# Send a WhatsApp Audio Message

## Audio-Based Templates

WhatsApp allows two types of messages for a business over APIs: free-form messages and template messages.

* **Template Messages:** Meta requires templates to be pre-approved and can include media files such as image, document, and video.
* **Free-Form Messages:** Interactive messages that enhance the capability of the WhatsApp channel and help to fulfill the business objective. Audio messages are one of those file types. 
  * Once a conversation thread has been opened by the recipient (this occurs when an individual sends a WhatsApp message to the Business’ WhatsApp number), a free-form message can be sent as an interactive message. 
  * The thread remains open for a duration of 24 hours and enables the business to reach back to the individual using any of the allowed free-form messages.

## Supported Audio Media Formats

WhatsApp has listed the following audio types and their MIME types on their website:

| Audio Type | Extension | MIME Type  | Max Size |
| ---------- | --------- | ---------- | -------- |
| AAC        | .aac      | audio/aac  | 16 MB    |
| AMR        | .amr      | audio/amr  | 16 MB    |
| MP3        | .mp3      | audio/mpeg | 16MB     |

{% hint style="warning" %}
The most common failures for audio messages relate to incorrect MIME types. Ensure correct MIME types, especially for MP4 and OGG audio files.

Please note that MP4 and OGG Files are not supported at this time. 
{% endhint %}

## Sending Audio Messages <a href="#sending-audio-messages" id="sending-audio-messages"></a>

1. Send a pre-approved message to contacts/fans.
2. Ask recipients to reply, opening the conversation thread.
3. Send a follow-up message using the audio-based interactive template.

In your dashboard, combine both messages in a single journey using a Wait Until block.

## Creating an Audio Message Journey <a href="#creating-an-audio-message-journey" id="creating-an-audio-message-journey"></a>

Journey structure would be as follows:

1. **Start Block**: Begin with an Audience or Trigger start block

<figure><img src="https://167344003-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsxN9AGLZMIc5C8dx3zU7%2Fuploads%2F65pPZniqOssjW0T8TGrH%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d620af50-3cc8-4c09-a74a-3c26b460f20b" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. **Pre-approved Message**: Add a message with quick reply buttons
   1. Ask recipients to respond using one of the quick reply options
3. **Wait Until Block**: Define wait period and expected response

   1. Suggested: Select quick reply button labels in the “Select Reply” dropdown

   <figure><img src="https://167344003-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsxN9AGLZMIc5C8dx3zU7%2Fuploads%2F8xsD2bGfxDBBtb8jmGei%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=af1b15c8-7266-4ca4-98dc-d5b7ac0f01e7" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
4. **Audio Template (Success Path):**
   1. Select the Interactive checkbox
   2. Choose an audio-based template

<figure><img src="https://167344003-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FsxN9AGLZMIc5C8dx3zU7%2Fuploads%2F30lY23xGVQ3epJEx8ke6%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=06e86bad-9f7a-42a7-af9e-7b452f4db9ad" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5. **Exit Journey (Failure Path)**
   1. Add for recipients who don’t reply within the wait period or give an incorrect response

## Our Recommendations <a href="#best-practices" id="best-practices"></a>

* Use pre-approved templates to initiate conversations
* Leverage quick reply buttons for structured responses
* Set appropriate wait times in the Wait Until block
* Prepare engaging audio content for interactive templates
* Test the journey thoroughly before deploying to ensure smooth user experience
* Ensure correct MIME type of the audio file