# Add message templates

## Create a custom message template

{% hint style="info" %}
Refer to [this section](#add-a-chat-2-pay-template) if you want to add Chat 2 Pay templates.
{% endhint %}

To take full advantage of all template functionality, you need to be [business verified](/whatsapp-channel/getting-started/get-business-verified.md). You can create a limited number of templates in an unverified business state.  

1. Navigate to *My Workspace -> WhatsApp* and select a WhatsApp account from the table.

<figure><img src="/files/r1bBwIqFqT5EWnW7clCE" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Click *Manage & Create Templates in Facebook Business Manager.*
3. You will be directed to your Facebook Business Manager Account (FBBM).

{% hint style="info" %}
This only applies to clients who have used the new WhatsApp Embedded Signup flow to onboard. Clients who used the legacy on-behalf-of signup flow still create templates within the Clickatell Portal as described [here](broken://pages/64249eDtiRnAxtlZHV8w).
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/DvxkPsOXZlFVOlBKm3Hh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Follow [the steps](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/2055875911147364?id=2129163877102343) to apply for a WhatsApp Message Template from within FBBM. (Also shown in the video below.)

{% hint style="info" %}

* When using **variables**, ensure that you use number-type variables, e.g., **{{1}}, {{2}},** ... Clickatell does **not** currently support name-type variables.
* To see which **languages** Clickatell supports, [see this FAQ](https://www.clickatell.com/help-center/whatsapp/message-templates/what-languages-do-clickatell-support-for-whatsapp-message-templates/).
  {% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://vimeo.com/873266553/e5f586be5a?share=copy>" %}

3. Once submitted, the template is reviewed by WhatsApp.

{% hint style="warning" %}
You cannot edit your template once you've submitted it for approval.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

4. Return to the *WhatsApp Account Details* page in your Clickatell Portal. You will be prompted to sync your templates.&#x20;

<figure><img src="/files/hPptw7Zo6aqcW15w6pbr" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6. Once synced, the template appears in your table of message templates with its status.
7. Click on a template in the table to see its details, including a preview and status.
8. Once it has an "Approved" status, your template is now [ready to use](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/whatsapp-message-templates/send-message-templates.md).&#x20;
   * Note that the time it takes for WhatsApp to approve your template may vary.&#x20;
   * It might take a few minutes for all templates to sync and appear in your Clickatell Portal.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Clickatell currently supports Authentication, Marketing, and Utility template categories.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
**Also see:**

* [Use media in templates](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/whatsapp-message-templates/use-media-in-message-templates.md)
* [Use interactive buttons in templates](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/whatsapp-message-templates/use-interactive-buttons-in-message-templates.md)
* [Use interactive messages](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/interactive-messages-lists-reply-buttons-location-requests.md)
* [Showcase product catalog in templates](/whatsapp-channel/channel-capabilities/whatsapp-message-templates/showcase-product-catalog-in-message-template.md)
  {% endhint %}

## Add a Chat 2 Pay template

To use our [Chat 2 Pay](https://guides.clickatell.com/chat-2-pay-user-guide) application, you need two message templates: ["payment request" and "confirmation" messages](https://clickatell.gitbook.io/chat-2-pay-user-guide/cybersource-and-salesforce/configuration-details/message-configurations).

We've added these two pre-approved message templates to save you time and improve the chances that your templates will be approved by WhatsApp. All you have to do is link them to the Chat 2 Pay product.

{% hint style="info" %}
You cannot edit any of the content within these two templates
{% endhint %}

1. Navigate to *My Workspace --> WhatsApp* and select a WhatsApp account from the table.
2. Click + New Chat 2 Pay Template.

<figure><img src="/files/h0F603vwyS9PQgSVI3pH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3. Select the *Chat 2 Pay t*emplate type from the dropdown.
4. Enter your company name.&#x20;
5. You can preview the two templates at the bottom.&#x20;
6. Click *Submit*.

<figure><img src="/files/xTT4teUZEnAFlfRk7K3q" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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