Carousel templates are perfect for showcasing various types of media in a single message with different URLs and quick reply options. They are an excellent way to display multiple products or offers while keeping the conversation interactive.
First, you need to create a Message Template. Navigate to the Bot Manager. Scroll down and click on Message Template. Click Create and select Carousel Media Template.
Fill the details. Add the template name, indicate the locale (language) and select Marketing as the category.
In the Message Bubble section, write the introductory text for your carousel. You can also add custom fields and variables if you need them.
In the Card Header, indicate the kind of media you will use. For example, here we are uploading images.
Add your first card. In the Card Body, write the product details.
Add buttons to your card. You have two types of buttons:
- Quick Replies: Quick replies are predefined, tappable responses that users can select instead of typing. You can then use these responses as trigger keywords for predefined bot actions.
- URL Buttons: URL buttons are clickable links that redirect the user to an external website or landing page.
To add a URL button, select URL and enter text like “Buy Now.” In the action value, paste your product URL. Select Quick Reply for a quick reply button and add the reply text, for example, “Contact Us.”
Add More Cards. Click on the Add Card Button and repeat the process. You can add up to 10 cards.
Make sure that all button types match across card (e.g., URL first, Quick Reply second). For example, your second card might be:
- Card Body: “Loose Fit Hoodie — perfect for cool evenings.”
- URL Button: “Buy Now” (with a URL).
- Quick Reply: “Contact Us.”
Save and Sync Your Template. When you have finished adding your cards, click Save.
Wait for approval. Once your template status shows Approved, you can attach it to a bot.
💡 PRO TIP: If after several minutes the template still shows as Submitted, click on the Sync Template button. If everything was done correctly, it will appear as Approved when the syncing is finished.
Attach the Carousel to a Bot. Go to Bot Reply and click Create.
Configure the Start Bot Flow Component by double-clicking on it. Add the trigger keywords for this bot and a title, then click Save.
Drag and drop the Template Message option and connect it to the Start Bot Flow. Double click on it to configure.
Select the approved Carousel Template from the list. Upload the images for each card. If you have Quick Reply buttons, you should also select a Postback (Bot Flow) to trigger when they click on them. When ready, save the changes and then save the bot.
💡 PRO TIP: For WhatsApp carousel templates, use images with a 1.91:1 aspect ratio—like 955 x 500 px or 1125 x 600 px—to ensure they display correctly without unwanted cropping or zooming. Stick to JPEG or PNG formats with a maximum file size of 5MB to maintain clarity and avoid distortion that could affect your message.
Test Your Carousel. Go to WhatsApp and send your bot keyword. Check if the carousel displays correctly with all buttons. Test the URL buttons (they should redirect to your website) and Quick Replies (they should trigger the selected instant actions within the chat).
Creating a Video Carousel
The process is the same as above, except when creating your template, set the Card Header to Video instead of Image.
Then, when setting up the flow, upload videos instead of images. Make sure they have the following specifications:
- Format: MP4
- Maximum Size: 16MB
- Aspect Ratio: 1.91:1
Note that the first frame of the video will be used as the preview.
