---
title: What is a WhatsApp carousel template, and how do I create one with SMSGatewayCenter for my business?
description: "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…"
url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/whatsapp-carousel-template-with-smsgatewaycenter/"
updated: "2025-05-14"
category: WhatsApp Business API / Template Messages
---

# What is a WhatsApp carousel template, and how do I create one with SMSGatewayCenter for my business?

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](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/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](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).

[![WhatsApp carousel template](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/whatsapp-carousel-template-1024x562.webp)](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/whatsapp-carousel-template.webp)

### **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.

### 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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