Supported WhatsApp Formatting #

  • Use the following WhatsApp-specific formatting to enhance your message:
    • Bold: Wrap text with asterisks (e.g., text becomes text).
    • Italic: Wrap text with underscores (e.g., text becomes text).
    • ~Strikethrough~: Wrap text with tildes (e.g., ~text~ becomes ~text~).
    • Monospace: Wrap text with triple backticks (e.g., text becomes text).
  • Note: Other formatting styles (e.g., underlining, colored text) are not supported.

Additional Guidelines for Compliance #

  • No Media in Body: The message body cannot include media (e.g., images, videos). However, you can add media in the header if supported by the template type (e.g., Interactive – Image with Buttons).
  • Dynamic Variables: Use placeholders for personalization (e.g., {{1}}, {{2}}). Ensure variables are properly formatted and replaced with actual values when sending.
  • Example: “Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} is on its way!”
  • Avoid Excessive Special Characters: Overusing special characters or emojis may lead to rejection. Use them sparingly to maintain professionalism.
  • No Line Breaks in Variables: Variables like {{1}} cannot contain line breaks, as this can cause formatting errors during delivery.

How to Create a Compliant Template on SMSGatewayCenter #

Access the Template Messages Section #

Create a Template #

  • Click Add New Template.
  • Select the message category (e.g., Transactional, Marketing).
  • Write the message body, ensuring it adheres to the rules above:
    • Keep it under 550 characters.
    • Use only text, digits, special characters, emojis, and supported formatting.
    • Add dynamic variables if needed (e.g., {{1}} for the customer’s name).
  • Submit the template for WhatsApp approval via SMSGatewayCenter.

Check for Approval #

  • WhatsApp reviews templates for compliance, which may take 24-48 hours.
  • If rejected due to formatting issues, revise the template (e.g., reduce character count, remove unsupported elements) and resubmit.

Best Practices for Formatting Template Messages #

  • Keep It Simple: Use clear, concise language to avoid exceeding the character limit.
  • Test Formatting: Preview your message in the SMSGatewayCenter dashboard to ensure formatting displays correctly.
  • Use Variables Wisely: Ensure dynamic variables fit seamlessly into the message structure without breaking the flow.
  • Stay Professional: Avoid overusing emojis or special characters, as this may lead to rejection or appear unprofessional.

Following these formatting rules ensures your WhatsApp template messages are approved quickly and delivered effectively to your audience. For further assistance with template creation, contact our support team.

Updated on 14/05/2025