Why VBM uses templates
Like WhatsApp, VBM requires proactive, business-initiated messages to be pre-approved. You submit a template for each message pattern you want to send (for example, “order shipped,” “appointment reminder,” “delivery confirmation”), and Viber reviews it against its content and quality guidelines.
Once a template is Approved, you can send messages based on it from the Octopods API using your channel API key. Approved templates are also available through broadcasts.
Before you start
You need:
A VBM channel that has been fully activated on your workspace. See Setting Up Viber Business Messages.
The service ID and channel API key for the VBM channel (both visible on the channel detail page).
Admin access to the workspace.
Step 1: Open the VBM Templates page
Open the VBM channel’s detail page.
Click Templates (or Message Templates).
The templates page lists every VBM template Octopods knows about. Each row shows the template’s Name, Body preview, Language, Status, and an active/inactive toggle.
Step 2: Create a new template
Click New Template.
The template form opens.
Fill in:
Template Name — a technical identifier, used when you send messages via the API. Lowercase letters, digits, and underscores.
Template Body — the message text. Use
{{N}}placeholders for variables (for example:Hi {{1}}, your order {{2}} is out for delivery.).Language — pick the language the body is written in. Submit separate templates for each supported language.
Header image (optional) — upload an image that will appear above the body. The image URL you provide at send time must match the aspect ratio Viber approves during review.
Button (optional) — Viber supports an optional button in VBM messages (for example, a View order link). Configure the button label and the URL or phone number it points to.
Step 3: Submit for approval
Click Submit.
The template enters a Pending state.
Viber reviews against content guidelines, trademark usage, and spam rules. Approval typically takes a few business days.
Template statuses
Approved — ready to send. Shown in green.
Pending — under review by Viber. Not yet usable.
Rejected — Viber declined the template. Click the template to see the rejection reason. Create a new template with the fixes; rejected templates cannot be re-submitted.
Step 4: Use an approved template
Approved templates can be sent via the API. Each send requires:
The template ID (shown on the template detail page).
The destination phone number in E.164 format.
A list of variable values matching the
{{N}}placeholders in the body.Optionally, the header image URL to use for this specific send (if the template has a header).
See Sending VBM Messages via API for the endpoint and payload format.
Common rejection reasons
Promotional content in transactional templates — Viber, like WhatsApp, enforces category-appropriate content. Keep transactional templates free of marketing language.
Trademark or brand misuse — don’t reference brands you don’t represent.
Deceptive or misleading content — fake urgency (“Act now!”), unverified claims, or suspicious URLs get declined.
Placeholder mismatch — sample values must be provided for every
{{N}}in the body.
Managing templates
Active toggle — approved templates have an active/inactive toggle. Deactivating a template hides it from the send UI and API while keeping it in the list for reference.
Deleting a template — removes it from Octopods only. To delete on Viber’s side, contact Octopods support.
Editing approved templates — is not supported. Create a new template with the updated content.
What’s next
See the Broadcasts section for sending templates to many recipients at once