# Interactive message

An interactive message is a WhatsApp API message with elements the customer taps instead of typing: up to three reply buttons, or a list of up to ten options. Each tap returns a structured answer to the business through a webhook.

Source: https://getkanal.com/whatsapp-marketing-glossary/interactive-message  
Last updated: 2026-10-08

The two core formats are reply buttons, which offer up to three predefined replies, and list messages, which open a menu of up to 10 rows spread over up to 10 sections. Other interactive types include call-to-action URL buttons, media carousels and location requests.

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 non-template messages: they can only be sent inside an open 24-hour customer service window, and they count as service messages for billing. Outside the window, similar interactivity comes from template buttons, and richer multi-step experiences are built with WhatsApp Flows.

## Go deeper: articles

- [WhatsApp Bot for Ecommerce: How a WhatsApp Chatbot Works](https://getkanal.com/blog/whatsapp-chatbot-ecommerce-automation): How a WhatsApp chatbot for ecommerce works: rule-based flow or AI agent, Meta's rules (24-hour window, templates, opt-in, handoff), setup and metrics.
- [WhatsApp Automated Message: How to Set Up Auto Replies](https://getkanal.com/blog/whatsapp-automated-message-guide): Set up a WhatsApp automated message: greeting message, away message and quick replies in the WhatsApp Business app, with the steps on Android and iPhone.
- [WhatsApp Flows: Meta's In-Chat Forms Explained (2026)](https://getkanal.com/blog/whatsapp-flows-guide-ecommerce): WhatsApp Flows let businesses send multi-screen forms inside a chat for sign-ups, bookings and lead capture. Setup, publishing, pricing and Shopify uses.
- [Conversational Commerce: Definition, Examples, 8 Platforms](https://getkanal.com/blog/conversational-commerce-guide): Conversational commerce is selling through chat: WhatsApp, website chat, AI agents. Examples for Shopify stores, 2026 trends, limits and 8 platforms.

## Related terms

- [Session message](https://getkanal.com/whatsapp-marketing-glossary/session-message)
- [WhatsApp Flows](https://getkanal.com/whatsapp-marketing-glossary/whatsapp-flows)