WhatsApp Carousel message templates let you present multiple products, services, or options in a single swipeable message. Each carousel consists of multiple cards that customers can browse horizontally, making it easier to showcase information without sending multiple messages.
Carousel templates are a type of Marketing message template and must be approved by Meta before they can be used.
This article explains:
- When to use Carousel message templates
- How carousel templates are structured
- Carousel-specific requirements and limitations
- Best practices for designing carousel messages
- How to send approved Carousel templates
Note: For instructions on creating and managing templates in SleekFlow, see Managing WhatsApp message templates in WhatsApp Template Manager.
What is WhatsApp Carousel template?
A Carousel Template allows you to send a single message that includes multiple “cards” which users can swipe through. Each card contains media (an image or video), plus optional text and one or two buttons. On WhatsApp, this format is especially useful for showcasing several products or options in one engaging message.
Component |
Description |
Message Body (Bubble Text) |
This is the initial text message the user receives before the cards appear. It supports variables and gives context or an introduction for what the carousel will show. |
Carousel Container |
This wraps all the cards. You define how many cards (between 2 and up to 10) and set the shared settings (like media type and button types) that apply across all cards. |
Card |
Each individual swipe-able panel in the carousel. Each card has its own media, optional text, and up to two buttons. However, the media type (image or video) and button settings must be consistent across all cards in the carousel. |
Header / Media |
The visual element of each card: an image or video. It’s mandatory for each card and defines the “look” of the card in the carousel. All cards must use the same format (all images or all videos). |
Card body text |
The optional short text under the media. Provides a caption, description or additional context for the card. You can use variables here too. |
Buttons / CTA (Call-to-Action) |
Each card can include up to two buttons. Buttons can be: • View / SPM Button (for product-card carousels) – takes the user into a shopping flow inside WhatsApp.
|
Benefits and Use Cases
What problems does it solve?
- Less message clutter: Consolidates multiple offers into one structured, swipeable message.
- Higher engagement: Uses rich visuals and interactive elements to capture attention.
- Easier comparison: Lets customers swipe through options without leaving WhatsApp.
- Faster conversions: Built-in buttons (e.g., “Buy now,” “Book now”) drive quicker actions.
Common use cases
- E-commerce cross-selling or upselling: Showcase related or complementary products using SleekFlow’s Shopify integration.
- Service package promotion: Highlight multiple service tiers (beauty, fitness, education, etc.) with CTAs linked to WhatsApp Flows.
- Product catalog updates: Display new arrivals, seasonal items, or curated collections in one message.
- Event or course enrollment: Share multiple sessions, speakers, or workshop options with quick registration actions.
Carousel template structure
A Carousel template contains two parts:
Message body
The message body appears above the carousel cards and introduces the content of the message.
Use this section to provide context, explain the promotion, or encourage customers to browse the carousel.
Variables are supported in the message body.
Carousel cards
Each carousel must contain 2 to 10 cards.
Every card can include:
- Media (image or video)
- Optional card body text
- Up to two buttons
Each card can contain different content, but all cards within the same carousel must follow the same structure.
Carousel requirements
When creating a Carousel template, keep the following requirements in mind:
- Every carousel must contain 2 to 10 cards.
- Every card must include media.
- All cards must use the same media type. For example, you cannot mix images and videos in the same carousel.
- Button configuration must be consistent across all cards.
- Card body text is optional.
- Variables are supported in the message body and card body text.
Create a Carousel template
To create a Carousel template:
- Open WhatsApp Template Manager.
- Create a new template.
- Select Marketing – Carousel as the template category.
- Configure the message body and carousel cards.
- Submit the template for Meta’s review.
For detailed instructions on creating and submitting templates, see Managing WhatsApp message templates in WhatsApp Template Manager.
Managing your WhatsApp Carousel templates
You can view, edit, filter, and track the approval status of all your WhatsApp Carousel templates in Template Manager. This includes checking whether a template is approved, paused, or rejected, as well as searching for specific templates by category or name.
For a full guide on managing templates, including how to search, filter, edit, or duplicate them, refer to this Help Center article.
Best practices
Start with a clear introduction
Use the message body to explain what customers will find in the carousel.
For example:
- “Explore our latest summer collection.”
- “Choose the package that’s right for you.”
Arrange cards logically
Present information in an order that makes sense.
For example:
- Best-selling products first
- Basic to premium plans
- Chronological event schedule
Use consistent visuals
Use images or videos with a consistent style and quality to create a cohesive browsing experience.
Keep card text concise
Customers should be able to understand each card at a glance.
Focus on:
- Product name
- Key benefit
- Short description
Use meaningful call-to-action buttons
Choose button text that clearly tells customers what will happen next.
Examples include:
- Shop now
- Learn more
- Book now
- View details
FAQ & Troubleshooting
Q1. I can’t submit my WhatsApp Carousel template. What should I check?
Before Meta can review your template, all mandatory fields must be completed. Make sure you have:
- A valid template title, category, language, and message body
- At least 2 cards, each with uploaded media and card text
- At least 1 button with all required fields filled:
- Button type
- Button action
- Button text
- URL or phone number (if applicable)
The “Submit for review” button will stay disabled until every required field is completed.
Q2. My card content disappeared after I changed the header type or button type. Why?
Changing the header type or button action type resets all cards or button fields to keep formatting consistent across the carousel.
- You’ll see a confirmation message before the reset happens.
- Once confirmed, previous content (images, card text, button settings) cannot be restored.
Q3. My Carousel template doesn’t appear in Inbox or Broadcasts.
Check the following:
- The template status is Approved (not Pending Review or Rejected)
- Your WhatsApp Business API channel is connected and active
- You have filtered by Marketing – Carousel in the template picker
Q4. Can I use product catalog data directly in Carousel templates?
Not yet. Carousel templates currently require manual upload of all media and text.
Support for automatic product catalog imports will be available in future updates.
Q5. Why do I need to re-upload media every time I send the template?
Media uploaded during template creation is used only for Meta’s review process.
WhatsApp requires you to re-upload media when sending the template to ensure it meets current compliance and freshness standards.