Skip to main content

Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.belio.co.ke/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

Templates are pre-approved message formats that allow you to send structured and reliable messages to users via WhatsApp. All messages sent through this API must use a template that has been reviewed and approved by WhatsApp. Templates are typically categorized into three main types:
  1. Utility Templates: Used for sending important information such as order confirmations, appointment reminders, and account updates.
  2. Marketing Templates: Used for promotional messages, special offers, and event announcements.
  3. Authentication Templates: Used for sending verification codes and authentication messages.

​
Template Structure

A template is composed of predefined components that can include:

​
1.Header

There are various types of headers that can be used in a template:
  • Text Header: A simple text header that can include dynamic placeholders. Must not exceed 60 characters and should have only 1 parameter.
  • GIF Header: Can include an image or videos. Can be used in marketing templates only.
  • Location Header: Can include a location with dynamic placeholders for latitude and longitude.Can be used in marketing and utility templates only.
  • Document Header: Can include a document with dynamic placeholders for the document URL and filename.
  • Video Header: Can include a video with dynamic placeholders for the video URL
  • Image Header: Can include an image with dynamic placeholders for the image URL.

​
2.Body

Main message content. Supports dynamic placeholders (e.g. {{name}}, {{1}}) that are replaced with actual values at send time.
  • Text Body: The main text content of the message. Body text must not exceed 1024 characters.
  • Media Body: Can include images, videos, or documents. Can be used in marketing templates only.
Optional static text, often used for disclaimers or additional context.
  • Text Footer: A simple text footer. Must not exceed 60 characters. Can be used in all template types.

​
4.Buttons (Optional)

Interactive elements such as quick replies or call-to-action buttons.
  • Quick Reply Buttons: Allow users to respond with predefined options.
  • Copy Buttons: Allow users to copy specific text to their clipboard. A template is limited to only 1 copy button.
  • Phone call Buttons: Allow users to initiate a phone call to a specified number. A template is limited to only 1 phone call button. The button text must not exceed 20 characters and the phone number must be in E.164 format (e.g. +1234567890).

​
Template Parameters

Templates support dynamic data through parameters, which are used to replace placeholders in the message. A template must have either all named parameters or all positional parameters; mixing both types within the same template is not allowed.
  • Named Parameters Referenced by name (e.g. {{name}}) Example: { "type": "BodyNamedParameter", "name": "name", "value": "Alice" }
  • Positional Parameters Referenced by position (e.g. {{1}}) Example: { "type": "BodyPositionalParameter", "position": 1, "value": "Alice" }
Parameters can be applied to:
  • Body content
  • Header content (text or media)

​
Template Approval

Before a template can be used, it must be submitted and approved by Meta.
  • Templates must comply with WhatsApp Business policies
  • Approval is required before sending any messages
  • Templates that are rejected or disabled cannot be used

​
Important Notes

Important
  • Only approved templates can be sent using this API
  • Template structure (header type, parameters, media format) must match exactly when sending
  • Incorrect or missing parameters will result in request failure
  • Templates must be in a sendable state
By using templates, you ensure that your messages are compliant, structured, and optimized for delivery, while enabling dynamic personalization for each recipient.