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Messaging and templates

What is a reply button message?

A reply button message is an interactive WhatsApp message that shows a body (optionally with a header and footer) and up to three buttons. Tapping a button sends the button's text back as a message along with a hidden ID the business defined, so automation can route on the ID rather than parsing text. It is a session message, sent only inside the 24-hour window.

Updated 29 Aug 2026 · 1 min read

On this page
  1. Why it matters
  2. In VGraple CRM
  3. Related terms

MESSAGING AND TEMPLATES

Reply button message

A reply button message is an interactive WhatsApp message that shows a body (optionally with a header and footer) and up to three buttons. Tapping a button sends the button's text back as a message along with a hidden ID the business defined, so automation can route on the ID rather than parsing text. It is a session message, sent only inside the 24-hour window.

quick reply buttonlist messageinteractive messageflow builder

Reply button message in one line

Why it matters

Three buttons cover most decisions (yes/no/later, book/reschedule/cancel, A/B/C), and the hidden ID makes routing deterministic even when two flows use the same button label. Response rates on buttons are far higher than on typed replies, and every tap keeps the window open.

In VGraple CRM

The flow builder's buttons node creates a branch per button; the ID is set for you and the label can be edited freely. Automation rules can trigger on a button ID, and the inbox composer offers quick buttons for agents. Outside the window, the equivalent is a template with quick reply buttons.

Quick reply button, List message, Interactive message.

Frequently asked questions

How many buttons are allowed?
Three per message, each up to 20 characters.
Can buttons open a URL?
Not in a reply button message. Use the call-to-action URL interactive type or a template URL button.
Do buttons work on WhatsApp Web and desktop?
Yes. All interactive types render on every WhatsApp client.

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