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When businesses adopt WhatsApp Business API, one of the first things they encounter is the template message system. Templates are pre-approved messages that companies use for notifications, alerts, OTPs, and promotional messages. However, platforms like Chat ON Desk have taken this concept further by offering advanced ready-to-use, customizable templates designed to make communication faster and more effective.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between WhatsApp Templates and Chat ON Desk Templates, their benefits, and how businesses can leverage both for improved customer engagement.
WhatsApp Templates are standardized, pre-approved message formats required by Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) to ensure businesses send compliant, non-spammy messages.
Examples:
Chat ON Desk Templates are customized, business-ready templates built on top of WhatsApp’s guidelines. They simplify the process for businesses by offering pre-approved structures, industry-specific formats, and personalization options.

| Feature | WhatsApp Templates | Chat ON Desk Templates |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Process | Must be submitted & approved by WhatsApp | Pre-designed to ensure quick approval |
| Customization | Limited – needs approval for every change | Flexible – placeholders and variations ready |
| Ease of Use | Requires manual drafting & compliance check | Business-ready, optimized for specific use cases |
| Industry Focus | Generic for all businesses | Tailored for industries (retail, healthcare, etc.) |
| Time to Deploy | 24–48 hours approval wait time | Instant usage with minimal adjustments |
| Error/Rejection Rate | Higher, if not written properly | Lower, as formats follow compliance standards |
WhatsApp reviews templates to ensure businesses don’t misuse the platform for spam or irrelevant promotions.
Chat ON Desk Templates are pre-built and optimized to reduce rejection chances and save businesses time, while WhatsApp templates must be created from scratch.
Yes. Chat ON Desk provides customizable fields (like customer name, order ID, date) that don’t require re-approval from WhatsApp.
Yes, but since they’re designed within WhatsApp’s guidelines, approval is faster and rejection chances are minimal.
Small businesses benefit more from Chat ON Desk Templates because they’re easy, quick, and industry-focused.
Generally, 24–48 hours, but sometimes it may take up to 7 days depending on content and category.
Yes. Chat ON Desk Templates are built on WhatsApp’s framework, so they work seamlessly within the WhatsApp Business API.
While WhatsApp Templates provide the foundation for structured communication, Chat ON Desk Templates take them to the next level by offering ready-made, customizable, and industry-specific solutions. For businesses in India—especially retailers, e-commerce, healthcare, and service providers—Chat ON Desk Templates save time, reduce rejection risks, and accelerate customer engagement.