How to write a WhatsApp double opt-in template

How to write a WhatsApp double opt-in template

Estimated 3 minute read

Updated Oct 22, 2026, 12:00 AM EST

Table of contents

Before you begin
How a double opt-in template works
Write your double opt-in template
Apply an approved WhatsApp template
Why use a transactional template
Use multi-language templates
Example templates

Requires a paid Mobile Messaging plan. Double opt-in templates are free to create and use, but you need an active plan to access this feature.

Learn how to write a WhatsApp double opt-in message template that helps you collect clear, compliant consent from new subscribers.

This guide walks you through creating and formatting a Meta-approved template, including how to set up multi-language versions for your audience.

Before you begin

Before writing your double opt-in template, make sure that:

Your WhatsApp Business Account is connected to Klaviyo.
You have an approved WhatsApp sender.
You understand Meta’s message template approval process.
Your list or keyword is configured for double opt-in.

How a double opt-in template works

A double opt-in template is the first message your brand sends after a subscriber submits their phone number. It asks them to confirm consent by replying with a keyword (like YES or JA).

This first message must be a Meta-approved template. Once a subscriber confirms consent with the appropriate keyword, Klaviyo automatically sends a free confirmation message confirming the subscription.

Write your double opt-in template

Follow these steps to create and write your double opt-in template in Klaviyo.

Navigate to Content > Templates > WhatsApp: saved.
Click Create > New template.
Select WhatsApp as the Channel. Enter a Template name using lowercase letters, numbers, and underscores, then select the Language of your message.
Choose Transactional as your Message intent.
Click Create to open the template editor.
Write your message body using clear, compliant language.

Example: “By replying YES to this message, you agree to receive marketing messages from [Company Name] on WhatsApp.”

Write your message so subscribers only need to reply with the compliance keyword. When testing, make sure you reply with the keyword for the language the message was sent in. For example, if the message is sent in English, reply YES, not JA.

Keep the message short and direct:

Identify your business name.
Clearly explain that subscribers are opting into WhatsApp messages.
Tell subscribers to reply with only the compliance keyword.

Click Submit for review, review the template details, then click Submit to send the template to Meta for approval.

Apply an approved WhatsApp template

Once your WhatsApp template is approved, you can assign it to the Double opt-in confirmation response so customers receive the correct automated response.

Select your account name in the lower left corner.
Go to Settings > WhatsApp > Keyword responses.
Select the country in Country preview and the language you want to configure in Language preview.
Click Edit next to Double opt-in confirmation.
Under Message template, select your approved template.
If you used Smart Translations, select the approved language version in Template language.
Review the message preview, then click Save.

Klaviyo initially uses the English double opt-in template created during setup. To use your own template, select it and save it here.

Why use a transactional template

Klaviyo recommends using a transactional template for all double opt-in messages to maintain reliable deliverability and compliance with Meta’s policies.

While marketing templates can be used, Meta’s per-user marketing message limits can prevent them from being delivered. Learn more in Meta’s documentation.

Use multi-language templates

You can assign 1 double opt-in template to each supported language.

Add a separate template for each language you support.
Repeat the assignment steps above for each language in Language preview. The template assigned to a language is shared across countries that use that language.
If no template is assigned to a language, Klaviyo uses the default template. This starts as the English template created during setup; saving a template for English changes the default.
Each opt-in message uses the template assigned to the primary language for the recipient’s country, or the default template if that language has no assignment. Learn more about supported languages and primary languages.

Example templates

English example: “By replying YES to this message, you agree to receive marketing messages from [Company Name] on WhatsApp. Reply STOP to unsubscribe.”

German example: “Wenn Sie mit JA antworten, erklären Sie sich einverstanden, Marketing nachrichten von [Unternehmensname] über WhatsApp zu erhalten. Antworten Sie mit STOP, um sich abzumelden.”

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