How long can a WhatsApp message from my restaurant be?
Updated 6 October 2026
Up to 4096 characters for a text message on the WhatsApp Business API, enough for a full order summary. A message template body is shorter, at 1024.
- Text message body: up to 4096 characters. A link shows a preview only if you turn link preview on.
- Template body, used for order updates and offers: up to 1024 characters.
- Template footer: up to 60 characters.
- Keep order messages short anyway: items, total, time and one next step.
Skip the long order message
Customers tap Order Now, pick from the full menu with photos and sizes, and send the finished order. Nobody has to write or read a long list in the chat.
Next questions
Sources (2)
- Text messages, Meta for Developers, read 6 October 2026
- Template components, Meta for Developers, read 6 October 2026