Send template messages

Template messages are pre-approved by Meta and can be sent outside the 24-hour service window. Use them to initiate conversations, send marketing campaigns, or send utility notifications.

Template categories

Category	Use case	Meta cost
Marketing	Promotions, offers, retargeting	Highest
Utility	Order updates, shipping, receipts	Medium
Authentication	OTP codes, login verification	Medium
Service	Replies within 24h window	Free

Send a template

await supabase
  .from('messages')
  .insert({
    organization_id: 'your-org-id',
    organization_address: 'phone-number-id',
    contact_address: '5215588392274',
    service: 'whatsapp',
    direction: 'outgoing',
    content: {
      type: 'data',
      kind: 'template',
      template: {
        name: 'hello_world',
        language: { code: 'en_US' },
        components: []
      }
    }
  });

Template with variables

content: {
  type: 'data',
  kind: 'template',
  template: {
    name: 'order_confirmation',
    language: { code: 'es' },
    components: [
      {
        type: 'body',
        parameters: [
          { type: 'text', text: 'Juan' },
          { type: 'text', text: '#12345' },
          { type: 'text', text: '$99.00' }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}

Template with media header

content: {
  type: 'data',
  kind: 'template',
  template: {
    name: 'promo_with_image',
    language: { code: 'en_US' },
    components: [
      {
        type: 'header',
        parameters: [
          {
            type: 'image',
            image: { link: 'https://example.com/promo.jpg' }
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}

Managing templates

Templates are created and managed through:

The wakit dashboard (Templates section)
Meta's WhatsApp Manager
The WhatsApp Cloud API directly

Templates must be approved by Meta before they can be sent. Approval typically takes minutes to hours.

Meta pricing

Meta charges per template message sent. Pricing varies by country and category. See Meta's official pricing.

If a customer messages you first and you reply within the 24-hour service window using a text message, there is no Meta fee. Template fees only apply when you initiate conversations or send outside the window.