# Message types

All message types, except for template messages, can only be sent to a WhatsApp user when a [24-hour customer service window ](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/pricing#customer-service-windows)is open between you and the user. Template messages can be sent to a WhatsApp user at any time, as long as the user has opted-in to receive messages from you.

{% hint style="success" %}
See our [Developer Documentation](https://docs.clickatell.com/channels/one-api/one-api-reference/) for details about using our APIs.
{% endhint %}

## Message types

The WhatsApp Business API can be used to send the following types of messages (listed alphabetically):

### Audio messages

Display an audio icon and a link to an audio file. The audio file is downloaded and played when a customer taps the icon.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/yZxZ21myMUJBJkeHTYIN/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Authentication message

A highly structured template that allows One Time Pins to be delivered via the WhatsApp channel.

<figure><img src="https://2965460130-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FH9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U%2Fuploads%2FA6BYJtyZmsu3e086nftg%2FWhatsApp%20authentication.png?alt=media&#x26;token=69c803a3-fd4f-42d9-9f15-000240302830" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Commerce messages

Commerce messages are interactive messages used in conjunction with a product catalog. Catalog messages are free-form messages that allow you to showcase your product catalog entirely within WhatsApp.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
See [WhatsApp Commerce Messages](https://guides.clickatell.com/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/whatsapp-commerce-messages) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/yJ5t0S25eimQx3KqVZ5f/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Contacts messages

Send rich contact information such as names, phone numbers, physical addresses, and email addresses directly to customers.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/mMHVlQntWmtc332kNhJG/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Document messages

Display a document icon, linked to a document that a customer can tap to download.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/w8nYjsSKhTrulorHCJAB/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Image messages

Display a single image and an optional caption.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/Ni1Dq4fJUIDgpANyLSIF/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Interactive CTA URL button messages

Map any URL to a button, so you don't have to include raw URLs in the message body.

{% hint style="info" %}
See [Interactive messages](https://guides.clickatell.com/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/interactive-messages-lists-reply-buttons-location-requests) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/KBo9MJGBWF5CUPKjdrUJ/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Interactive list messages

Present customers with a list of options to choose from.

{% hint style="info" %}
See [Interactive messages](https://guides.clickatell.com/whatsapp-channel/interactive-messages-lists-reply-buttons-location-requests#when-to-use-interactive-messages-1) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/mVuv5Xf0ZNQ4pvh71ITu/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Interactive location request messages

Display body text and a *Send location* button. When a customer taps the button, a location-sharing screen appears that they can use to share their location.

{% hint style="info" %}
See [Interactive messages](https://guides.clickatell.com/whatsapp-channel/interactive-messages-lists-reply-buttons-location-requests#how-to-set-up-interactive-messages-1) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/5DdmrzCy8VyjmCAOZK1e/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Interactive reply buttons messages

Send up to three predefined replies for customers to choose from.

{% hint style="info" %}
See [Interactive messages](https://guides.clickatell.com/whatsapp-channel/interactive-messages-lists-reply-buttons-location-requests#reply-buttons) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/PBV4JXeXUBJ6tLTM2uvH/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Location messages

Send a location's latitude and longitude coordinates to a customer. Tapping the map opens the location in the mobile phone's map app.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/1NWRIcLdbJULCstsAXm6/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Text messages

Messages containing only a text body and an optional link preview.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/3SlpAPMrdygdb1WusX3p/image.png" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Template messages

Send marketing and utility templates to customers. Unlike all other message types, template messages do not require a 24-hour customer service window to be open between you and the customer before the message can be sent.

{% hint style="info" %}
See [WhatsApp message templates](https://guides.clickatell.com/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/whatsapp-message-templates) for more detail.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/QQmat2zXBUdmSmoIh1n0/image.png" alt="" width="299"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Video messages

Display a thumbnail preview of a video image with an optional caption. When your customer taps the preview, it loads the video and plays it.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/H9mbp0ZlSZKdmkQMXA0U/blobs/w9ZYkH94qMKDMQ66lwWj/image.png" alt="" width="299"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
Message types currently not supported by Clickatell:

* Address messages
* Interactive flow messages
* Sticker messages
* Reaction messages
  {% endhint %}