Template samples

When you create a template with an image, video or document header, WhatsApp's reviewers need a sample of that file. You upload the sample in two steps and get back a handle, a long string that starts with 4::. You then put the handle in the template's example.header_handle.

This is separate from Media. Media IDs are for sending messages; handles are only for creating templates.

StepsCopy Anchor Link

1. Create an upload session with the file's size in bytes and its type. You get back a session id that starts with upload:.
2. Upload the file to that session. You get back the handle h.
3. Create the template with the handle:

{
  "type": "HEADER",
  "format": "IMAGE",
  "example": { "header_handle": ["4::aW1hZ2UvanBlZw==:ARZ..."] }
}

The sample only helps WhatsApp review the template. Customers never see it; you send the real file each time you use the template.