Developer API: Send WhatsApp Message Template without full content
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Zy
Business Problem:
Currently, sending WhatsApp Template Messages via the developer API requires the full template body to be included in the payload. This creates friction for developers by adding unnecessary complexity to API calls and increases the risk of inconsistencies between the payload and the actual template.
Desired Outcome:
Enable the Developer API to send WhatsApp Template Messages by specifying only Template name, language and parameters (if applicable).
Rashed AlAwadhi
We really need this🙏🏻
N
Nabilah Binti Salleh
Merged in a post:
Improving WhatsApp Template handling in API (regarding the "text" field)
HakuComputers ICT Support
When sending a WhatsApp template message through the API, the "text" field of the template must be populated. If left empty, the message is still delivered to the contact, but the content does not appear in the Inbox Module. This happens because the API payload is considered incomplete without the text field per the current design (screenshot example attached). However, this requirement seems unnecessary, as the platform already knows about the template and its content. Other platforms, including the Facebook API itself, do not require the text field, relying instead on proper template mapping. Additionally, if a different text is provided in the text field, it overwrites the original template content, which may not always be the intended behavior.
Suggestion: instead of forcing users to include the text field in the API request, the platform should:
- Automatically retrieve and display the template content in the Inbox Module when a message is sent.
- Map the correct template content in the backend, ensuring the message displays correctly without requiring redundant text input.
Why I think this is a better approach:
- Reduces unnecessary API payload requirements.
- Aligns with Facebook API behavior.
- Prevents unintended overwriting of template content.
- Simplifies API usage and maintenance for us developers.
It would be better to populate the template without the "text" field:
{
"type": "body",
"parameters": [
{
"type": "text",
"text": "Zita Rangu"
}
]
}
versus:
{
"type": "body",
"text": "Hi {{1}}, thank you for doing contacting us. We will be in touch soon.",
"parameters": [
{
"type": "text",
"text": "Zita Rangu"
}
]
}