---
title: What formatting rules should I follow when creating WhatsApp template messages?
description: "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…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/formatting-rules-follow-when-creating-whatsapp-template-messages/"
updated: "2025-05-14"
category: WhatsApp Business API / Template Messages
---

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

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**

- Log in to your SMSGatewayCenter account at [https://unify.smsgateway.center/](https://unify.smsgateway.center/).
- Navigate to the WhatsApp Business API section, then go to the *Template Messages*.

#### **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.

### More Related Articles

- [Is it possible to include a document, image, or video in a WhatsApp template message using SMSGatewayCenter, and if so, how?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/whatsapp-template-media-attachments-smsgatewaycenter/)
- [What steps can I take to prevent WhatsApp template message rejection when submitting through SMSGatewayCenter?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/prevent-whatsapp-template-rejection-smsgatewaycenter/)
- [How long does it take for a WhatsApp Template to be Approved?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/whatsapp-template-approval-time/)

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