WhatsApp Snippets and Templates in Sparkforge
Snippets are reusable text or media for the WhatsApp 24-hour window. Templates are pre-approved messages for outside that window — you can now preview them at send time and replace media with one click.
Snippets and templates serve different WhatsApp use cases. Snippets are reusable replies for the 24-hour customer service window. Templates are Meta-approved messages that reach contacts outside that window. Sparkforge now previews templates at runtime and lets you swap their media in one click from Conversations and Bulk Actions.
What's new
- Runtime template preview in the conversation composer and Bulk Actions.
- Category and language displayed alongside the template name.
- One-click media replacement from local files at send time.
If the new UI is not visible, check Sub-account → Labs for optional UI flags.
Create a snippet
- Go to Marketing → Templates (Snippets).
- Click Add Template → Add Text Template, or edit an existing snippet.
- Save it with a clear name.
Send a snippet from Conversations
- Open Conversations and an active WhatsApp thread (inbound message within the last 24 hours).
- Confirm WhatsApp is the selected channel.
- Click Insert Snippets in the composer.
- Pick the snippet. Edit if needed — Custom Values and Trigger Links are supported.
- Click Send.
Preview a template at send time
- In the composer (or Bulk Actions), choose WhatsApp Template.
- Review the inline preview, including category (Marketing, Utility, etc.) and language.
- Confirm and send or schedule.
Replace template media
- Pick a template that contains an image, document, or video.
- Click Replace media in the composer.
- Choose a file from your device.
- The media swaps in the preview. Send when ready.
The swap applies only to that send instance. The stored Meta-approved template is unchanged.
Use snippets and templates in Workflows
- Open Automation → Create Workflow.
- Add the trigger, then add WhatsApp: Customer Service Window Check.
- Under the Open branch, add a WhatsApp action.
- Pick WhatsApp Template for outside-window sends or None — Free form with snippet content for inside-window sends.
- If using a template, the workflow composer shows the preview and the media-replace control.
- Save and publish.
Bulk Actions
- Select contacts in Contacts.
- Choose Bulk Action → Send WhatsApp.
- Select the template, verify category and language in the preview, replace media if needed, and confirm.
Troubleshooting
- Refresh if the preview or replace control does not appear.
- Check file type and size against WhatsApp limits if media replacement fails.
- Replacing media does not bypass Meta's template structure rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between snippets and WhatsApp templates?
Snippets are editable canned text or media you send inside the 24-hour customer service window. Templates are pre-approved by Meta and required for messages outside that window.
Can I preview a WhatsApp template before sending?
Yes. The conversation composer and Bulk Actions both render an inline preview with the template name, category, and language.
Does replacing template media change the saved template?
No. The swap applies only to that specific send. The stored, approved template stays exactly as Meta approved it.
Can snippets be used outside the 24-hour window?
No. Snippets only send inside an active 24-hour window. Use a pre-approved template to message outside that window.
Where do I enable the new UI if I cannot see template previews?
Open Sub-account → Labs and look for the relevant UI toggle. If the option is missing, contact support for an account-level check.
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