You can now create WhatsApp marketing templates that include a live countdown timer inside the message. The timer is rendered by WhatsApp and counts down to the expiry you set when you send. Your offer code appears under the timer so customers can copy it with a tap.
What’s new
- Limited-time offer template type: Create this under Settings → WhatsApp → Templates.
- Live countdown timer: The countdown runs inside the customer’s chat until the expiry time you choose, and becomes more noticeable near the end.
- Copy code and open link buttons: Customers can copy the discount code and tap through to your offer without retyping.
- Set expiry at send time: Use one approved template repeatedly and choose a new deadline for each campaign.
- Available anywhere you send: Supported in conversations, bulk actions, workflows, and calendar sends.
Examples
- A salon promoting a same-day discount that expires at noon
- An online store recovering carts with a discount that expires tonight
- A gym running a joining offer before month-end
- A travel agency filling unsold seats before a cutoff time
How to use it
- Go to Settings → WhatsApp → Templates → Create template.
- Set Category to Marketing and Type to Limited time offer.
- Add your offer heading, message body (with variables if needed), discount code, and URL.
- Submit the template for approval as usual.
- When sending, choose the expiry for that specific campaign.
Note: If you send with an expiry time that has already passed, WhatsApp may still deliver the message but it will show as expired. Double-check the deadline before sending.
Why this matters
Time-sensitive offers are clearer when customers can see the deadline counting down, rather than just reading “offer ends soon.” This also lets you run multiple promotions using the same approved template by changing only the expiry each time you send.
