Understanding META WhatsApp Campaign Approval

WHAT IS META APPROVAL?

When you create a WhatsApp campaign in the HiJiffy console, it goes through an approval process with META before it can be sent. META reviews each campaign to ensure it complies with WhatsApp's messaging policies and protects both you and your guests from abuse and spam.

We handle the submission for you - you just create the campaign, and we send it for approval. While it's under review, your campaign status shows as Pending on the list of campaigns in the messaging campaigns area, on the console.

APPROVAL TIMELINE

Most campaigns are approved within 24 hours, but approval times can vary based on META's review queue. In some cases, it may take longer. This is outside our control - META manages their own review process.

The timeline starts when you submit the campaign, not when you create it in the console.

APPROVAL STATUSES: WHAT THEY MEAN

When your campaign is approved, it receives one of two statuses. This may affect who receives the WhatsApp campaign. As a workaround, we strongly suggest creating a SMS fallback to cover situations where a WhatsApp campaigns can’t be sent.

✓ Approved as Utility

For transactional messages: booking confirmations, pre-arrival information (check-in time, address, parking info), check-in instructions, check-out reminders…

Impact: This message can be sent once approved without any limitations

✓ Approved as Marketing

For promotional messages: special offers, promotions, new services, newsletters, etc.

Impact: May have country-specific restrictions (some countries have stricter regulations on promotional messages)

TIPS TO GET APPROVED FASTER

Follow these best practices from META's guidelines to increase your chances of first-time approval and get classified as Utility (not Marketing). This matters because utility messages have fewer restrictions.

1. Focus on Transactional Content (Not Promotional) when possible

Messages about bookings, check-ins, confirmations, and reminders are naturally approved as Utility. Avoid mixing in promotional language like discounts, offers, or "limited time" messaging. Keep each campaign focused on one purpose.

2. Be Specific and Clear About What the Message Does

State the purpose clearly. Avoid vague content like "Hi kb-article-module-5, thanks." Instead, write: "Hi kb-article-module-5, your booking on false is confirmed. Check-in starts at 2pm." The clearer your intent, the faster META approves it.

3. Avoid Promotional and Risky Language

Stay away from words like "raffle," "win," "prize," "limited offer," or urgent call-to-action language. Stick to factual, service-oriented messaging that guests expect from you.

4. Review Before You Submit

Double-check your message for language, formatting, and accuracy. Treat it like a formal application. A quick review can save you a rejection and resubmission cycle.

YOUR CAMPAIGN GETS REJECTED — WHAT NOW?

If META rejects your campaign, you'll see the status change to Rejected.

The good news: you can fix it and resubmit. Here's how:

1. Go to Messaging Campaigns

In the HiJiffy console, navigate to Campaigns > Messaging Campaigns

2. Find Your Campaign

Search for your campaign by name, or filter by Status: Rejected to see all rejected campaigns

3. Edit & Rebuild content

Click to edit the campaign and rebuild content on the message step.

4. Submit Again

Save your changes and submit for approval. Status returns to Pending and the review process starts again

COMMON REJECTION REASONS

Most rejections fall into these categories. Check this list first if your campaign is rejected.

• Vague or Too Generic Messages

Example: "Hi kb-article-module-5, thanks" — messages that are too generic are often flagged as potential spam

Fix: Add context to make it clear what the message is about. Example: "Hi kb-article-module-5, this is a message to confirm your booking on false at our hotel."

• Requesting Sensitive Information

Examples: Asking for payment card numbers, bank account info, or full national ID numbers

Fix: If you need to verify identity, ask for partial information only (like the last 4 digits)

• Gaming or Gambling Language

Examples: Words like "raffle," "win a prize," "lottery," or similar phrasing

Fix: Use clear, straightforward language. Example: Instead of "Enter to win," say "Reserve your spot" or "Claim your offer."

• WhatsApp Links or Reserved Links

Example: Including a direct WhatsApp link like "http://wa.me/14567890"

Fix: Spell out the phone number instead of including the link

• Wrong Language Selected

Example: Submitting an English message but selecting "Portuguese" as the language

Fix: Double-check that the language matches your message content

• Policy Violations

Why it happens: The message content violates WhatsApp's Business Messaging Policy (not specific to hotels)

Fix: Review the content for compliance with WhatsApp's policies and rephrase as needed. If you're unsure, keep messages focused on hotel services and guest information.

STILL STUCK?
If your campaign keeps getting rejected and you're not sure why, reach out to our support team.