> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.connectly.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create Template

> Submit a WhatsApp template to Meta for approval ⏳

Submit a new WhatsApp template to Meta for review. Templates cannot be used until Meta approves them — typically within 5 minutes but up to 24 hours. Check approval status using [Get templates](/business-management/get-templates).

## Endpoint

```json theme={null}
POST https://api.connectly.ai/v1/businesses/{businessId}/create/template
```

## Request body

| Field                 | Type   | Required | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| --------------------- | ------ | -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| `name`                | string | Yes      | Template name. Used to reference the template when sending messages.                                                                                                                                         |
| `language`            | object | Yes      | Language object with a single `code` field (e.g. `{ "code": "en_US" }`). See [Meta's supported languages](https://developers.facebook.com/docs/whatsapp/api/messages/message-templates#supported-languages). |
| `category`            | string | Yes      | Template category: `MESSAGE_TEMPLATE_GROUP_CATEGORY_MARKETING`, `MESSAGE_TEMPLATE_GROUP_CATEGORY_UTILITY`, or `MESSAGE_TEMPLATE_GROUP_CATEGORY_AUTHENTICATION`.                                              |
| `template_components` | array  | Yes      | Ordered list of component objects defining the template structure. See [Template components](/business-management/templates#template-components).                                                            |

## Response

```json theme={null}
{
  "entity": {
    "id": "template_name",
    "name": "template_name",
    "category": "MARKETING",
    "templates": [
      {
        "id": "1385622408844485",
        "language": { "code": "en_US" },
        "status": "MESSAGE_TEMPLATE_STATUS_PENDING",
        "createdAt": "2023-01-18T01:07:20.075195879Z",
        "updatedAt": "2023-01-18T01:07:20.075195879Z",
        "templateComponents": [...],
        "rejectionReason": null
      }
    ]
  }
}
```

The template starts with `status: MESSAGE_TEMPLATE_STATUS_PENDING`. Once Meta reviews it, the status transitions to approved or rejected.

***

## Examples

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Body only — no variables">
    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "simple_greeting",
      "language": { "code": "en_US" },
      "template_components": [
        {
          "body": {
            "text": { "text": "Thanks for reaching out! We'll be in touch shortly." }
          }
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Body with variables">
    Variables use `{{N}}` syntax, numbered sequentially from 1.

    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "order_confirmation",
      "language": { "code": "en_US" },
      "template_components": [
        {
          "body": {
            "text": {
              "text": "Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} has been confirmed and will arrive by {{3}}."
            }
          }
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Image header + body variables">
    Provide an example image URL in `example` to speed up Meta's approval review.

    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "product_launch",
      "language": { "code": "en_US" },
      "template_components": [
        {
          "header": {
            "media": {
              "type": "TYPE_IMAGE",
              "example": ["https://cdn.connectly.ai/example/product.png"]
            }
          }
        },
        {
          "body": {
            "text": {
              "text": "Hi {{1}}, check out our new product — {{2}}. Available now!"
            }
          }
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Text header + body + footer">
    Text headers support one variable (`{{1}}`).

    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "appointment_reminder",
      "language": { "code": "en_US" },
      "template_components": [
        {
          "header": {
            "text": { "text": "Reminder: {{1}}" }
          }
        },
        {
          "body": {
            "text": { "text": "Your appointment is scheduled for {{1}} at {{2}}." }
          }
        },
        {
          "footer": {
            "text": { "text": "Reply CANCEL to cancel." }
          }
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Document header + footer">
    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "invoice_template",
      "language": { "code": "en_US" },
      "template_components": [
        {
          "header": {
            "media": {
              "type": "TYPE_DOCUMENT",
              "example": ["https://cdn.connectly.ai/example/invoice.pdf"]
            }
          }
        },
        {
          "body": {
            "text": { "text": "Please find your invoice attached." }
          }
        },
        {
          "footer": {
            "text": { "text": "Contact support@example.com for questions." }
          }
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Quick reply buttons">
    Up to 3 quick reply buttons. Cannot be combined with URL or phone buttons.

    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "confirm_appointment",
      "language": { "code": "en_US" },
      "template_components": [
        {
          "body": {
            "text": { "text": "Can you make your appointment on {{1}}?" }
          }
        },
        { "button": { "quickReply": { "text": "Confirm" } } },
        { "button": { "quickReply": { "text": "Reschedule" } } },
        { "button": { "quickReply": { "text": "Cancel" } } }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="URL button">
    Do not use shortened URLs — WhatsApp rejects them. You can add a dynamic suffix variable to the URL.

    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "track_order",
      "language": { "code": "en_US" },
      "template_components": [
        {
          "body": {
            "text": { "text": "Your order is on its way! Track it here:" }
          }
        },
        {
          "button": {
            "url": {
              "text": "Track my order",
              "url": "https://example.com/track/{{1}}"
            }
          }
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Phone number button">
    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "contact_support",
      "language": { "code": "en_US" },
      "template_components": [
        {
          "body": {
            "text": { "text": "Need help? Call our support team directly." }
          }
        },
        {
          "button": {
            "phoneNumber": {
              "text": "Call support",
              "phoneNumber": "+16044441234"
            }
          }
        }
      ]
    }
    ```
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Carousel template">
    Carousel templates display multiple horizontally scrollable cards. Each card has its own header image, body, and buttons.

    ```json theme={null}
    {
      "name": "carousel_demo_1",
      "language": { "code": "en_US" },
      "category": "MESSAGE_TEMPLATE_GROUP_CATEGORY_MARKETING",
      "template_components": [
        {
          "body": {
            "text": {
              "text": "Hey there! 👋 Check out our latest products."
            }
          }
        },
        {
          "carousel": {
            "cards": [
              {
                "components": [
                  {
                    "header": {
                      "media": {
                        "type": "TYPE_IMAGE",
                        "example": ["https://example.com/card1.png"]
                      }
                    }
                  },
                  {
                    "body": {
                      "text": {
                        "text": "Perfect for you, {{1}}! 🍓"
                      }
                    }
                  },
                  {
                    "button": {
                      "url": {
                        "text": "Shop now",
                        "url": "https://example.com/store/{{1}}"
                      }
                    }
                  },
                  {
                    "button": {
                      "quickReply": { "text": "See more" }
                    }
                  }
                ]
              },
              {
                "components": [
                  {
                    "header": {
                      "media": {
                        "type": "TYPE_IMAGE",
                        "example": ["https://example.com/card2.png"]
                      }
                    }
                  },
                  {
                    "body": {
                      "text": {
                        "text": "Unlock coupons for just {{1}}! 🎉"
                      }
                    }
                  },
                  {
                    "button": {
                      "url": {
                        "text": "Get coupons",
                        "url": "https://example.com/coupons/{{1}}"
                      }
                    }
                  },
                  {
                    "button": {
                      "quickReply": { "text": "Explore more" }
                    }
                  }
                ]
              }
            ]
          }
        }
      ]
    }
    ```

    To send this carousel template, see [Send template message — Carousel](/message-api/send-template-message#carousel-template).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>