Templates let you send messages to customers even when the 24-hour messaging window has closed. They're the official way to reach out when customers haven't recently messaged you or to send messages to contacts you've imported who have never messaged you before.

What is 24-hour rule?

24-hour window is a rule by Meta. Think of it like this: when someone messages your company, you have 24 hours to chat with them freely. After that, you'll need to wait for them to message you again before you can continue the chat.

Every time they send a new message, your 24-hour timer resets. This helps ensure people only get messages when they're actively interested in talking with your business.

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Learn more about 24-hour rule ⬈

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Pricing

Templates are a paid feature charged directly by Meta (not by Chatfuel). The cost changes by region and message type. See full pricing ⬈

How to use templates

Using templates requires two steps:

  1. Creating and getting templates approved in WhatsApp Manager.
  2. Setting up these templates in Chatfuel to send to your customers.

1. Creating templates in WhatsApp Manager

Templates must be created in WhatsApp Manager and approved by Meta before you can use them.

  1. Open WhatsApp Manager ⬈

  2. Go to ... ➜ Manage message templates.

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  3. Click Create Template ****to create a new template.

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  4. Choose a category: Marketing, Utility, or Authentication.

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