Templates are pre-approved message formats — required for any business-initiated WhatsApp message. Campaigns can now create templates for you automatically; use this guide when you want manual control.

Create one

1. Go to Templates → Create New Template.
2. Name — lowercase, numbers, underscores; make it descriptive (diwali_sale_2026).
3. Type — text, image, video, or carousel (multiple swipeable cards, each with its own image and link).
4. Language — create templates in any of the supported languages; pick the language your customers actually read.
5. Message text — write your own, or start from the template library: ready-made, ecommerce-friendly texts (offers, product launches, back-in-stock, festive campaigns) you can use as-is or edit. Personalize with Add Variable (standard Shopify variables like customer name or order number, or custom variables — those need a sample value and file-upload campaigns).
6. Buttons (optional) — link buttons to your store, or an opt-out button on promotional templates.
7. Fix anything the real-time validation flags, then submit for WhatsApp approval — officially 24–48 hours, usually through in about 15–20 minutes.

Rejected? See why templates get rejected.