# Create a catalog WhatsApp message template

Approved catalog messages allow you to open a WhatsApp conversation by sending a link to your connected product catalog.

{% hint style="info" %}
Approved catalog messages are automatically sent with 'View Catalog' as the accompanying CTA. This can't be changed.
{% endhint %}

## How to create an approved catalog message template

#### What you'll need

* An [installed WhatsApp channel](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/whatsapp/quickstarts/install-whatsapp), set up to support [commerce messages](https://docs.bird.com/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/whatsapp/how-to/set-up-commerce-messaging)
* A connected Facebook catalog
* The ID of a product from your catalog that you want to share. This product will be used to illustrate your catalog. To find the product ID, go to Facebook Business Manager, open your catalog and copy the content ID of a product.

{% hint style="warning" %}
The product ID must come from the catalog that is connected to the WhatsApp channel you will be sending the message from.
{% endhint %}

### Step one: Set up up your message project

1. Go to **Content** > **Message templates**.
2. Click **Create message template**.
3. Under 'Platform', select **WhatsApp**.
4. Under 'Interaction', select **WhatsApp approved**.
5. Under 'WhatsApp Business account', select the account you want to use.
6. Under category, select **Marketing**.
7. Under 'Message type', select **Catalog**.

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8. Give your message project a recognizable name.
9. Give your message template a unique name. This name will be used when we submit your message template to WhatsApp for approval.
10. Use the 'Default locale' dropdown to select the default language for your template.
11. Click **Create project**.

### Step two: Design and publish your message

1. In the panel on the right-hand side of your screen, in the 'Body' field, enter the message that you want to send along with the link to your catalog. This could be a description of the catalog you're sharing.
2. Enter the ID of the product you want to share in the 'Product ID' field.
3. Check the copy of the optional unsubscribe footer.
4. Click **Publish**.
5. Wait for the template to be approved.

{% hint style="success" %}
That's it! You have successfully created a single product template for WhatsApp. Once approved, you'll be able to send your approved template to customers to start a conversation.
{% endhint %}
