Create message template

whatsapp.createMessageTemplate submits a template for the connected WhatsApp Business Account. Meta must approve it before whatsapp.sendTemplateMessage can use it.

automations/create-whatsapp-template.automation.ts

import { automation, onDashboardRun } from "automate.ax"
import { whatsapp } from "automate.ax/whatsapp"

export default automation("Create pickup template", () => {
  onDashboardRun({ title: "Create pickup template" })

  whatsapp.createMessageTemplate({
    templateName: "order_ready",
    languageCode: "en_US",
    category: "utility",
    header: {
      format: "text",
      text: "Order {{1}}",
      variableExamples: ["A-123"],
    },
    body: "Your order {{1}} is ready for pickup.",
    bodyVariableExamples: ["A-123"],
    footer: "Reply for support.",
    buttons: [
      {
        type: "url",
        text: "Track order",
        url: "https://example.com/orders/{{1}}",
        variableExample: "https://example.com/orders/A-123",
      },
    ],
  })
})

whatsapp.createMessageTemplate requires templateName, languageCode, category, and body. The name must contain only lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores. category is "utility" or "marketing". Body variable examples correspond to {{1}}, {{2}}, and later variables in order. Provide exactly one example per distinct body variable, or omit bodyVariableExamples when the body has no variables. A header can contain text, a Meta media example handle for an image, video, or document, or a location. Buttons support quick replies, phone numbers, and URLs. allowCategoryChange defaults to true, allowing Meta to recategorize the template instead of rejecting an otherwise valid submission. Second argument { account } selects the WhatsApp binding. Returns { templateId, category, status }. Status is usually pending, but Meta can approve or reject a template immediately. This action doesn’t send a message.

Built-in triggers

Built-in actions

Runtime utilities

Integrations

Create message template