# 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="/files/nb0T5cqZP84CzSGuEqFl" 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="/files/pxDCM4d9rWy9P4Vsstzh" 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](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/whatsapp-commerce-messages.md) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/DOD3BlXxOaZfHWRg2yWq" 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="/files/jBAfooibkOBA9gx8XDGb" 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="/files/ccPm1ZuVRqtvK6glX9Yb" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Image messages

Display a single image and an optional caption.

<figure><img src="/files/9BDrr1aLA0cbFhlnSlIi" 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](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/interactive-messages-lists-reply-buttons-location-requests.md) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/YnOx0emwhe1V9pDDYZMU" 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](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/interactive-messages-lists-reply-buttons-location-requests.md#when-to-use-interactive-messages-1) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/6t9N5TAXCEqE4fdnK3KX" 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](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/interactive-messages-lists-reply-buttons-location-requests.md#how-to-set-up-interactive-messages-1) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/C4PNArmFo3GIKYUY6LOJ" 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](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/interactive-messages-lists-reply-buttons-location-requests.md#reply-buttons) for more details.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/JpGOwMptm7KhQbjMWxht" 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="/files/MqDYvWBjMv0GaeqkF9Po" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Text messages

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

<figure><img src="/files/n14ZfiMHJ258WOU9xK7O" 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](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/whatsapp-message-templates.md) for more detail.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/1nvwOCOTFlnhYyxSfTID" 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="/files/np6Zzs6fGuFJy4qNGuaV" 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 %}


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