--- title: What is the Difference Between Template Messages and Session Messages on WhatsApp description: "Understanding the difference between template messages and session messages is key to managing your **[WhatsApp Business API](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/whatsapp-business-api/)** communications effectively. **SMSGatewayCenter** helps you leverage both types of messages to engage your customers. Here’s a detailed comparison to guide you: ## What…" url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/template-vs-session-messages-whatsapp/" updated: "2025-05-14" category: WhatsApp Business API / Template Messages --- # What is the Difference Between Template Messages and Session Messages on WhatsApp Understanding the difference between template messages and session messages is key to managing your **[WhatsApp Business API](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/whatsapp-business-api/)** communications effectively. **SMSGatewayCenter** helps you leverage both types of messages to engage your customers. Here’s a detailed comparison to guide you: ## What Are Template Messages? **Template messages**, also known as Highly Structured Messages (HSMs), are pre-approved messages businesses use to initiate conversations with customers outside the 24-hour Customer Care Window. They are typically used for proactive outreach, such as notifications or marketing campaigns. **Key Characteristics**: - Require WhatsApp approval before use. - Used for business-initiated messages (e.g., “Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} has shipped!”). - Can include dynamic variables for personalization (e.g., customer name, order number). - Often categorized as Marketing, Transactional, Utility, or Authentication. - Subject to WhatsApp’s formatting rules (e.g., text-based, up to 1024 characters). **Use Case**: Sending a promotional offer like, “Get 20% off today only! Use code SAVE20.” ## What Are Session Messages? Session messages are free-form messages sent within the 24-hour Customer Care Window, which opens when a customer initiates a conversation or replies to a template message. These messages allow for more flexible, two-way communication without needing pre-approval. **Key Characteristics**: - Do not require WhatsApp approval. - Can include text, media (e.g., images, videos), and interactive elements like buttons. - Only allowed within the 24-hour window after a customer’s message. - Ideal for real-time, conversational interactions. **Use Case**: Replying to a customer’s query like, “Yes, your order will arrive by May 16, 2025. Here’s the tracking link!” ### Key Differences Between Template and Session Messages **Approval Requirement**: - Template messages need pre-approval from WhatsApp. - Session messages do not require approval, as they occur within the 24-hour window. **Timing**: - Template messages are used to initiate contact outside the 24-hour window. - Session messages are used for replies or follow-ups within the 24-hour window. **Content Flexibility**: - Template messages are structured and limited to text with dynamic variables (media may be allowed in headers for certain types). - Session messages can include text, media, and interactive elements without restrictions. **Cost**: - Template messages may incur a higher cost as they are business-initiated. - Session messages are generally cheaper, as they are part of an active conversation. ### How to Use Both on SMSGatewayCenter #### **Using Template Messages** - **Access**: Log in to your SMSGatewayCenter account at https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/, navigate to the WhatsApp Business API section, and go to the *Template Messages* tab. - **Create**: Add a new template, submit it for approval, and use it to initiate conversations (e.g., sending a shipping update). - **Example**: After approval, send a template message like, “Hi {{1}}, your order is on its way!” to start a conversation. #### **Using Session Messages** - **Access**: Once a customer replies to your template message, the 24-hour window opens. Go to the *Agents Chat* or *Compose* section in your dashboard. - **Send**: Reply with a session message, such as an image of the product or a detailed response to their query. - **Example**: If a customer asks, “When will my order arrive?” reply within 24 hours with, “It’ll arrive by May 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM IST.” #### Best Practices for Effective Messaging - **Start with Templates**: Use template messages to initiate contact and open the 24-hour window for session messaging. - **Maximize the Session Window**: Respond promptly within the 24-hour window to engage customers with session messages, avoiding the need for additional templates. - **Ensure Compliance**: Always obtain opt-in for template messages to comply with WhatsApp’s policies. - **Track Performance**: Use SMSGatewayCenter’s analytics to monitor the effectiveness of both template and session messages. By understanding and using both template and session messages, you can create a seamless communication flow with your customers. For further assistance, 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/) Found this useful?[Add as Preferred Source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=smsgatewaycenter.com)