The two core formats are reply buttons, up to three per message, and list messages, which open a menu of up to ten options. Both return a structured payload when tapped, so software knows exactly which option was chosen.
Tapping is faster and less error-prone than typing, which is why interactive messages are the backbone of chatbot menus, order flows, and quick surveys: no typos to parse, no ambiguity about intent.
Interactive messages are sent as session messages inside the 24-hour window. Outside the window, similar interactivity comes from template buttons, and richer multi-step experiences are built with WhatsApp Flows.
