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WhatsApp complianceReviewed September 7, 2026

What is WhatsApp message template?

A WhatsApp message template is an approved Business Platform message used to initiate a conversation or send outside the customer service window.

Who this applies to#

  • The template rules apply to messages sent through the WhatsApp Business Platform

What WhatsApp message template requires#

  • Templates must comply with WhatsApp's policies and be used only for their designated purpose
  • WhatsApp may review, approve, pause, or reject a template at any time
WhatsApp Business Platform

Operator advice: review the message you intend to send against the template's designated purpose before reusing it for another campaign

What this does not require#

  • Replies within 24 hours of the user's last message do not require a template

Common mistakes#

  1. Assuming a previously approved template will remain available indefinitely
  2. Reusing an approved template without reviewing the new message's purpose
  3. Planning a send before checking whether the needed template is approved

WhatsApp message template checklist#

  • Decide whether this send requires a template
  • Confirm that the selected template is approved and available
  • Compare the intended message with the template's designated purpose
  • Plan what the team will do if the template is paused or rejected

OnVoard's take#

Approval can change. Check again. Start with the template and the person who will run the send. Ask them to explain its intended purpose and what they will do if it becomes unavailable. That discussion is more useful than discovering the mismatch after the campaign has been scheduled.

Official sources#