How to Add a Countdown Timer to a WhatsApp Template

Creating Urgency in WhatsApp Messages

A countdown timer is a powerful tool you can add to your WhatsApp message templates to create a sense of urgency. When a contact taps the timer button, they are automatically directed to a specific page—either an active offer page or an expired offer page—based on whether the timer is still running. This feature helps drive immediate action and can significantly improve your campaign results.

Understanding Timer Types

You can choose from three different types of timers to suit your campaign needs.

• Fixed Timer: This timer ends at a specific date and time, making it ideal for one-time events like sales or webinars.
• Recurring Timer: This timer repeats on a set schedule, such as daily or weekly, perfect for ongoing promotions or weekly specials.
• Dynamic Timer: This timer starts a personalized countdown for each individual contact based on a trigger, like the moment the message is sent or delivered. This is great for offers like "Redeem within 24 hours of receiving this."

Steps to Add a Countdown Timer

Step 1: Access the WhatsApp Templates Section

Go to Settings and select WhatsApp. Then, click on the Templates tab in the navigation bar that appears.

Step 2: Create or Edit a Template

Click the blue + Create Template button to start a new template, or select an existing template to modify. Fill in the necessary details like the template name, category, language, and the content for the header, body, and footer sections.

Step 3: Add a Countdown Timer Button

In the Button section, click + Add Button. From the dropdown menu that appears, select Countdown Timer.

Step 4: Select or Create a Timer

A Timer dropdown will appear. You can either choose a timer you have created previously or click + Create New to make a new one.

Step 5: Configure the Timer Settings

After selecting a timer, click Edit Timer next to the Timer URL field. This will open the timer configuration window where you can set the following:

• Timer Type: Choose between Fixed, Recurring, or Dynamic.
• Countdown Duration: Set the specific end date and time, or the duration of the countdown.
• Start Timer When: For Dynamic Timers, select the trigger event, such as when the WhatsApp message is sent or delivered.
• Active Link: Enter the URL for the page you want contacts to see while the offer is active (e.g., a checkout page).
• Expired Link: Enter the URL for the fallback page displayed after the timer expires (e.g., a waitlist or alternative offer page).

Step 6: Save and Preview Your Template

Review the preview of your template to ensure everything looks correct. Finally, click the blue Create button to save your WhatsApp template with the countdown timer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many timers can I add to one message?

You can add up to two Countdown Timer buttons in a single WhatsApp template. These can be combined with other button types like "Visit Website."

What happens when the timer expires?

After the timer expires, any contact who clicks the button will be taken to the URL you specified as the Expired Link.

Can I edit a timer after creating it?

Yes. You can click Edit Timer at any time to change the duration, type, or linked pages.

Do dynamic timers work differently for each contact?

Yes. A Dynamic Timer creates a unique countdown for each contact based on the trigger event you select, such as the time the message was delivered to them.

What does "No link found" mean?

This message appears if you have not yet set a redirect link for the timer. Click Edit Timer and add a URL for both the active and expired links.

What are active and expired links?

The active link is the destination for contacts while the offer is valid. The expired link is where they are sent after the timer runs out. For a seamless experience, it is recommended to place the same timer on your active offer page so it expires in sync with the button in the message.

Can I use timer clicks to trigger workflows?

Yes. By using a Trigger Link as the Timer URL, you can track when contacts click the button and use that event to branch your automations.