# Create an action WhatsApp message template

Approved action messages allow you to open a WhatsApp conversation by sending a message with action or quick reply buttons that recipients can use to interact with your catalog.

### Button uses and combinations

When creating an approved action message template, you can use two types of buttons: action buttons and quick reply buttons.

#### Action buttons

* Copy code
* Link
* Open catalog
* Phone

{% hint style="warning" %}
Using a link action button? Remember that variables in links may only be used at the end of a URL, or you risk your message template being rejected by WhatsApp.

Example: `https://www.bird.com/{{variable}}`
{% endhint %}

#### Quick reply buttons

* Customizable quick replies, such as 'Yes I'm interested!'

#### Combining buttons

You can combine up to ten buttons in a single approved action message template. The limits for each button type within a single message are as follows:

* Up to ten quick reply buttons
* Up to one copy code
* Up to one call phone number
* up to one open catalog button
* Up to two link buttons

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Note:** The **Open catalog button** cannot be combined with any other button type in the same message.
{% endhint %}

## How to create an approved action message template

#### What you'll need

* An [installed WhatsApp channel](/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/whatsapp/quickstarts/install-whatsapp.md), set up to support [commerce messages](/applications/channels/channels/supported-channels/whatsapp/how-to/set-up-commerce-messaging.md)
* 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.

### 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 either **Text**, **Image**, or **File**.
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, under 'Content', click **Add new block**.
2. Select the button(s) that you want to use.
3. Configure the buttons.
4. Add the rest of your message.
5. Click **Publish**.
6. Wait for the template to be approved.

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


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