---
url: https://docs.corbitaltech.dev/products/whatsbot/initiate-chat.md
description: >-
  Use Initiate Chat in WhatsBot for Perfex CRM to send WhatsApp template
  messages directly to leads from your CRM. Start conversations within Meta's
  24-hour window using approved templates.
---

# Initiate Chat

The Initiate Chat option allows you to directly send a WhatsApp template message to a lead from the system.
![initiate-chat](./images/initiate-chat/initiate-chat.png)

* You can access this feature from the Leads list by clicking the green WhatsApp icon under the Initiate Chat column next to the respective lead.

## Select Template

![initiate-chat](./images/initiate-chat/chat-options.png)

* **Select a Template:** Choose from your approved WhatsApp message templates.
* **Attach Media (Optional):** Upload a video file (.mp4, .3gp) to send along with your message.
* **Fill Template Variables:** Enter dynamic values for placeholders within the message template (e.g., venue name, timing).
* **Live Preview:** See a real-time preview of the message on the right before sending.

## Preview (finally it will looks like this)

![initiate-chat](./images/initiate-chat/in-whatsapp.png)