Create Your First Template
Templates are reusable message blueprints that enable consistent, personalized communication across SMS and WhatsApp.
What you'll accomplish: Create a template → Customize content → Submit for approval → Get template ID
⏳ Time required: ~5 minutes
Using light onboarding? You already have access to 6 pre-built OTP and verification templates — no custom template needed to get started. Find them in your dashboard under Templates. Create a custom template here when you're ready to go beyond those defaults (requires completed account setup).
What is a Template?
A template in Sent is:
- A reusable message format with dynamic variables
- Automatically adapted for SMS and WhatsApp
- Submitted to Meta for WhatsApp approval
- Referenced by ID when sending messages
Navigate to Templates
Go to the Templates page in your Sent Dashboard.
Choose Creation Method
You have several options:
| Method | Best For |
|---|---|
| Create from Sample | Quick start with pre-designed templates |
| Create from Scratch | Full customization control |
| Import from Meta | Using existing WhatsApp templates |
| From JSON Definition | Programmatic template creation |
For this guide, we'll use "Create from Sample".
Select a Sample Template
Choose a template that matches your use case:
Recommended for beginners:
- "Hello with SMS and WhatsApp" - Simple greeting template
- "Order Confirmation" - E-commerce notification
- "Appointment Reminder" - Service business reminder
Click "Use Sample" to proceed.
Customize Your Template
Modify the template content for your business:
Template Components
| Component | SMS Support | WhatsApp Support | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Header | ❌ | ✅ | Title or introduction (60 chars max) |
| Body | ✅ | ✅ | Main message content (1028 chars max) |
| Footer | ❌ | ✅ | Disclaimers or context (60 chars max) |
| Buttons | ❌ | ✅ | Interactive elements |
Dynamic Variables
Use variables for personalized content:
Hello {{customerName}}, your order {{orderNumber}} has been shipped!Variables are shown in yellow boxes in the editor.
Submit for Review
Once satisfied with your template, click "Submit for Review":
WhatsApp templates require Meta approval (typically 24-48 hours). You can still send SMS messages using the template while waiting for approval.
Template statuses:
- Draft - Editing in progress
- Pending - Submitted for review
- Approved - Ready to use
- Rejected - Needs modifications
Get Your Template ID
Once created, copy your template ID:
You'll need this ID when sending messages via the API:
{
"to": ["+1234567890"],
"template": {
"id": "YOUR_TEMPLATE_ID"
}
}Template Best Practices
Content Guidelines
✅ Do:
- Keep messages concise and clear
- Use variables for personalization
- Include clear call-to-action
- Test on both SMS and WhatsApp
❌ Don't:
- Use promotional language in utility templates
- Include excessive punctuation (!!!)
- Use all caps
- Include URLs in the body (use button links instead)
Character Limits
| Channel | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SMS | 160 chars per segment | Longer messages split into multiple SMS |
| WhatsApp Body | 1028 chars | Rich formatting supported |
| WhatsApp Header | 60 chars | Optional |
| WhatsApp Footer | 60 chars | Optional |
What's Next?
Now that you have a template:
- Send your first message - Use your template to send a message
- Learn more about templates - Advanced template features
- Set up webhooks - Track template approval status
Troubleshooting
Template rejected? Common reasons:
- Violates Meta's commerce policy
- Contains promotional content in utility category
- Poor grammar or spelling
- Missing context
Template stuck in "Pending"?
- Normal for WhatsApp approval (24-48 hours)
- Use SMS in the meantime
- Check template status in dashboard