Template types

The Template Type decides what the customer sees besides the text: nothing, a single image or video, a row of cards, or a coupon code they can copy. You pick it when you create the template, and it cannot change afterwards.

Which type to use

flowchart TD
    Q{"What is the message about?"}
    Q -->|"An update: an order, a delivery"| T["TEXT"]
    Q -->|"One product or one announcement"| I["IMAGE or VIDEO"]
    Q -->|"Several products to choose from"| C["Carousel"]
    Q -->|"A discount code with a deadline"| L["Limited Time Offer"]
    Q -->|"A document to keep"| F["FILE"]
    Q -->|"Asking for payment"| O["Order details"]

Default to TEXT for updates. Order confirmations and shipping updates are read for their information. A picture adds nothing, and TEXT templates need nothing attached when they are sent automatically.

Use an image when there is something to look at. A new arrival, a restock, a sale banner. People notice a photo far more than a line of text, and a product photo sells in a way a description cannot.

Use a carousel when choice is the point. A new collection, best-sellers in one category, gift ideas under a price. For a single hero product, one image is stronger than a carousel with one card.

Use a limited-time offer when the code is the message. It puts the code in front of the customer with a button to copy it, so nobody has to type it at checkout.

What every type shares

Whatever the type, the same rules apply:

• The text is always required. WhatsApp reviews the text, so even a carousel or a video needs words.
• Media is attached when you send. The file you upload while creating the template is only a sample for review. You attach the real one in each broadcast.
• The text cannot change after approval. Only the variables can. Plan the wording so it still works with a different image or product next time.

See Template fields for the fields every type has, and Why templates get rejected for the rules WhatsApp checks.