A text-only WhatsApp blast is a notification. An image with a button is an offer someone can act on without typing. The official WhatsApp Business API supports images, video, PDFs and tap buttons in bulk templates, and using them properly is the single biggest lift available over plain text.
What rich-media templates are
A Meta-approved marketing template has up to four parts:
- Header: text, or an image, video or document such as a PDF.
- Body: the message, with personalisation variables filled per recipient.
- Footer: a short line, commonly the opt-out instruction.
- Buttons: quick replies that send a preset answer, or calls to action that open a URL or dial a number.
Unofficial blasters can attach a photo the way you would in a chat. They cannot do templates, buttons, per-recipient headers or delivery reports, and they carry the ban risk that comes with automating a consumer account.
Meta’s media rules, in short
- Images: JPEG or PNG, about 5 MB max. Keep under 1 MB so it loads on mobile data.
- Video: MP4, about 16 MB max. Short, with the point in the first three seconds.
- Documents: PDF most common, about 100 MB max. Name the file what the customer will search for later.
- Buttons: up to three quick replies, or up to two calls to action (URL, phone), within Meta’s current combination rules.
- Approval: submit with a sample; once approved, swap the header media per campaign without re-approval if the format stays the same.
- Cost: the same per message as text. Meta bills by category, not by media.
What actually gets tapped
Image + one URL button
One product, one price, one “Buy now”. The highest click-through shape for a single offer.
PDF catalogue + quick reply
For a range: the catalogue as the header, “Ask about a product” as the button, and a person or chatbot in the inbox to answer.
Video + call button
Property walkthroughs, demos, course previews, with “Call us” for the high-intent reply.
Personalised image
Tickets, certificates, report cards, the exact property they enquired about, generated per recipient from your data.
Example templates
Image header + URL button (marketing)
{{1}}, the {{2}} is {{3}} off until {{4}}. Tap below to order with delivery in {{5}}.
[Button: Order now → URL] [Button: Ask a question]
PDF catalogue + quick replies (marketing)
{{2}}, the {{3}} collection is in. Prices and MOQ are in the catalogue.
[Button: Send me sizes] [Button: Call me back] [Button: STOP]
Video header + call button (marketing)
{{1}}, the {{2}} in {{3}} you asked about. Possession {{4}}.
[Button: Book a visit → URL] [Button: Call now → phone]
Setting it up
What it costs
- Platform: ₹7,999 a year in India, $200 elsewhere. Rich-media templates, buttons, chatbot and inbox included.
- Meta’s per-message charge: per marketing message, by country, the same with or without media, passed through at cost. Service replies inside the 24-hour window are free today and become billable from 1 October 2026 (details).
Next step
See it on the Bulk WhatsApp Sender Software page or start the free trial with your own catalogue. Deeper reading: rich-media bulk campaigns, personalised images at scale, and carousel vs catalogue templates.