WhatsApp Message Templates: 35 Copy-Paste Examples by Use Case

If you run a WhatsApp Business account, you can't just type a message and blast it to your list. Any message you send outside an open conversation has to be a pre-approved template, and templates only get approved when they're written in the right shape and filed under the right category. This page gives you 35 real, copy-paste templates organised by use case — each one labelled Utility, Marketing, or Authentication so you submit it correctly the first time. Swap the {{1}} placeholders for your own variables and you're ready to submit.

Why do you need WhatsApp message templates at all?

WhatsApp splits messaging into two modes. Inside an open 24-hour customer-service window — the day after a customer last messaged you — you can reply freely with any text. Once that window closes, free-form messages are blocked. The only way to reopen the conversation is to send an approved template, and a customer reply on that template reopens the free window again. (More on this in our guide to the 24-hour customer service window.)

Templates also let you message at scale: order confirmations, shipping updates, reminders, and promotions all go out as templates because they're reused across thousands of contacts. Meta reviews each one before it can be sent, and the review hinges on two things: the category you file it under and the shape of the copy. Get both right and most templates clear review in under an hour. Meta documents the full structure in its message templates reference.

What are the three WhatsApp template categories?

Before you copy anything, understand the three buckets. Choosing correctly is half the battle.

• Utility — Triggered by a specific transaction or request the customer made: an order they placed, an appointment they booked, a payment they owe, an account update they opted into. These are the cheapest and easiest to approve because they're clearly transactional.
• Marketing — Anything promotional or proactive: offers, new arrivals, "we miss you" re-engagement, newsletters, cross-sells. These need an opt-out line and are priced higher per conversation. Our marketing-lite templates guide covers how to keep these compliant.
• Authentication — One-time passcodes and verification codes only. Nothing else belongs here.

The test for Utility vs Marketing is simple: would you be sending this message if the customer hadn't taken an action? If yes, it's Marketing. A receipt is Utility; a "20% off this weekend" blast is Marketing — even if you send it to past customers.

How do variables and placeholders work?

Templates use numbered placeholders — {{1}}, {{2}}, and so on — that you fill in at send time with each contact's real data (their name, an order number, a date). Three rules keep them approvable:

• Never lead or close with a placeholder. "{{1}}, your order is ready" reads like a blank cheque to a reviewer. "Hi {{1}}, your order is ready" sails through.
• Anchor every placeholder between real words so the reviewer can see the message's intent without the variables filled in.
• Don't over-variable. Roughly one placeholder per eight to ten words of fixed text. A body that's almost all blanks gets rejected.

The examples below already follow these rules. Now to the templates.

Order confirmation templates (Utility)

Sent the moment a customer places an order. Clearly transactional, so file as Utility.

1. Hi {{1}}, thanks for your order! We've received order #{{2}} for a total of {{3}} and our team is preparing it now. We'll message you again as soon as it ships.

2. Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} is confirmed. You ordered {{3}}. We'll let you know the moment it's on its way.

3. Order confirmed, {{1}}! We're getting #{{2}} ready for you. Estimated dispatch: {{3}}. Reply to this message any time if you need to make a change.

4. Thanks {{1}} — payment received for order #{{2}}. Your receipt total is {{3}}. Keep this message for your records.

Why they pass: each references a specific order number, names what was bought, and contains no promotional language. There's nothing to upsell, so Meta reads them as pure transaction confirmations.

Shipping and delivery update templates (Utility)

Tied to a real shipment, so these are Utility. Pair them with a "Track Order" button instead of pasting a raw tracking link.

5. Good news, {{1}}! Your order #{{2}} has shipped and is on its way. Estimated delivery: {{3}}. Tap below to track it.

6. Hi {{1}}, your parcel for order #{{2}} is out for delivery today and should arrive by {{3}}. Please keep your phone handy for the courier.

7. Update on order #{{2}}, {{1}}: it's reached your local depot and will be delivered on {{3}}. Track the latest status using the button below.

8. Hi {{1}}, your order #{{2}} was delivered today. We hope you love it! If anything isn't right, reply here and we'll sort it out.

Why they pass: the trigger is a concrete shipment event, the placeholders sit between real words, and the call to action is a structured button — not a suspicious inline URL.

Appointment reminder templates (Utility)

When the customer booked the appointment, the reminder is Utility. (For more on bookings, see our guide to booking appointments on WhatsApp.)

9. Hi {{1}}, this is a reminder of your appointment with {{2}} on {{3}}. Reply CONFIRM to keep it or RESCHEDULE if you need a new time.

10. Hi {{1}}, your {{2}} appointment is tomorrow at {{3}}. We look forward to seeing you. Need to change it? Just reply to this message.

11. Reminder, {{1}}: your booking for {{2}} is confirmed for {{3}}. Please arrive 10 minutes early. Reply CANCEL if your plans have changed.

12. Hi {{1}}, it's been a while since your last {{2}} visit. Your next recommended appointment is due around {{3}} — reply BOOK and we'll find you a slot.

Why they pass: templates 9–11 reference a real booking, name the service, and give a clear date — textbook Utility. Note that template 12 is borderline: it's a proactive nudge to rebook, so depending on wording Meta may treat it as Marketing. If in doubt, submit recall-style reminders as Marketing with an opt-out line.

Payment link and reminder templates (Utility)

Requesting payment for a known order is Utility. Never collect card details in chat — send a link.

13. Hi {{1}}, your invoice #{{2}} for {{3}} is ready. Tap the button below to pay securely. Thank you!

14. Hi {{1}}, a friendly reminder that payment of {{2}} for order #{{3}} is due. You can settle it in a couple of taps using the link below.

15. Thanks {{1}}! To finish your order #{{2}}, please complete payment of {{3}} using the secure link below. Your items are reserved for 24 hours.

16. Hi {{1}}, we couldn't process payment for order #{{2}}. No charge was made. Please retry using the secure link below or reply for help.

Why they pass: each is anchored to a specific invoice or order, the amount is a placeholder between real words, and payment happens via a secure button — not card numbers typed into chat.

Abandoned cart recovery templates (Marketing)

A cart nudge is proactive selling, so it's Marketing — even though it references something the customer did. Add an opt-out line.

17. Hi {{1}}, you left {{2}} in your cart! It's still waiting for you. Complete your order in a couple of taps below. Reply STOP to opt out.

18. Hi {{1}}, your cart is about to expire. {{2}} is still available, but stock moves fast. Finish checking out using the button below. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

19. Still thinking it over, {{1}}? Your {{2}} is saved and ready whenever you are. Here's {{3}} off if you complete your order today. Reply STOP to opt out.

20. Hi {{1}}, we saved your basket! Come back and grab {{2}} before it sells out. Tap below to pick up where you left off. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

Why they pass: they're honest about being promotional, carry the required opt-out, and keep the discount (template 19) clearly inside Marketing where it belongs. Filing a discount as Utility is the fastest way to get reclassified or rejected.

Re-engagement and win-back templates (Marketing)

Reaching out to dormant contacts is proactive, so always Marketing with an opt-out.

21. Hi {{1}}, it's been a while! We've added new arrivals we think you'll love. Take a look below. Reply STOP if you'd rather not hear from us.

22. We miss you, {{1}}! Here's {{2}} off your next order as a welcome back. Browse what's new using the button below. Reply STOP to opt out.

23. Hi {{1}}, a lot has changed at {{2}} since we last spoke. Want a quick catch-up on what's new? Tap below or reply STOP to unsubscribe.

24. Hi {{1}}, your favourites are back in stock. Don't miss out a second time — view them below. Reply STOP to opt out of these updates.

Why they pass: the opt-out is present, placeholders are anchored, and the promotional intent is declared up front rather than disguised as a transaction.

Welcome and onboarding templates (Marketing or Utility)

A welcome after a customer opts in or signs up can be Utility if it's purely confirming the action; the moment it promotes anything, it's Marketing.

25. Welcome, {{1}}! You're now subscribed to updates from {{2}}. We'll only message you about things that matter. Reply HELP any time. (Utility — pure confirmation of opt-in.)

26. Hi {{1}}, thanks for joining {{2}}! Here's how to get started, plus {{3}} off your first order to say hello. Reply STOP to opt out. (Marketing — contains an offer.)

27. Welcome aboard, {{1}}! Your account with {{2}} is all set up. Reply to this message any time you have a question — a real person will help. (Utility.)

28. Hi {{1}}, great to have you! Save this chat — it's the fastest way to reach {{2}} for orders, support, and exclusive offers. Reply STOP to opt out. (Marketing — promises offers.)

Why they pass: each is labelled with the category its wording earns. The lesson: identical-looking welcome messages land in different buckets depending on whether they promote.

Review and feedback request templates (Utility)

A post-purchase feedback request tied to a completed order is generally Utility, provided it doesn't pitch anything new.

29. Hi {{1}}, how was your order #{{2}}? Your feedback helps us improve. Tap below to leave a quick review — it takes 30 seconds.

30. Hi {{1}}, thanks for shopping with {{2}}! We'd love to know how we did. Rate your experience using the button below.

31. Hi {{1}}, did everything arrive as expected with order #{{2}}? Reply 1 for great, 2 if something's wrong, and we'll make it right.

Why they pass: they reference a real, completed order and ask only for feedback. Because there's no promotion, they qualify as Utility — keeping cost down.

Broadcast and offer templates (Marketing)

The classic promotional blast. Always Marketing, always with an opt-out, and always anchored placeholders.

32. Hi {{1}}, our biggest sale of the season is here: up to {{2}} off everything until {{3}}. Shop now using the button below. Reply STOP to opt out.

33. Hi {{1}}, new arrivals just dropped at {{2}}! Be the first to browse the collection below. Reply STOP to stop receiving these updates.

34. Hi {{1}}, exclusive for you: {{2}} off your next order with code {{3}}, valid until {{4}}. Tap below to redeem. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.

35. Hi {{1}}, only {{2}} left in stock on the items you viewed. Grab yours before they're gone — view below. Reply STOP to opt out.

Why they pass: the promotional purpose is obvious and honestly categorised, the opt-out is present, and no URL shorteners hide where a link goes. For the full first-try approval checklist, read how to get templates approved on the first try.

How does UptoNova help you build and approve these?

You can copy every template above straight into the WhatsApp Manager. UptoNova just removes the guesswork around the two things that get templates rejected — the wrong category and bad placeholder placement. Its template wizard reads your draft, tells you which category it actually qualifies for before you submit, warns you in red if you lead with a blank, and adds the opt-out line automatically to anything it detects as Marketing. Approved templates then plug straight into the omnichannel inbox, so a shipping update or a cart nudge doesn't just go out — replies land back in the same thread where your team and the AI sales agent can pick the conversation up. (New to all this? Start with our WhatsApp Business API setup guide.) UptoNova is flat-priced at $49, $149, or $399 a month, and TikTok DMs are coming soon to the same inbox.

Frequently asked questions

Can I copy and paste these WhatsApp templates directly?

Yes. Copy any example, replace the {{1}}, {{2}} placeholders with your own variables, choose the category noted above, and submit it in WhatsApp Manager or your provider's template tool. Keep the placeholders anchored between real words exactly as written.

What's the difference between a Utility and a Marketing template?

A Utility template is triggered by a specific action the customer took — an order, a booking, a payment — and contains no promotion. A Marketing template is proactive or promotional: offers, re-engagement, new-arrival blasts. Marketing templates require an opt-out line and cost more per conversation. If you'd send the message even without a customer action, it's Marketing.

Why do I need templates instead of just typing a message?

Outside the 24-hour customer-service window, WhatsApp blocks free-form messages. The only way to reopen a conversation that's gone quiet — or to message a list at scale — is with a pre-approved template. A customer reply to your template reopens the free 24-hour window.

How many variables can a WhatsApp template have?

You can use several numbered placeholders, but Meta reviewers reject templates that are mostly blanks. A safe ratio is about one variable per eight to ten words of fixed text, and you must never begin or end the body with a placeholder.

How long does template approval take?

Most well-written templates are approved in under an hour, and authentication codes are often near-instant. Templates with unusual wording or many buttons can take up to a day if they trigger manual review. If yours is pending beyond 24 hours, it likely needs a small rewrite.

Related: Get templates approved first try, Marketing-lite WhatsApp templates, and the 24-hour window explained.