How To Create Flow Template In Meta ​

WhatsApp Flows allow businesses to create interactive experiences within WhatsApp, enabling customers to complete actions such as booking appointments, filling out forms, or making purchases—without leaving the app. Flow templates serve as reusable structured message flows that can be sent using Meta’s WhatsApp Cloud API.

Requirements ​

Before creating a flow template, ensure you have the following:

• A Verified WhatsApp Business Account: Your business must be registered on Meta Business Manager and linked to a phone number.
• WhatsApp Business API Access: Your business should have access to the WhatsApp Cloud API.
• Approved Message Templates: Flows are often triggered via WhatsApp message templates, which must be created and approved by Meta.

Creating a Flow Using the Flows Builder ​

• The Flows Builder is a no-code interface within WhatsApp Manager that allows businesses to design interactive workflows.

Create a Flow in Meta’s Flows Builder ​

Step 1: Access the Flows Builder ​

• Log in to Meta Business Manager.
• Go to WhatsApp Manager under Account Tools.
• Select Flows from the left-hand menu.
• Click on Create Flow to start designing.

Step 2: Designing the Flow Structure ​

• Add Screens: Each screen represents a step in the user’s interaction (e.g., input form, confirmation page, or selection screen).
• Use Components:
  • Buttons: Add quick reply buttons for user input.
  • Forms: Collect information such as name, email, or order details.
  • Lists & Carousels: Display multiple options for selection.
• Configure Actions: Set up backend integrations or API calls to process user input and return responses.

Step 3: Save & Publish the Flow ​

• Review the flow’s structure and test it using the preview feature.
• Click Save & Publish to make the flow available for use.

Connecting the Flow to a Message Template ​

• After designing a flow, it can be linked to a WhatsApp message template, which serves as the entry point for the user.

Step 1: Create a Message Template ​

• Go to WhatsApp Manager > Message Templates.
• Click Create Message Template and select the appropriate category (Transactional, Marketing, or Utility).
• Add text content, variables, and interactive buttons to trigger the flow.
• Submit the template for Meta’s approval.

Step 2: Link the Flow to the Template ​

• In the Flows section, choose the published flow.
• Select the Trigger via Message Template option.
• Choose an approved message template that will initiate the flow when sent to users.

Deploying and Sending the Flow ​

• Once the flow is linked to a message template, it can be sent to users through the WhatsApp Business Cloud API or WhatsApp Manager.

API Request to Send a Flow Template ​

• You can use the following API request format to send the message template with the flow:

{
  "messaging_product": "whatsapp",
  "recipient_type": "individual",
  "to": "USER_PHONE_NUMBER",
  "type": "template",
  "template": {
    "name": "FLOW_TEMPLATE_NAME",
    "language": {
      "code": "en_US"
    },
    "components": [
      {
        "type": "button",
        "sub_type": "flow",
        "index": "0",
        "parameters": [
          {
            "type": "flow",
            "flow_id": "YOUR_FLOW_ID"
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}

Alternative: Sending Flows via WhatsApp Manager ​

• Navigate to WhatsApp Manager > Conversations.
• Select a user and send the flow-linked message template manually.

Testing and Monitoring ​

• Test the flow internally before launching it to customers.
• Monitor user interactions via the Meta Business Manager dashboard.
• Use webhooks to receive real-time updates on user responses.