Free tool
90 ready-to-send templates for SMS, WhatsApp and RCS, sorted by industry and use case, with GCC seasonal messages for Ramadan, Eid, National Days and White Friday. Search, filter, copy.
Free · no sign-up · runs in your browser
Hi {{1}}, thank you for your order {{2}}. We have received your payment of {{3}} and will let you know as soon as it ships. You can track your order at any time from your account.
179 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Brand]: Hi [Name], your order [Order ID] has shipped. Track it here: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 76 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Your order [Order ID] is out for delivery today and should arrive between [Time window]. Please keep your phone nearby so the driver can reach you.
147 characters
RCS: phones without RCS need an SMS fallback, so keep a short plain-text version ready.
{{1}} is your verification code. For your security, do not share this code.
Footer: This code expires in 10 minutes.
75 / 1,024 characters
Authentication template: Meta supplies this fixed text. You choose the code expiry, the security note and a copy-code or one-tap button; links, media and emoji are not allowed.
Hi {{1}}, you left {{2}} in your cart. We have saved it for you. Complete your order today and get free delivery with code {{3}} at checkout.
141 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
[Brand]: Weekend sale! Up to 40% off selected fashion and home items, Thu-Sat only. Shop now: [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 122 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
Welcome to [Brand], [Name]! Here is 10% off your first order with code WELCOME10, valid for 14 days. Shop: [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 135 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
Hi {{1}}, how was your recent order {{2}}? Your feedback helps us improve, and it takes less than a minute. Please rate your experience below.
142 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
Ramadan Kareem, {{1}}! Our Ramadan collection is now available, with special prices on dates, gift boxes and home essentials. Order before {{2}} for delivery before iftar.
171 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
[Brand]: Eid Mubarak, [Name]! Celebrate with 25% off your Eid outfits using code EID25 until [Date]. Shop: [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 135 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
White Friday is here, {{1}}! Enjoy up to {{2}} off thousands of products until {{3}}. As a member, you also get early access to new deals every morning at 10 AM.
161 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
[Brand] White Friday: up to 70% off starts now and ends Sunday at midnight. Shop: [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 110 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
Happy New Year from [Brand]! Start [Year] with up to 50% off our winter clearance, from today until [Date] while stocks last.
125 characters
Promotional RCS: needs a verified brand agent and opt-in; include an unsubscribe option and an SMS fallback that keeps the opt-out.
[Code] is your [Bank] verification code for [Purpose]. It expires in 5 minutes. Never share this code with anyone, including bank staff.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 136 characters
OTP: say who it is from, state the expiry and never put the code inside a link.
{{1}} is your verification code. For your security, do not share this code.
Footer: This code expires in 5 minutes.
75 / 1,024 characters
Authentication template: Meta supplies this fixed text. You choose the code expiry, the security note and a copy-code or one-tap button; links, media and emoji are not allowed.
[Bank]: Your card ending [1234] was used for [Amount] at [Merchant] on [Date] [Time]. Not you? Call [Phone] now to block your card.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 131 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Did you just try to pay [Amount] at [Merchant]? We have paused this payment to keep your account safe. Please confirm below.
124 characters
RCS: phones without RCS need an SMS fallback, so keep a short plain-text version ready.
Hi {{1}}, a reminder that your credit card payment of {{2}} is due on {{3}}. Paying at least the minimum amount by the due date helps you avoid late fees. You can pay securely in our app.
187 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Bank]: Dear [Name], your loan instalment of [Amount] is due on [Date]. Please make sure your account has sufficient funds. Questions? Call [Phone].
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 148 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Welcome to {{1}}, {{2}}! Your account ending {{3}} is now active. Your debit card will be delivered within 5 working days, and you can start banking in our app right away.
171 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Bank]: Online and mobile banking will be unavailable on [Date] from [Start] to [End] for scheduled maintenance. Cards and ATMs will work as usual. We apologise for the inconvenience.
2 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 183 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
[Bank] wishes you and your family a blessed Ramadan. Branch hours during the holy month: [Hours]. Bank 24/7 in our app: [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 148 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
Happy UAE National Day, {{1}}! To celebrate, earn {{2}} reward points on every card purchase from 1 to 3 December. No registration needed; just use your card.
158 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
[Clinic]: Reminder for [Name]: your appointment with [Doctor] is on [Date] at [Time]. Reply 1 to confirm or 2 to reschedule. Please arrive 15 minutes early.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 156 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Hello {{1}}, this is a reminder of your appointment with {{2}} on {{3}} at {{4}}, at our {{5}} branch. Please bring your ID and insurance card. Let us know if you can make it.
175 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
Your appointment is booked: [Doctor], [Date] at [Time], [Clinic address]. Add it to your calendar or get directions below.
122 characters
RCS: phones without RCS need an SMS fallback, so keep a short plain-text version ready.
Hello {{1}}, the results from your visit on {{2}} are now available. For your privacy, please view them by logging in to the patient portal.
140 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Code] is your [Clinic] patient portal code. It expires in 10 minutes. Do not share it with anyone.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 99 characters
OTP: say who it is from, state the expiry and never put the code inside a link.
[Clinic]: Thank you for visiting us today, [Name]. How likely are you to recommend us to a friend? Reply with a number from 0 to 10.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 132 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
[Clinic]: Ramadan Kareem. During Ramadan our clinics are open [Hours] from Saturday to Thursday and [Hours] on Friday. Book online: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 138 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Eid al-Adha Mubarak, {{1}}! Wishing you and your loved ones health and happiness. Our clinics will be closed from {{2}} to {{3}}, and our emergency department remains open 24/7.
177 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
[School]: Dear parent, a reminder of the parent-teacher meeting for [Student] on [Date] at [Time] in [Room]. Reply YES to confirm attendance.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 141 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Dear {{1}}, this is a reminder that the term fee of {{2}} for {{3}} is due on {{4}}. You can pay online through the parent portal or at the school finance office.
162 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
Welcome to [School], [Name]! Your student ID is [ID]. Use it to log in to the learning portal before classes start on [Date]: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 132 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
[Code] is your [School] portal login code. It is valid for 10 minutes. If you did not request it, ignore this message.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 118 characters
OTP: say who it is from, state the expiry and never put the code inside a link.
[School]: Due to [Reason], the school will be closed on [Date] and classes will move online. Timetable and links: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 120 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
How was your first week at [School], [Name]? Tell us in 30 seconds and help us make the next one even better.
109 characters
RCS: phones without RCS need an SMS fallback, so keep a short plain-text version ready.
Ramadan Kareem, {{1}}. During Ramadan, school hours for {{2}} will be {{3}}, starting {{4}}. Bus pick-up times will change too; please check the parent app for details.
168 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[School]: Happy Saudi National Day! The school will be closed on [Date] for the national holiday. Classes resume on [Date].
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 123 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Your booking is confirmed, {{1}}. Booking reference: {{2}}. Check-in: {{3}}. Check-out: {{4}}. You can manage your booking or add special requests at any time.
159 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Airline]: Online check-in for flight [Flight] to [City] on [Date] is now open. Check in and get your boarding pass: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 123 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Flight [Flight] to [City] is delayed. New departure time: [Time] from gate [Gate]. We are sorry for the wait; your meal voucher is ready in the app.
148 characters
RCS: phones without RCS need an SMS fallback, so keep a short plain-text version ready.
[Code] is your [Brand] sign-in code. It expires in 10 minutes. We will never call you to ask for it.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 100 characters
OTP: say who it is from, state the expiry and never put the code inside a link.
Welcome to [Hotel], [Name]! Your room [Room] is ready. Wi-Fi: [Network], password [Password]. Breakfast is served from 6:30 to 10:30 at [Restaurant].
149 characters
RCS: phones without RCS need an SMS fallback, so keep a short plain-text version ready.
Thank you for staying with us, {{1}}. We hope you enjoyed your time at {{2}}. Could you take a minute to tell us how we did?
124 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
Plan your Eid al-Adha getaway, {{1}}! Book 3 nights or more between {{2}} and {{3}} and get the third night free, with breakfast included.
138 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
[Hotel]: Celebrate UAE National Day with a staycation: 30% off rooms and late checkout, 1-3 Dec. Book: [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 131 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
[Brand]: Happy New Year! Start [Year] with up to 35% off flights and hotels when you book by [Date]. [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 129 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
[Courier]: Your parcel [Tracking] is out for delivery today between [Time window]. Track or reschedule: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 110 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Hi {{1}}, we tried to deliver your parcel {{2}} today but could not reach you. Choose a new delivery date or a nearby pickup point below.
137 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
Your return pickup is booked for [Date], [Time window]. Please have the item packed and the return label ready.
111 characters
RCS: phones without RCS need an SMS fallback, so keep a short plain-text version ready.
Hi {{1}}, your parcel {{2}} will arrive tomorrow. The amount due on delivery is {{3}}. To save time, you can pay online now instead of paying the driver.
153 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Courier]: Give code [Code] to the driver only when you receive parcel [Tracking]. Do not share it before delivery.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 115 characters
OTP: say who it is from, state the expiry and never put the code inside a link.
Welcome to {{1}} Business, {{2}}. Your account is active, and you can now book pickups, print labels and track all your shipments here on WhatsApp.
147 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Courier]: Your parcel has been delivered. How was the delivery? Rate us from 1 to 5: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 92 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
[Courier]: Due to the Eid holidays, deliveries between [Date] and [Date] may take 1-2 extra days. Thank you for your patience. Track: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 140 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Hi {{1}}, your viewing of {{2}} is confirmed for {{3}}. Your agent {{4}} will meet you in the building lobby. Reply here if you need to change the time.
152 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Agency]: Reminder: property viewing at [Address] tomorrow at [Time] with [Agent], [Phone].
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 91 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
[Agency]: Dear [Name], your rent payment of [Amount] for [Unit] is due on [Date]. Pay online: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 100 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Hi {{1}}, a new {{2}} has just been listed in {{3}} within your budget. Would you like to see the photos and floor plan or book a viewing?
138 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
[Agency]: Still looking for a home in [Area], [Name]? [Number] new properties match your search this week. See them: [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 145 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
[Building]: The water supply will be interrupted on [Date] from [Start] to [End] for maintenance. We apologise for the inconvenience.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 133 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Happy Saudi National Day, {{1}}! To celebrate, we are waiving the booking fee on all off-plan units at {{2}} until {{3}}. Talk to our team to learn more.
153 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
Thanks, {{1}}! Your order {{2}} from {{3}} has been received and is being prepared. Estimated delivery time: {{4}} minutes.
123 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Restaurant]: Your order is on its way! Your rider [Rider] will arrive in about [Minutes] min. Track: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 108 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
[Restaurant]: Hi [Name], your table for [Guests] is booked for [Date] at [Time]. Reply C to cancel. See you soon!
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 113 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
See you tonight, [Name]! Your table for [Guests] at [Restaurant] is booked for [Time]. Let us know if your plans change.
120 characters
RCS: phones without RCS need an SMS fallback, so keep a short plain-text version ready.
Thanks for dining with us, {{1}}. How was your experience at {{2}} today? Your rating helps our team.
101 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
[Restaurant]: We miss you, [Name]! Enjoy a free dessert with your next order this week. Code: SWEET. Order: [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 136 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
Ramadan Kareem, {{1}}! Break your fast with us: our iftar buffet is served daily at sunset for {{2}} per person. Book your table early for family gatherings.
157 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
Eid Mubarak from [Restaurant]! Celebrate with our Eid family feast for [Price], available for delivery during the first three days of Eid.
138 characters
Promotional RCS: needs a verified brand agent and opt-in; include an unsubscribe option and an SMS fallback that keeps the opt-out.
Happy New Year, {{1}}! Welcome {{2}} with our countdown dinner on 31 December, with live music and a set menu. Seats are limited, so book early.
144 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
[Utility]: Your [Month] bill for account [Account] is [Amount], due on [Date]. Pay easily: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 97 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Dear {{1}}, your electricity and water bill for {{2}} is ready. Amount due: {{3}}. Due date: {{4}}. Pay in the app, or tap below to get your bill as a PDF.
155 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Utility]: Planned power interruption in [Area] on [Date] from [Start] to [End] for network upgrades. We apologise for the inconvenience.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 137 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Update for {{1}}: power has been restored in {{2}} after the outage reported at {{3}}. If you still have no supply, please report it in our app.
144 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Code] is your verification code for [Service] e-services. It is valid for 5 minutes. Our staff will never ask you for this code.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 129 characters
OTP: say who it is from, state the expiry and never put the code inside a link.
[Entity]: Your appointment at [Centre] is confirmed for [Date] at [Time]. Ticket number: [Number]. Please bring your original ID.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 129 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Dear {{1}}, your application {{2}} for {{3}} has been received and is under review. We will notify you here when its status changes.
132 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Entity]: Thank you for using [Service]. How satisfied were you? Reply 1 (very satisfied) to 5 (not satisfied).
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 111 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
[Entity]: Happy UAE National Day! Our service centres will be closed from [Date] to [Date]. Digital services remain available 24/7: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 138 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Welcome to {{1}}, {{2}}! Your workspace is ready. Reply here at any time if you need help getting started; our support team is available 24/7.
142 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[Code] is your [App] login code. It expires in 10 minutes. Do not share it. If you did not try to log in, change your password.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 127 characters
OTP: say who it is from, state the expiry and never put the code inside a link.
Hi {{1}}, we could not process your payment of {{2}} for your {{3}} subscription. Please update your card details by {{4}} to avoid any interruption.
149 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[App] status: We are investigating an issue affecting [Feature] since [Time]. Updates: [Link]
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 93 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
Hello {{1}}, scheduled maintenance for {{2}} will take place on {{3}} at {{4}}. The service may be unavailable for up to 30 minutes during this window.
151 / 1,024 characters
Utility template: must relate to a specific order, account or booking. Any promotional line makes Meta recategorise it as marketing.
[App]: Hi [Name], how likely are you to recommend [App] to a colleague? Reply with a score from 0 to 10.
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 104 characters
Transactional SMS: keep it free of offers and promo links, or operators may treat it as promotional traffic.
[App]: Your free trial ends in 3 days, [Name]. Upgrade now to keep your data and get 20% off the first year: [Link] Reply STOP to opt out
1 SMS segments · GSM-7 · 137 characters
Promotional SMS: send only to opted-in contacts, keep the opt-out, use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic and respect local quiet hours.
New in [App]: [Feature] is now live in your workspace. See how it works in a 60-second walkthrough.
99 characters
Promotional RCS: needs a verified brand agent and opt-in; include an unsubscribe option and an SMS fallback that keeps the opt-out.
White Friday offer for {{1}}: switch to annual billing before {{2}} and save {{3}} on your plan. Your settings and data stay exactly the same.
142 / 1,024 characters
Marketing template: needs WhatsApp opt-in. Keep the “Stop promotions” button so people can opt out in one tap.
Nothing you type here is sent to our servers.
Short answer
A business message template is pre-written text with variables, such as {{1}} on WhatsApp or [Name] in SMS, that you fill in for each customer. WhatsApp templates must be approved by Meta in one of three categories: marketing, utility or authentication. SMS needs no approval, but promotional SMS needs prior consent, an opt-out and, in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, a registered promotional sender ID. Each SMS part holds 160 GSM-7 or 70 Unicode characters.
Pick an industry, a use case or a season such as Ramadan, or search for a word like “reminder”. Choose SMS, WhatsApp or RCS to see only that channel.
Each card shows the WhatsApp category Meta will expect, or the SMS segment count and encoding, together with a compliance note for that kind of message.
Copy the text and replace the highlighted variables with your own fields. Keep the numbered {{1}} order on WhatsApp and the opt-out on promotional SMS.
Open WhatsApp templates in the template preview before submitting them to Meta, and paste SMS into the character counter to confirm the final length.
Outside the 24-hour customer service window, a business can only start a WhatsApp conversation with an approved message template. Meta reviews every template and assigns one of three categories, and the category sets the price per delivered message.
Authentication templates use fixed text that Meta supplies. You add the code, and can add a security note, an expiry time and a copy-code or one-tap button. Utility templates must relate to a specific transaction, account or booking the customer already has. Anything else, including greetings, offers, product news and re-engagement, is marketing. If a utility template contains promotional wording, Meta will recategorise it as marketing, so keep order updates free of upsells.
A single SMS carries 160 characters in the GSM-7 alphabet. As soon as one character falls outside it, such as an Arabic letter, a curly quote or an emoji, the whole message switches to Unicode (UCS-2) and the limit drops to 70. Longer messages are split into parts of 153 (GSM-7) or 67 (Unicode) characters, and operators bill each part.
That is why the Arabic templates here usually show two or three segments where the English version fits in one or two. Each SMS card shows its encoding and segment count, with placeholders counted as text of similar length. The real values you insert can change the count, so check the final message in the SMS character counter before a large send.
Treat any message with an offer, a discount or a sales link as promotional. Send it only to customers who agreed to receive marketing, include a clear opt-out such as “Reply STOP to opt out”, and honour opt-outs on every channel.
In the UAE, promotional SMS must use a sender ID registered for promotional traffic (prefixed AD-) and is normally allowed only between 07:00 and 21:00. In Saudi Arabia, promotional sender IDs carry the -AD suffix and are registered with the regulator. Transactional messages such as OTPs, order updates and appointment reminders go through transactional sender IDs and should contain no marketing.
Seasonal moments drive much of the year's messaging volume in the GCC. The library includes Ramadan greetings and changed opening hours, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha offers and holiday notices, UAE National Day (2 December) and Saudi National Day (23 September) messages, White Friday sales and New Year campaigns.
Eid dates follow the Hijri calendar and shift by about 11 days each year, so schedule these messages against the announced dates. During Ramadan, daily routines shift towards the evening, so test send times around iftar rather than reusing your usual schedule. A greeting with no offer is still marketing for WhatsApp purposes, so it needs the marketing category and opt-in.
Use SMS when reach matters most: it works on every phone without an app or data, which makes it the safe default for OTPs and critical alerts. Use WhatsApp when you want buttons, two-way replies and richer content, for example appointment confirmations, delivery rescheduling or cart recovery. RCS adds branded, verified sender profiles and suggested replies in the native Android messaging app, and falls back to SMS where it is not supported.
Many teams run the same template on more than one channel: WhatsApp first, with an SMS fallback if the message is not delivered. The cost comparison depends on the country and the WhatsApp category, which you can model in the messaging ROI calculator or the pricing estimator.
Yes. Every template a business uses to start a conversation must be submitted to Meta through the WhatsApp Business Platform and approved first. Review is often completed within minutes and can take up to 24 hours. Templates are approved per language, so an Arabic version is a separate submission.
Utility, as long as it only confirms or updates an order the customer placed. If you add a discount code, product recommendations or other promotional text, Meta treats it as marketing and charges the marketing rate.
End the message with a short instruction such as “Reply STOP to opt out”, or the opt-out keyword and short code your provider gives you, and stop sending marketing to anyone who uses it. On WhatsApp, add a “Stop promotions” quick reply button to marketing templates.
Aim for one segment: 160 characters in English or 70 in Arabic, including the brand name, link and opt-out. Every extra part is billed as another message, so a three-part Arabic SMS costs three times as much as a one-part one.
Yes, but the whole message is then sent as Unicode, so the limit is 70 characters for a single SMS and 67 per part for longer messages, even for the English words.
They are variables. WhatsApp templates use numbered placeholders, {{1}}, {{2}} and so on, that you fill through the API or your campaign tool, and Meta asks for sample values when you submit. In SMS and RCS, [Name]-style fields are merged from your contact list before sending.
No. A greeting does not relate to a specific transaction, so WhatsApp treats it as marketing even if it contains no offer. Opening-hours notices sent by SMS to existing customers can be transactional if they carry no promotion.
Yes. You can copy, edit and use them with any provider. Adapt the wording to your brand, check local rules, and submit WhatsApp versions to Meta in each language you send.
Your privacy choices
Cookie noticeWe use only what this site needs to work. With your permission, we also remember how you found us (the referring website and campaign link) so our team knows which content helped. No advertising or third-party cookies. Cookie notice
