Sending WhatsApp templates: overview of all file size limits

When creating or sending WhatsApp message templates in Saysimple, it's important to follow Meta's file size and character limits. Staying within these limits ensures your templates are approved, your media uploads successfully, and your messages display correctly on your customers' devices.

This article provides an overview of the supported media formats and the maximum file and text sizes for WhatsApp templates.


Media File Limits for WhatsApp Templates

Each WhatsApp template can include one media attachment in the header. The supported formats and maximum file sizes are shown below.

Media Type

Supported Formats

Maximum File Size

Image

JPG, JPEG, PNG

10 MB

Video

MP4

10 MB

Document

PDF

10 MB

Note: Only one media file (image, video, or document) can be included in a single WhatsApp template.


Character Limits for WhatsApp Template Text

The text fields in a WhatsApp template also have maximum character limits.

Template Element

Maximum Length

Header text

50 characters

Body text

512 characters

Footer text

60 characters

Button text

25 characters

Keeping your text concise improves readability and helps ensure an optimal customer experience on all mobile devices.


Best Practices for WhatsApp Templates

To maximize template approval rates and customer engagement, we recommend the following:

  • Use high-quality images and videos that remain under the 10 MB file limit.

  • Compress media files when necessary without significantly reducing quality.

  • Keep header and button text short and descriptive.

  • Use clear, action-oriented language in your message body.

  • Review your template before submitting it for approval to ensure it complies with Meta's WhatsApp Business Messaging Policies.


Frequently Asked Questions

How many media files can I include in a WhatsApp template?

Only one media file can be attached to a WhatsApp template. This can be either an image, a video, or a PDF document.

What image formats are supported?

WhatsApp supports JPG, JPEG, and PNG images with a maximum file size of 10 MB.

Can I attach Word or Excel files?

No. For WhatsApp templates, only PDF documents are supported.

What happens if my file exceeds the maximum size?

If your media file is larger than 10 MB, it cannot be uploaded or sent. Reduce the file size before trying again.

What happens if my text exceeds the character limit?

Templates that exceed Meta's character limits may be rejected during the approval process or fail to save correctly.


Need Help?

If you need assistance creating a WhatsApp template, uploading media, or troubleshooting template approval issues, the Saysimple Support team is happy to help.

When contacting Support, please include the name of your template and a brief description of the issue so we can assist you as quickly as possible.


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