--- title: Is it possible to include a document, image, or video in a WhatsApp template message using SMSGatewayCenter, and if so, how? description: "**WhatsApp template messages** are powerful for business-initiated communication, but there are specific rules about including media like documents, images, or videos. **SMSGatewayCenter** helps you create compliant templates while maximizing their impact. Here’s what you need to know about attaching media…" url: "https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/whatsapp-template-media-attachments-smsgatewaycenter/" updated: "2025-05-15" category: WhatsApp Business API / Template Messages --- # Is it possible to include a document, image, or video in a WhatsApp template message using SMSGatewayCenter, and if so, how? **WhatsApp template messages** are powerful for business-initiated communication, but there are specific rules about including media like documents, images, or videos. **SMSGatewayCenter** helps you create compliant templates while maximizing their impact. Here’s what you need to know about attaching media to WhatsApp template messages: ## Can You Attach Media to WhatsApp Template Messages? - **Message Body**: No, you cannot directly attach a document, image, or video in the *message body* of a standard WhatsApp template message. The body must be text-based, limited to 1024 characters, and can include letters, digits, special characters, emojis, and WhatsApp-supported formatting (e.g., *bold*, *italic*). - **Header Section**: Yes, you can include media (documents, images, or videos) in the *header* of certain template types, such as Interactive templates with buttons. This allows you to enhance your message visually while keeping the body text-based. ## Supported Media Types for Template Headers When using an Interactive template (e.g., Interactive - Image with Buttons, Interactive - Video with Buttons, Interactive - Document with Buttons), you can add media in the header. Here are the supported media types and their requirements: **Documents**: - Supported formats: PDF, DOC(X), PPT(X), XLS(X). - File size: Up to 100MB. - Example: Attach a product catalog PDF in the header. **Images**: - Supported formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG. - File size: Up to 5MB. - Example: Add a product image in the header to showcase an offer. **Videos**: - Supported formats: MP4, 3GPP. - File size: Up to 16MB. - Example: Include a short promotional video in the header. ## How to Add a Document, Image, or Video to a Template on SMSGatewayCenter **Access the Template Messages Section** - Log in to your SMSGatewayCenter account. - Navigate to the [WhatsApp Business API](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/whatsapp-business-api/) section, then go to the *Template Messages* tab. **Create an Interactive Template with Media** - Click *Add New Template*. - Select the *Marketing* or *Utility* category, depending on your use case. - Choose the template type based on the media you want to include: - *Interactive - Document with Buttons* (for documents). - *Interactive - Image with Buttons* (for images). - *Interactive - Video with Buttons* (for videos). - Fill in the details: - *Template Name*: Use a descriptive name (e.g., “product_catalog_may2025”). - *Language*: Select the language (e.g., English). - *Header Media*: Upload the document, image, or video: - For documents: Upload a file (e.g., PDF) or provide an external URL (up to 100MB). - For images: Upload a file (e.g., JPG) or provide a URL (up to 5MB). - For videos: Upload a file (e.g., MP4) or provide a URL (up to 16MB). - *Message Body*: Write the text (e.g., “Check out our latest catalog! Choose an option below.”). - *Buttons*: Add up to 3 quick reply buttons or 2 call-to-action (CTA) buttons (e.g., “View More,” “Contact Us”). **Submit for Approval** - Review the template to ensure it meets WhatsApp’s guidelines (e.g., correct file formats, message body under 1024 characters). - Submit the template for WhatsApp approval via **SMSGatewayCenter**. Approval typically takes 24-48 hours. **Send the Template Message** - Once approved, go to the *Compose* section in your dashboard. - Select the approved template with the media header. - Replace any dynamic variables (e.g., customer name). - Choose your recipients and send the message. ### Best Practices for Using Media in Templates - **Ensure High Quality**: Use clear, high-quality media (e.g., images at 800x800px resolution) to make a strong impression. - **Keep File Sizes Within Limits**: Stick to the size limits (documents: 100MB, images: 5MB, videos: 16MB) to avoid upload errors. - **Test Before Sending**: Use SMSGatewayCenter’s *Test* feature to preview the template and ensure the media displays correctly. - **Obtain Opt-In**: For Marketing templates, ensure customers have opted in to receive messages to comply with WhatsApp’s policies. #### Why Use Media in Template Headers? - **Enhance Engagement**: Adding a document, image, or video makes your message more visually appealing and engaging. - **Showcase Products**: Use media to highlight products, offers, or services directly in the message. - **Drive Actions**: Combine media with buttons (e.g., “Shop Now”) to encourage users to take action. While you can’t attach media directly in the message body, using Interactive templates with media headers is a great way to enhance your **[WhatsApp template messages](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb-cat/template-messages/)**. For further assistance with creating templates, contact our support team. ### More Related Articles - [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/) - [How can I Obtain Opt-in for WhatsApp Messaging?](https://www.smsgatewaycenter.com/blog/kb/whatsapp-messaging-opt-in-guide/) Found this useful?[Add as Preferred Source on Google](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=smsgatewaycenter.com)